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Asked: 2024-09-26T12:02:36+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to remove Visual Studio Code from my Ubuntu system?

I’ve been using Visual Studio Code for a while on my Ubuntu system, but lately, I’ve been feeling the need to switch to a different code editor that fits my workflow better. So, I decided it’s time to remove VS Code, but honestly, I’m not quite sure how to go about it without messing things up!

I’ve done some digging, and I’ve come across a few different methods, but they all seem a bit daunting. I mean, there’s the terminal approach, which I know is powerful and all, but I’m a bit nervous about typing in commands and potentially breaking something in the process. I wouldn’t want to accidentally delete something important!

And then, I’ve heard about the GUI route where you can use the Software Center to uninstall applications. That sounds simpler and more user-friendly, but I’m not entirely clear on whether that fully removes everything related to Visual Studio Code or just the main app. What if there are lingering files or settings afterwards? Might that cause issues if I decide to reinstall it down the line?

Plus, I’ve also seen some mentions of configuration files and user data that might not be deleted just by uninstalling it through the usual methods. Should I be digging around in the hidden folders (I think they’re in a folder named .config or something?) to make sure everything is gone, or is that overkill?

If anyone has gone through the process of removing Visual Studio Code from their Ubuntu system, I’d really appreciate your advice! What’s the best way to ensure a clean uninstall? Any tips on the commands to use, or which options to choose in the Software Center? And how do I make sure I’m not leaving any stray files behind? I’m a tad worried I might end up creating more problems for myself. Thanks in advance for your help—I’m looking forward to hearing your experiences!

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    2 Answers

    1. If you’re looking to uninstall Visual Studio Code from your Ubuntu system, there are a couple of straightforward methods you can try. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back!

      Method 1: Using the Terminal

      I know the terminal can seem scary, but it’s really not that bad. You’ll just need to type some commands. Open up your terminal and type the following command:

      sudo apt remove code

      This will uninstall VS Code. If you also want to remove any leftover configuration files, you can run:

      sudo apt purge code

      After that, execute this command to clean up any unnecessary packages:

      sudo apt autoremove

      And voilà! That’s pretty much it for the terminal method.

      Method 2: Using the Software Center

      If you prefer a graphical interface, the Software Center is the way to go. Just open the Software Center, search for “Visual Studio Code,” and hit the Uninstall button. Easy-peasy!

      But, here’s the thing: using the Software Center will usually just remove the app itself. You’ll want to make sure to manually check for leftover files.

      Cleaning Up Leftover Files

      So yeah, VS Code stores some settings and files in hidden folders. You can find these in your home directory. Look for a folder called .config/Code and another named .vscode. You can delete these folders if you want to clean up completely.

      You can view hidden files by pressing Ctrl + H in your file manager. Just be careful about deleting anything else!

      Final Tip

      If you ever decide to reinstall it later, those files will be reset, so don’t sweat it. It’s better to start fresh! 🌈

      Hope this helps you out! Good luck with your code editor search!

    2. To remove Visual Studio Code from your Ubuntu system, you have a couple of options that cater to different levels of comfort with technology. If you choose to use the terminal, which is indeed powerful, you can execute the command sudo apt remove code. This will uninstall the main Visual Studio Code application. However, this command alone may leave behind configuration files and settings that could affect any future reinstallations. To ensure everything related to VS Code is removed, you should follow up with sudo apt purge code, which removes the package along with its configuration files, and sudo apt autoremove to clean up any unused dependencies that may remain. If you’re still concerned about accidentally deleting something important, you can make a backup of your configuration files first, which are typically located in the ~/.config/Code directory.

      On the other hand, if you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use the Ubuntu Software Center to uninstall the application. Simply search for Visual Studio Code, click on it, and select the “Remove” option. This method usually removes the main application, but might leave behind some user data and settings, similar to the terminal method. To fully eliminate these remnants, it’s recommended to check the ~/.config/ directory for any leftover folders related to Visual Studio Code, such as Code or Microsoft. Deleting these folders will ensure that all traces are wiped from your system. It’s understandable to be cautious, but following these steps will help ensure a clean uninstall without causing future issues should you decide to reinstall VS Code later.

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