How to remove repository from ubuntu

How to remove a repository? [duplicate]

Please let me know how to remove certain repositories in Ubuntu 11.04. I am getting the following errors while updating.

sudo apt-get update

3 Answers 3

Or, edit the /etc/apt/sources.list to find your ppa there, and remove from there manually (or automatically).

Or, remove the ppa file from /etc/apt/sources.list.d in newer versions of Ubuntu.

? Is it a name? It does not seem to be the URI.

You can easily remove software repositories from the «Software & Updates»

From the «Other Software» tab you can add or remove repositories.

Using PPA Purge:

ppa-purge can remove a PPA and downgrade all the packages you’ve installed from that PPA to the newest version in your other repositories. This is the cleaner way of removing repos.

If you know the PPA address:

Example:

If you don’t know the PPA address:

You can also purge repositories that don’t have the address in the correct format yet, by changing it. Change it from:

Example: If you want to remove WineHQ repo.

Find the correct file:

Get the address from that file:

Change the address from:

Via GUI:

Or you can go to Software Sources on the Ubuntu Software Center Edit menu, enter your password, go to the Other tab, look for the PPA you wan to remove, click remove and close, it will ask you to update the repos and done.

How to safely remove PPA repositories in Ubuntu

Ubuntu searches for the application in a package archive that contains most of the applications required by Ubuntu users. Still, newer versions of the same apps that are not as common are not always available in the official repository. A PPA repository can help with this.

Our system can have numerous repositories installed. The crowded archive of repositories can make the updating process very slow. Therefore, try to keep the required repositories on your system and delete the unwanted or damaged repositories.

Canonicals’ Launchpad platform allows developers to upload their code and publish it. Users can download deb packages and use them to install the app.

We have four ways to remove the PPA repository from the system:

We will demonstrate to you how to safely uninstall the PPA repository in Ubuntu 20.04 in this post:

How to list all installed repositories:

To see a list of all the repositories installed on your system, copy the following command and paste it into the terminal:

Alternatively, printing the content of the /etc/apt/sources.list.d is another way to get a list

We have different approaches to remove PPA repositories:

Remove PPA repository via GUI:

An Ubuntu UI feature assists you in handling both the Ubuntu official and PPA repositories.

Type “software & update” on the application search bar:

Go to the “Other Software” tab and pick the wanted PPA from the given list. After that, press “Remove” to get rid of it:

After that, the device will request for authentication. The selected PPA will be deleted from your device after you enter the password.

Remove PPA repository via terminal:

If you want to delete a PPA repository that has been added to your system, use the below-given command syntax:

I want to remove the blender repository from Ubuntu:

Remove PPA from the source list:

You can also delete the PPA from the sources list, where all repositories are kept. To see all the PPAs installed on your device, run the command shown below:

For example, I am removing PPA repository of “blender”:

Remove PPA repository using purge:

All of the approaches we have covered so far only work to eliminate the PPAs from the system. They do not uninstall the application that was installed through that specific PPA.

We will use the PPA purge utility in this approach, which removes the PPA repository and uninstall the application installed with it.

On Ubuntu, the PPA purge utility is not preinstalled. Type the showing command to install it:

Looking forward, consider the command syntax to purge the repository:

Conclusion:

We add a PPA repository to install any application, but sometimes we want to remove that PPA repository. When we delete a package, the repository does not go away with it. In this post, we have seen different approaches to remove PPA repositories from Ubuntu 20.04. We can remove repositories through the GUI command line terminal using the sources list. The remove commands only delete the PPA from the system, but the “purge” removes both the application and repository from the system.

About the author

Aqsa Maqbool

As a Software engineer, I am passionate to write about various IT related
articles but have deep interest in Linux. I spend most of my time reading Linux related blogs and IT related books. I want to serve the world with my writing skills.

4 Easy Methods To Remove an APT Repository in Ubuntu

In this article, we’ll cover the simple steps to remove an apt repository in Ubuntu. While updating the Ubuntu system using the apt command, we may come across a scenario where some old repositories cause errors. The only feasible option that remains is to remove such repositories. In this article, we will demonstrate command-line as well as GUI methods to remove an apt repository or PPAs (Personal Package Archives).

Table of Contents

How to remove an apt repository in Ubuntu

Let’s go over the steps that you’d need take to remove an apt repository.

1. Using the apt command

This might not come to a surprise to any Ubuntu user, that this task can be achieved by using the all powerful apt command. It can be done by:

To remove a specific repository, we need to know the exact name of the PPA involved. Not every user is aware of the names of the repository present on the system, therefore Ubuntu has a command to list the repositories.

