If you’re using Ubuntu and have recently noticed the promotional message for Ubuntu Pro while updating your system with apt, you’re not alone. While Ubuntu Pro is useful for certain users, many prefer a clean update process without ads. In this guide, we’ll cover how to disable those Ubuntu Pro advertisements.

The Problem

Each time you run sudo apt update or sudo apt upgrade, Ubuntu displays promotional messages encouraging you to enable Ubuntu Pro. While this might be useful for some, it can be distracting or unwanted for many users.

The Solution

Ubuntu Pro advertisements are controlled by the ubuntu-advantage-tools package. To remove the ads without affecting your package management, you can adjust or remove this package.

Option 1: Disable Ubuntu Pro Notices

One option is to disable the notices using a configuration setting in the ubuntu-advantage-tools package.

1. Open the configuration file for ubuntu-advantage-tools:

   sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20apt-esm-hook.conf
   

2. Inside the file, find the enabled setting and change it from true to false:

   // Enable/disable advertising for Ubuntu Pro.
   APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success:: "ubuntu-security-status || true";
   

   Change the setting to:

   APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success:: "/bin/true";
   

3. Save and exit the file (Ctrl + X, then Y and Enter).

After this, you should no longer see Ubuntu Pro messages when using apt.

Option 2: Remove the ubuntu-advantage-tools Package

If you’d prefer a more permanent solution, you can remove the ubuntu-advantage-tools package entirely.

1. Uninstall the package with the following command:

   sudo apt-get remove ubuntu-advantage-tools
   

2. Confirm the removal when prompted.

After removing this package, the Ubuntu Pro advertisement will no longer appear when using apt.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu Pro is a useful service for enterprise users, but not everyone needs the frequent reminders. Whether you choose to disable the ad through configuration or remove the related package entirely, you can now enjoy a cleaner and distraction-free apt update experience.