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
- Method 2: Commenting Out the Action Lines in the Configuration File
- Method 3: Renaming the Configuration File and Creating a Zero-Length File
- Method 4: Removing the Message of the Day File and Disabling Ubuntu Advantage
- Method 5: Uninstalling the Package Generating the Advertisement
- Method 6: Using the pro config Command to Disable the Advertisement
- Conclusion
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.confThis 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.confThe 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.confThe 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-advantageThe 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-toolsThe 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=falseThis 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.
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.
Yes, removing the Ubuntu Pro advertisement does not affect your ability to receive updates and support for Ubuntu. It only disables the advertisement itself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