The number before the name of repository is a priority number.

2. Using the ppa-purge command

As the name of the command name suggests, it specifically deals with removing repositories in Linux systems. Since this is not a system built-in function, we’ll install the package using the apt command:

After installing the tool, we can run:

3. Removing a repository from ‘apt directory’

Like every other configuration in Linux, repositories are stored in the system as a file. Instead of using predefined commands, we can remove these repositories manually.

These repositories are stored in ‘etc/apt/source.list.d/’ in the form of ‘.list’ files. Before removing any repository, we can list the contents of the directory by using the ls command:

The ‘ls’ command is used to display the contents of any directory in a Linux system. We have a complete documentation on ls command. From the repository files we can choose the ones we wish to remove.

According to the permissions displayed at the start of each line, we need elevated privileges to remove these files:

The ‘rm’ command is responsible for removing files from command line.

This basically sums up all the ways to remove repositories using the command-line.

4. Removing a repository using ‘Software and Updates’

There is no easier method to remove a repository than using a GUI-based application. To do the required, we open “Software and Updates” in Ubuntu.

In the “Other Software” section of the application, we can see a list of repositories in Ubuntu.

Selecting and pressing the “Remove” button will bring up the “Authentication” screen.

After entering the password and clicking “Authenticate”, we are done with dealing with the specific repository.

Conclusion

The task of removing any repository is not difficult. The Graphic-based method is very convenient and saves time. Yet, there is no harm in learning about new things and commands in Linux. We hope this article solved any repository issues of the reader.

Feel free to comment below in case we missed any method to remove a repository in Ubuntu.

How To Delete A Repository And GPG Key In Ubuntu

This brief tutorial explains what is a software repository, how to delete a repository along with its GPG key in Ubuntu and its derivatives like Elementary OS, Linux Mint, and Pop OS.

1. What is Ubuntu software repository?

For those wondering, a software repository (shortly repo) is a central place where the developers keep the software packages. The packages in the repositories are thoroughly tested and built specifically for each version by Ubuntu developers.

The users can download and install these packages on their Ubuntu system using Apt package manager or via Software center. Ubuntu has four official repositories namely Main, Universe, Restricted and Multiverse.

Apart from the official repositories, there are many unofficial repositories maintained by developers (or package maintainers). The unofficial repositories usually have the packages which are not available in the official repositories.

All packages are signed with pair of keys, a public and private key, by the package maintainer. As you already know, the public key is given out to the users and the private must be kept secret.

Whenever you add a new repository in the sources list, you should also add the repository key to allow Apt package manager to trust the newly added repository.

Using the repository keys, you can ensure that you’re getting the packages from the right person. Hope you got a basic idea about software repositories and repository keys.

Now let us go ahead and see how to delete a repository along with its GPG key in Ubuntu and its derivatives.

1. Delete A Repository In Ubuntu

1. Whenever you add a repository using add-apt-repository command, it will be stored in /etc/apt/sources.list file.

2. To delete a software repository from Ubuntu and its derivatives, just open the /etc/apt/sources.list file and look for the repository entry and delete it.

As you can see in the below screenshot, I have added Oracle Virtualbox repository in my Ubuntu system.

To delete this repository, simply remove the entry. Save and close the file.

3. If you have added PPA repositories, look into /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory and delete the respective entry.

4. Alternatively, you can delete the repository using add-apt-repository command. For example, I am deleting the Systemback repository like below.

5. Finally, update the software sources list using command:

Related read:

2. Delete Repository keys in Ubuntu

1. We use apt-key command to add and manage the repository keys. First, let us list the added keys using command:

This command will list all added repository keys.

2. As you can see in the above output, the long (40 characters) hex value is the repository key. If you want APT package manager to stop trusting the key, simply delete it using command:

3. Or, specify the last 8 characters only:

Done! The repository key has been deleted. Run the following command to update the repository lists:

Resource:

Senthilkumar Palani (aka SK) is the Founder and Editor in chief of OSTechNix. He is a Linux/Unix enthusiast and FOSS supporter. He lives in Tamilnadu, India.

Ubuntu Documentation

What are Repositories?

There are literally thousands of Ubuntu programs available to meet the needs of Ubuntu users. Many of these programs are stored in software archives commonly referred to as repositories. Repositories make it easy to install new software, while also providing a high level of security, since the software is thoroughly tested and built specifically for each version of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu distinguishes between software that is «free» and software that is not free. For details of Ubuntu’s Free Software Philosophy please see here.

