If you manage WordPress websites using Softaculous, you might have noticed two options: “Remove” and “Uninstall.”
At first, they seem similar, but they do different things. Understanding when to use each is important for managing your websites the right way.
In this post, we’ll explain what each option does and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is Softaculous?
Softaculous is a tool that helps you easily install and manage web apps like WordPress. Many web hosts use it to give you a quick and simple way to set up and manage websites, even if you’re not very technical.
What Does “Remove” Do?
When you click “Remove” in Softaculous, it takes the WordPress site off the Softaculous list, but the website itself usually stays on your server.
Here’s what happens:
- Softaculous Stops Managing It: The site won’t show up in your Softaculous dashboard anymore.
- Your Files and Database Stay: The actual website files and database are often still on your server. This means the website is still running, but Softaculous isn’t managing it anymore.
- When to Use It: Choose “Remove” if you want to stop using Softaculous to manage the site, but still want the website to work and keep all your data.
What Does “Uninstall” Do?
The “Uninstall” option is a more thorough option.
Here’s what it does:
- Completely Deletes Everything: It removes not just the website from Softaculous, but also all the files and databases on your server.
- Cleans Up Your Server: Everything connected to the WordPress site is erased, freeing up space.
- When to Use It: Use “Uninstall” if you want to fully delete the WordPress site and free up space on your server. It’s great for websites you no longer need.
When to Choose “Remove” vs. “Uninstall”
Use Remove if:
- You want to manage the website on your own, without Softaculous.
- You want to keep the website files and database for later use.
- You’re planning to move or reconfigure the site yourself.
Use Uninstall if:
- You want to delete the site completely from your server.
- The site is no longer needed and you want to free up space.
- You have an old or test site that you’re done with.
Final Thoughts
Both options “Remove” and “Uninstall” are useful, but they do different things. By understanding how each one works, you’ll know exactly what to do depending on whether you want to keep or completely remove a WordPress site.
Need help removing or uninstalling a WordPress site or facing other WordPress issues, Don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m happy to help.