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How To Remove Ubuntu Pro Advertisement from Apt Updates in 22.04

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In this article, we will discuss the various methods to remove the Ubuntu Pro advertisement that appears during Apt updates in Ubuntu 22.04. This advertisement is part of the Ubuntu Advantage service, which provides extended support and additional features for Ubuntu users. However, some users may prefer not to see this advertisement. Let’s explore the different methods to disable it.

Method 1: Creating a Symbolic Link to /dev/null

The first method involves creating a symbolic link to /dev/null. The /dev/null is a special file that discards all data written to it but reports that the write operation succeeded. Here is the command:

sudo ln -s -f /dev/null /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf

This command redirects the output of the advertisement to /dev/null, effectively silencing it.

Method 2: Commenting Out the Action Lines in the Configuration File

The second method involves commenting out the lines in the configuration file responsible for displaying the advertisement. Here is the command:

sudo sed -i'' -e 's/^\(\s\+\)\([^#]\)/\1# \2/' /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf

The sed command is a stream editor for filtering and transforming text. The -i option allows in-place editing of the input file, and the -e option allows you to define script from the command line.

Method 3: Renaming the Configuration File and Creating a Zero-Length File

The third method involves renaming the configuration file and creating a zero-length file in its place. Here are the commands:

sudo mv /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf.bak
sudo touch /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf

The mv command moves or renames files, and the touch command creates a new file with zero length.

Method 4: Removing the Message of the Day File and Disabling Ubuntu Advantage

The fourth method involves removing the message of the day file and disabling the Ubuntu Advantage service. Here are the commands:

sudo rm /etc/update-motd.d/88-esm-announce
sudo systemctl disable ubuntu-advantage

The rm command removes files, and the systemctl command controls the systemd system and service manager.

Method 5: Uninstalling the Package Generating the Advertisement

The fifth method involves uninstalling the package responsible for generating the advertisement. Here is the command:

sudo apt-get --assume-yes --purge remove ubuntu-advantage-tools

The apt-get command is a command-line tool for handling packages, and the --purge option removes configuration files for packages that are uninstalled.

Method 6: Using the pro config Command to Disable the Advertisement

The sixth method involves using the pro config command to disable the advertisement. Here is the command:

sudo pro config set apt_news=false

This command sets a flag to disable the advertisement. Note that this method is specific to Ubuntu Pro.

Conclusion

These are the various methods to remove the Ubuntu Pro advertisement from Apt updates in Ubuntu 22.04. It’s important to note that some of these solutions may be temporary or may not work in certain versions of Ubuntu. Additionally, removing or disabling certain packages may have unintended consequences, so proceed with caution. Always remember to backup your important data before making significant changes to your system.

Why should I remove the Ubuntu Pro advertisement from Apt updates?

Some users may prefer not to see the Ubuntu Pro advertisement during Apt updates for various reasons, such as personal preference or wanting a distraction-free experience.

Can I still receive updates and support if I remove the Ubuntu Pro advertisement?

Yes, removing the Ubuntu Pro advertisement does not affect your ability to receive updates and support for Ubuntu. It only disables the advertisement itself.

Will removing the Ubuntu Pro advertisement cause any issues with my system?

No, removing the Ubuntu Pro advertisement should not cause any issues with your system. It is a harmless modification that only affects the display of the advertisement.

Can I re-enable the Ubuntu Pro advertisement if I change my mind?

Yes, you can easily re-enable the Ubuntu Pro advertisement by undoing the modifications made in the methods mentioned above. Simply follow the instructions in reverse or restore the original configuration files.

Are there any other benefits to using Ubuntu Pro?

Yes, Ubuntu Pro offers extended support and additional features for Ubuntu users, such as live kernel patching and compliance certifications. However, the decision to use Ubuntu Pro is entirely optional and depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Will these methods work in future versions of Ubuntu?

The effectiveness of these methods may vary in future versions of Ubuntu, as the underlying system configurations and package management may change. It is always recommended to consult the official documentation or community forums for the specific version you are using to ensure the accuracy of the instructions.

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