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# Adios! Says Ubuntu to The Software and Updates Tool
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/ubuntu-software-and-updates-removal/
- Published: 2026-02-11T09:48:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-11T09:48:08.000Z
- Description: Removed because it was deemed too complex and dangerous for normies.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: News

Desktop builds of the upcoming [Ubuntu 26.04 LTS](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-26-04-release-features/) won't ship with the Software & Updates application (*software-properties-gtk*) pre-installed. This is the tool that facilitates the managing of software sources and repository settings on an Ubuntu system.

It handles [PPAs](https://itsfoss.com/ppa-guide/), lets users switch between different software channels like *main*, *restricted*, *universe*, and *multiverse;* pick faster download mirrors; control automatic update behavior; and manage additional drivers.

Now Ubuntu developers are removing it from the desktop image. The package isn't disappearing completely, of course; it just won't be included out of the box.

## Why is It Being Ditched?

![the software and updates tool is shown here with many visible options and pages](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/02/ubuntu-26-04-software-and-updates.png)

**When I fired up* [**the daily build*](https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/daily-live/current/?ref=itsfoss.com) *for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Software & Updates was still around.*

Canonical's Jean-Baptiste Lallement [filed a bug report](https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-properties/+bug/2140527?ref=itsfoss.com) explaining that several features in Software & Updates are "*dangerous or too complex for normal users*."

He adds that the tool lets users disable *main* repositories through the GUI, and accidentally toggling this option could break system updates and software installation.

Another problematic thing is said to be the enabling of the *proposed* repository (*where unstable packages live*) by the user.

If you were wondering what happens to the [Ubuntu Pro](https://ubuntu.com/pro?ref=itsfoss.com) settings, don't worry; that is being moved to the [Security Center](https://itsfoss.com/news/ubuntu-security-center-near-stable/). It is Ubuntu's dedicated app for simplifying access to security features.

The CLI tools remain untouched, as the software-properties-common package [is retained](https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-properties?ref=itsfoss.com), allowing for command-line based repository management.

## What This Means for Users

Upgrading from older Ubuntu versions **won't remove Software & Updates**. Ubuntu doesn't remove packages that were previously included when users upgrade to new releases.

Fresh Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and later desktop installations won't have Software & Updates pre-installed, but the package stays in Ubuntu's *main* repository, so installing it takes just one command:

```
sudo apt install software-properties-gtk
```

[Ubuntu flavors](https://itsfoss.com/which-ubuntu-install/) like *Xubuntu*, *Ubuntu MATE*, Ubuntu Budgie, and others can still ship Software & Updates in their default installations. The package remains available for any flavor that wants to include it.

Via: [OMG! Ubuntu](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/02/ubuntu-26-04-drops-software-and-updates-gui?ref=itsfoss.com)

---

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