# How to remove all packages installed by pip

Sometimes you want to get rid of all python packages. There is a quick and easy way to do this. The command below will also remove the packages installed via VCS.

```bash
pip freeze | grep -v "^-e" | xargs pip uninstall -y
```

You may also use the command below. The command will also remake `virtualenv` which includes the python executable, base libraries, etc.

```bash
virtualenv --clear __Your_Env_Name__
```

You should always back up the `pip` list before clearing all packages.

### References

1.  [https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/cli/](https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/cli/)
    
2.  [https://virtualenv.pypa.io/en/latest/cli\_interface.html#section-creator](https://virtualenv.pypa.io/en/latest/cli_interface.html#section-creator)