---
title: "Understanding the Differences Between apt-get remove and apt-get purge"
date: 2023-01-04T11:34:30.000Z
author: Z.SHINCHVEN
tags: [Linux, Ubuntu, apt-get]
canonical: https://atlassc.net/2023/01/05/differences-between-apt-get-purge-and-apt-get-remove
---
**apt-get purge**

* Completely removes a package and its configuration files.
* Also removes any packages that depend on the package being purged.
* Can be used to free up disk space.

**apt-get remove**

* Removes a package but leaves its configuration files intact.
* Does not remove any packages that depend on the package being removed.
* Can be used to downgrade a package to a previous version.

**Comparison**

| Feature | apt-get purge | apt-get remove |
|---|---|---|
| Removes package | Yes | Yes |
| Removes configuration files | Yes | No |
| Removes dependent packages | Yes | No |
| Can be used to free up disk space | Yes | No |
| Can be used to downgrade a package | No | Yes |

**Example**

To purge the `apache2` package, you would use the following command:

```
sudo apt-get purge apache2
```

To remove the `apache2` package, but leave its configuration files intact, you would use the following command:

```
sudo apt-get remove apache2
```

**Additional notes**

* `apt-get purge` is a more destructive command than `apt-get remove`. It should be used with caution.
* If you are not sure whether you should use `apt-get purge` or `apt-get remove`, it is best to use `apt-get remove`.
* You can also use the `apt-get autoremove` command to automatically remove any packages that are no longer needed.