How to uninstall plugins in Eclipse 3.4.X or higher

Question

The GUI for managing plugins in Eclipse got a bit of an overhaul in version 3.4.0. This GUI is accessed via the \"Software Updates...\" option in the Help menu. This displ

Answer 1

In Eclipse 3.6 Helios, the interface has changed again. Go to "About Eclipse", and then click the "Installation Details" button in the about box.

Answer 2

It sure looks like there's no way to do this.

I just had exactly this problem with a fresh download of the Eclipse Java IDE (Ganymede SR2). I didn't want Mylyn, but I didn't want "Eclipse Classic", either, because the download was twice the size, I presume because it includes source.

The apparent solution was to update everything and restart Eclipse, after which the "Uninstall..." button became enabled for the Mylyn plugins. Unfortunately, this only uninstalled the most recent, updated version (3.0.11 IIRC), reverting to the un-uninstallable 3.0.5.

Answer 3

The following text is quoted from the Eclipse help docs:

The Uninstall wizard allows you to review and uninstall items in your configuration. This wizard is shown when you select items and press Uninstall... from the Installed Software page. To uninstall software from your system:

1. Click Help > About and then click Installation Details... to open a dialog showing pages that provide more detail about your installation.

2. Click the Installed Software tab to see a list of the software items that you have installed into your system.

3. Select the items that you wish to uninstall.

   Click Uninstall...

The Uninstall Details page will show you a list of the items that will be uninstalled. Expanding each item will show what additional items (if any) will be uninstalled as a result of your choice.

If you change your mind about which items should be uninstalled, you may click Back to see a checkmark list of the items you selected before. You may check and uncheck different items in the list, and click Next when you are ready to continue.

5. Click Finish to start the uninstall.

Once all of the software is uninstalled successfully, you will be prompted to restart for the Workbench. Click Yes when asked to exit and restart the Workbench for the changes to take effect.

Answer 4

If you are using Windows, make sure you are running Eclipse as administrator. Without administrator privileges, some options may be grayed-out in "Installed Software".

Answer 5

eclipse 3.5(Galieo) Help>> Install New Software >> Already Installed Plugins >> select Plugins >> Uninstall works charm.

Answer 6

I just don't know what the hell these Eclipse developers are thinking! Removing plug-ins from Eclipse became a pain in the ass since Helios!

I hear you pal... I just went through the whole day trying to figure out as no one seems to give an straight answer like "do this, that, done." Man I'd rather be programming instead....

Found, in the middle of my evening that it is possible to uninstall pretty much everything. The issue is that the damn thing is hidden in the "HELP->ABOUT". Who would guess after going over and over through the "Help->Install New Software" or "Help->Check for updates" and never finding anything like "remove" or "reinstall" or "force reinstall". Seriouly, I'd rather go back to 1990 when we had Microsoft, Borland and Watcom.. you picked your platform and you'd be with 1/3 of the world of developers with you.. ok, perhaps Watcom didn't hit that mark but you get the point.

So... to uninstall any plugin from Eclipse Helios (Service Release 1) or Springsource 3.5.2 (or 3.6.1 I 'm using), do this:

1. close all your projects (just to be on the safe side);
2. Hit menu "HELP-->ABOUT" (yeah.. help, about);
3. Hit "Installation Details" button and you get the list with all plugins;
4. Click on the one you want to remove; hit uninstall;
5. If want to remove more than one, just apply the change without restart;
6. Goto to 4) as needed
7. Finally, restart Eclipse and reinstall what you need !

It was hard to find, but it worked very well for me.