mod_pagespeed is an open-source module for Apache and Nginx web servers that automatically applies web performance best practices to pages and associated assets (CSS, JavaScript, images) without requiring modifications to existing content or workflow.
While it can be a boon for web performance, there might be scenarios where you’d want to uninstall it, such as compatibility issues or server performance concerns.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to uninstall mod_pagespeed from an Ubuntu server.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Backup Your Configuration
Before making any changes, it’s always a good idea to backup your configuration. This ensures you can revert to the previous state if needed.
sudo cp /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf.backup
Step 2: Disable mod_pagespeed
Before uninstalling, disable the module to ensure it’s not active:
sudo a2dismod pagespeed
Step 3: Remove mod_pagespeed Packages
Now, uninstall the mod_pagespeed package:
sudo apt-get purge mod-pagespeed-*
Step 4: Remove Configuration Files
After uninstalling the package, remove any residual configuration files:
sudo rm /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf sudo rm /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.load
Step 5: Restart Apache
To apply the changes, restart the Apache server:
sudo systemctl restart apache2
Commands Mentioned
- sudo cp /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf.backup – Backs up the mod_pagespeed configuration.
- sudo a2dismod pagespeed – Disables the mod_pagespeed module.
- sudo apt-get purge mod-pagespeed-* – Uninstalls the mod_pagespeed package.
- sudo rm /etc/apache2/mods-available/pagespeed.conf – Removes the mod_pagespeed configuration file.
- sudo systemctl restart apache2 – Restarts the Apache server.
FAQ
-
Why would someone want to uninstall mod_pagespeed?
There could be multiple reasons, including compatibility issues with other modules, server performance concerns, or a shift to another optimization strategy.
-
Is it safe to uninstall mod_pagespeed?
Yes, as long as you follow the correct steps and backup your configurations, it’s safe to uninstall mod_pagespeed.
-
Will my website performance be affected after uninstalling?
Your website might not benefit from the optimizations provided by mod_pagespeed after uninstalling. However, the actual performance impact will vary based on other optimizations in place.
-
Can I reinstall mod_pagespeed later?
Yes, you can reinstall mod_pagespeed anytime if you decide to use it again in the future.
-
Are there alternatives to mod_pagespeed?
Yes, there are several other tools and plugins available for web performance optimization, such as Cloudflare’s APO, LiteSpeed Cache, and more.
Conclusion
Uninstalling mod_pagespeed from your Ubuntu server is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely remove the module and its associated configurations.
Remember, before making any changes, always backup your configurations to ensure you can revert to a previous state if necessary.
If you’re considering other hosting solutions after this change, explore options like dedicated server hosting, VPS hosting, cloud hosting, or shared hosting to find the best fit for your needs.
