Ubuntu 17.10, codenamed Artful Aardvark, marked a significant shift in the Linux ecosystem by replacing the Unity desktop environment with GNOME Shell as the default interface. While this change was welcomed by many, users upgrading from earlier versions often found Unity packages lingering on their systems. Removing Unity completely ensures a cleaner, faster, and more stable Ubuntu experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough for safely uninstalling Unity after upgrading to Ubuntu 17.10, while preserving system integrity and avoiding dependency issues.

Understanding the Transition from Unity to GNOME

Unity was Ubuntu’s default desktop environment from 2011 until 2017. Canonical, Ubuntu’s parent company, decided to discontinue Unity in favor of GNOME Shell to streamline development and align with broader Linux community standards. GNOME offers better compatibility, long-term support, and a modern user interface. However, upgrading from Ubuntu 17.04 or earlier often leaves Unity packages installed, which can consume disk space and cause confusion at login.

Why Remove Unity?

System Performance: Removing unused packages reduces resource consumption and improves boot times.
Consistency: Eliminates duplicate desktop environments, ensuring GNOME is the sole interface.
Security: Outdated Unity packages may not receive updates, posing potential vulnerabilities.
Disk Space: Frees up storage by removing unnecessary libraries and dependencies.
User Experience: Simplifies login options, avoiding accidental Unity sessions.

Preparation Before Removing Unity

Before uninstalling Unity, it is crucial to ensure that your system is stable and properly backed up. Removing desktop environments involves package management, which, if mishandled, can affect critical components.

Steps to Prepare

Backup Important Data: Use tools like rsync or cloud storage to safeguard files.
Update System: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure all packages are current.
Confirm GNOME Installation: Verify GNOME is installed by logging into a GNOME session.
Check Dependencies: Ensure Unity packages are not required by other applications.
Test GNOME Stability: Use GNOME for a few sessions to confirm smooth performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Unity

Follow these steps carefully to remove Unity from Ubuntu 17.10 without disrupting your system.

Step 1: Log into GNOME

At the login screen, click the gear icon and select GNOME. This ensures you are not in a Unity session during removal.

Step 2: Identify Unity Packages

Unity packages include unity, unity-session, unity-control-center, and related libraries. Use the following command to list Unity packages:

dpkg -l | grep unity

Step 3: Remove Unity Packages

Execute the following command to uninstall Unity:

sudo apt purge unity unity-session unity-control-center

Step 4: Remove Additional Dependencies

Clean up residual packages with:

sudo apt autoremove

Step 5: Verify Removal

Reboot the system and confirm that Unity no longer appears as a login option.

Post-Removal Cleanup

After removing Unity, it is essential to tidy up your system to ensure optimal performance.

Tasks to Perform

Clear Cache: Run sudo apt clean to remove cached package files.
Check Login Manager: Ensure GNOME Display Manager (GDM) is set as default.
Rebuild Icon Cache: Use gtk-update-icon-cache to refresh icons.
Update Alternatives: Run sudo update-alternatives –config x-session-manager to confirm GNOME is default.
Test Applications: Verify that applications launch correctly under GNOME.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue 1: Missing Dependencies

If GNOME fails to load, reinstall GNOME with sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop.

Issue 2: Broken Packages

Run sudo apt –fix-broken install to repair package inconsistencies.

Issue 3: Display Problems

Switch to Wayland or Xorg from the login screen if graphical glitches occur.

Issue 4: Login Loop

Reset GDM configuration with sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3.

Pro Tips

Use Tasksel: Tasksel can simplify environment management by allowing you to select and remove desktop environments.
Keep Terminal Access: Always ensure you can access a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+F3) in case of GUI issues.
Document Changes: Maintain a log of commands executed for troubleshooting.
Test on Virtual Machine: If unsure, practice removal on a VM before applying to your main system.
Stay Updated: Regularly check Ubuntu forums for updates on GNOME stability and Unity removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstall Unity later?

Yes, Unity can be reinstalled using sudo apt install unity, though it is no longer officially supported.

Will removing Unity affect my files?

No, uninstalling Unity only removes desktop environment packages, not personal files.

Is GNOME faster than Unity?

Performance depends on hardware, but GNOME is generally more optimized for modern systems.

Can I use other desktop environments?

Yes, Ubuntu supports KDE Plasma, XFCE, and others, which can be installed alongside GNOME.

Do I need to remove Unity?

No, but removing it ensures a cleaner system and avoids confusion at login.

Conclusion

Removing Unity after upgrading to Ubuntu 17.10 is a straightforward process that enhances system performance, security, and user experience. By carefully preparing, executing the removal commands, and performing post-cleanup tasks, users can enjoy a streamlined GNOME environment without legacy Unity components. This guide ensures that the transition is smooth, safe, and beneficial for long-term Ubuntu usage.