The four main repositories are:

The Ubuntu Install CDs contain software from the «Main» and «Restricted» repositories, so if you have no internet connection you can still install software from the CDs. If you have an internet connection you can install software from any Ubuntu repository.

This page describes how to manage software repositories in Ubuntu. For Kubuntu please see Kubuntu repository management.

GUI-based repository management is normally accomplished via «Software Sources». This interface can be accessed via several methods. One method is to go through the «Ubuntu Software Center». Open the software center, then from the Edit menu select «Software Sources». Note: You will have to enter your password to change settings in this window.

You can download a copy of a Canonical repository for your machine architecture (for example, i386) and use it offline (see AptGet/Offline/Repository).

Ubuntu Software Tab

The Four Main Repositories

The «Ubuntu Software» tab displays a list of repositories or «Channels». The four main repositories are:

For a detailed description of these repositories, see Repositories.

To disable a repository temporarily, untick the checkbox next to its name.

Select «Close» to save your changes. A dialog box should appear, asking whether you’d like to update the list of repositories. Select «Reload» to update the list.

The Close, Reload, and Revert buttons each perform special functions with regard to the repository pages.

Close. The ‘Close’ button must be selected to execute any change(s). If the action would change system files, they are written at this time.

Reload. Any time a setting is changed which alters a repository setting the ‘Reload’ button should be selected to allow the applicable repository database to be updated. Repository information will not normally be updated until the ‘Reload’ button is selected. If you do not wish to use ‘Reload’, select ‘Close’ to exit without updating the database.

Revert. The ‘Revert’ button erases changes made since the last save. It merely cancels pending changes which have not been executed, returning the selections to their prior state. The button does not return system files to the original installation settings.

Download Server

Copies of the main repositories are available on different servers round the world. The fastest server for you will often be a server close geographically to you.

If you have problems with your current server (for example, the server is slow or you cannot find a package you expect) then select another server by clicking the «Download from:» list.

If you click «Select Best Server», Ubuntu will attempt (on this occasion only) to find the fastest server. Once you select a server it remains the selected server until you change it. Note: The fastest server now may not be the fastest server at another time.

CD-ROM/DVD

The option to install from CD-ROM may be selected or deselected from this window (in the section «Installable from CD-ROM/DVD»).

If the option is selected, the system will attempt to search the CD-ROM during package installs. If the CD-ROM is not present, the system will request its insertion.

Deselect this option if you do not plan to install packages from CD-ROM. Once the option is deselected the system will no longer check if a CD-ROM is present.

Other Software Tab

Enabling Canonical Partner Repositories

The «Other Software» tab is where you can enable Canonical Partner Repositories. The partner repositories offer access to proprietary and closed-source software and are disabled by default. If you wish to enable a partner repository, tick it, enter your password, click «Close», and then click «Reload».

CD-ROM/DVD

You can add software sources on CD-ROM/DVD using this tab. To add such a source, insert the CD-ROM/DVD and click the «Add Volume» button. Once you have added the CD-ROM/DVD, it will be searched for packages during installation requests.

Adding Personal Package Archives (PPAs)

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are a kind of repository. Developers create them in order to distribute their software. In order to add a PPA you need its «location», which is in the format ppa:[username]/[ppaname]. You can find this information on the PPA’s Launchpad page.

To add a PPA to your system’s software sources:

Navigate to Ubuntu Software Centre > Edit > Software Sources > Other Software.

Click Add.

Click Add Source.

Click Authenticate.

Click Close.

If you are asked if you want to reload the information about available software, click Reload.

You have now added the PPA and can install packages from it.

Adding a PPA using the command-line

Make sure you have the package python-software-properties installed.

Step 1: On the PPA’s Launchpad page, look for the heading that reads «Adding this PPA to your system». Make a note of the PPA’s location, which has the format ppa:user/ppa-name.

Step 2: Open a terminal and enter:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:user/ppa-name

Replace ‘ppa:user/ppa-name‘ with the PPA’s location that you noted above.

Your system will now fetch the PPA’s key. This enables your system to verify that the packages in the PPA have not been interfered with since they were built.

Step 3: Now, as a one-off, tell your system to pull down the latest list of software from each archive it knows about, including the PPA you just added:

sudo apt-get update

Now you’re ready to start installing software from the PPA!

