Last modified: Jun 23, 2025 By Alexander Williams

How to Uninstall autopep8 in Python

autopep8 is a popular Python tool for formatting code. But sometimes, you may need to uninstall it. This guide will help you remove autopep8 easily.

What Is autopep8?

autopep8 automatically formats Python code to follow PEP 8 guidelines. It saves time by fixing style issues. However, you might want to uninstall it for various reasons.

Why Uninstall autopep8?

You may need to uninstall autopep8 if it conflicts with other tools. Or you might prefer another formatter like Black. Whatever the reason, the process is simple.

Check If autopep8 Is Installed

Before uninstalling, verify if autopep8 is installed. Run the following command in your terminal:


pip show autopep8

If autopep8 is installed, you'll see details like version and location. If not, you'll get a "not found" message.

Uninstall autopep8 Using pip

The easiest way to uninstall autopep8 is using pip. Open your terminal and run:


pip uninstall autopep8

Confirm the uninstallation by typing y when prompted. This will remove autopep8 from your system.

Uninstall autopep8 Globally

If autopep8 was installed globally, use this command:


pip uninstall autopep8 --user

This ensures the tool is removed from the global Python environment.

Verify Uninstallation

After uninstalling, verify autopep8 is gone. Run:


pip show autopep8

You should see a "not found" message. This confirms autopep8 is uninstalled.

Alternative Uninstall Methods

If pip doesn't work, try these methods:

Using Python -m pip

Run this command for a clean uninstall:


python -m pip uninstall autopep8

Manual Removal

Locate the autopep8 files and delete them manually. Check the installation path from pip show autopep8.

Common Issues

Sometimes, uninstalling autopep8 may fail. Here are fixes for common problems.

Permission Errors

If you get permission errors, use sudo:


sudo pip uninstall autopep8

Multiple Python Versions

Ensure you uninstall from the correct Python version. Use:


python3 -m pip uninstall autopep8

Conclusion

Uninstalling autopep8 is straightforward with pip. Follow the steps above to remove it cleanly. If you face issues, try alternative methods.

For more guides, check how to uninstall pytest or IPython.