Adding Extra Repositories

There are times when you might want to add extra repositories to your system’s software sources (that is, in addition to the repositories provided by Canonical). For example, there is at least one repository that «caters to the Ubuntu gamer».

In order to add a repository you need its «location» and the «key command» (the command that will add the repository’s key to your system). For an explanation of the format of the «location», see the Editing Repository Details section below.

To add a repository to your system’s software sources:

Navigate to Ubuntu Software Centre > Edit > Software Sources > Other Software.

Click Add.

Click Add Source.

Click Authenticate.

Click Close.

You have now added the repository and can install packages from it.

Editing Repository Details

To edit a repository’s details, select the repository in the list and click the Edit button. A dialog box displays the apt line, broken up into its components.

The fields are as follows:

Type designated as «binary» (deb) for software in binary format or «Source» (src) for source code format. Select the option that corresponds to the repository.

URI Enter a valid Uniform Resource Indicator or URI for the software repository. Here’s a list of examples:

cdrom

ftp

http

smb (works only when the computer is connected to a Samba share)

nfs (works only if the computer is connected to a NFS share)

Distribution
Select the name of the distribution or the name of the distribution version.

Components
Select the repository section to access. Add more sections separated by spaces.

Comment
Add a comment to describe the repository for easier reference.

Removing & Disabling Repositories

The «Other Software» tab lists your repositories and PPAs (except for Main, Universe, Restricted, and Multiverse).

To disable a repository temporarily, untick the checkbox next to the source. You can enable the repository again by re-ticking the checkbox.

To remove a repository permanently from the list, highlight the repository and click «Remove».

Updates Tab

The Updates tab is where you set when and how Ubuntu receives system updates. If you make any changes don’t forget to «Close» and «Reload» so that your system’s software sources will be updated.

Install updates from:

«Unsupported updates (. )». New versions of packages which have been backported to an older release. Packages may contain new features, may introduce new interfaces, and bugs. Such updates are not supported by Canonical on the release they have been backported to but they have been tested by members of the Ubuntu community. For more information on backports, visit UbuntuBackports

Automatic Updates

This section allows the user to set the frequency and manner of updates.

Notify me of a new Ubuntu version:

Authentication Tab

The Authentication tab lists the keys for your repositories (but not your PPAs). Note: PPAs do have keys but the system handles them automatically and they are not listed here.

When you add a repository to your system’s software sources the maintainer of the repository will normally tell you how to add the key.

If the maintainer does not tell you how to add the key then you need to find the «key hash» of the repository in order to look up the key on a public key server. Once you know the key hash, the key can be retrieved using the command:

For example, if the key hash is CE49EC21, you retrieve the key using the command:

Then, add the key to Ubuntu’s apt trusted keys database using the command:

Note: There’s a dash at the end of the line above.

Integration with Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center is the GUI-based method to add or remove applications. It allows the user to selectively choose the repositories to be searched and then presents a list of applications with a brief description of each application.

By default Ubuntu Software Center searches all (enabled) repositories. If you wish to search one repository only then click the down arrow to the right of All Software and select the repository that you wish to search.

Software Sources is accessible from the Ubuntu Software Center via the Edit, Software Sources menu. The contents of Ubuntu Software Center are updated whenever a repository is added, deleted or changed via Software Sources. While the repository list is updating the Progress icon is displayed in the top bar of Ubuntu Software Center.

Exploring the Repositories

There are several GUI-based methods you can use to explore the repositories. One is to open Synaptic Package Manager and click on the Origin button. This will display a repository list in the window above the button. The list will contain all the repositories enabled in your system’s software sources. To the right will be the packages available via download (white boxes) and currently installed packages (green boxes).

There are two cropped images of the main Synaptic window below:

The image on the left shows the results of selecting Local/main (packages from the Main repository stored locally). Local packages are packages stored on the user’s computer.

The image on the right displays the results of selecting archive.ubuntu.com/main (the Main repository).

Finding a Package’s Repository

It is sometimes useful to find a package’s repository (the repository that the package was installed from). If you highlight the package and click the Properties button you may be able to determine the repository in the Section: area. The name in parentheses (if any) is the repository. For example, from the screenshot below we can see that the rar package’s repository is Multiverse.

Another method to find a package’s repository is to visit http://packages.ubuntu.com/. The search box is an easy method to quickly locate a package maintained by the Ubuntu team. Several input selections are available to help the user refine the search.

(Note: Some packages are not available from a repository or PPA, instead they are available as Debian packages.)