Step-by-Step Guide: How to Uninstall GitLab Runner
GitLab Runner is a powerful tool for automating tasks and pipelines in GitLab CI/CD. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall GitLab Runner from your system. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of safely and completely removing GitLab Runner, ensuring your system remains clean and secure. From preparation to final cleanup, we cover all the necessary steps, including unregistering the runner, removing binaries, and cleaning up dependencies.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure proper preparation by verifying the runner’s registration and status, gathering credentials, and backing up configurations if needed.
- Stop the GitLab Runner service using the appropriate service management tool and confirm the service has been halted.
- Unregister the GitLab Runner with the registration token and check that it is removed from GitLab’s list of active runners.
- Remove all GitLab Runner binaries, executables, and configuration files to prevent any leftover components from affecting the system.
- Perform a final system cleanup, which may include uninstalling related software, revoking permissions, and rebooting the system if necessary.
Preparing to Uninstall GitLab Runner
Verify Runner Registration and Status
Before proceeding with the uninstallation of GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to verify the registration and status of your runner. This ensures that you are aware of the runner’s current state and its association with your projects. To check the registration and status, navigate to your GitLab project’s settings, then to the CI/CD section, and finally to the Runners tab. Here you should see your runner listed if it’s registered.
GitLab Premium users may have access to additional features such as the Runner Fleet Dashboard, which can provide a more comprehensive overview of runner statuses.
Ensure that the runner is not currently processing any jobs. If it is, you may want to wait until it has completed to avoid disrupting ongoing operations.
If you’re ready to proceed, the next steps will involve gathering the necessary credentials and backing up your configuration, if desired.
Gather Necessary Credentials and Information
Before proceeding with the uninstallation of GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the necessary credentials and information at hand. Gather your GitLab instance URL, the runner’s registration token, and any relevant API keys. This will facilitate a smooth and error-free process.
To avoid any disruptions or accidental data loss, consider the following checklist:
- GitLab instance URL
- Runner registration token
- API keys for third-party integrations
- Administrator access credentials
- List of projects associated with the runner
Remember, having accurate information is key to a successful uninstallation. If you encounter issues such as a FATAL: flag provided but not defined error, it may indicate a problem with the runner’s configuration or registration details.
Ensure that you also have a backup of your runner’s configuration, especially if you’ve customized it extensively. This step is optional but recommended for safeguarding your settings.
Backup Runner Configuration (Optional)
Before proceeding with the uninstallation of GitLab Runner, it’s prudent to backup your runner configuration. This step is optional but recommended, especially if you plan to redeploy GitLab Runner in the future or wish to preserve your configurations for record-keeping.
To backup your configuration, you should locate the config.toml
file, which contains all the necessary runner settings. The location of this file may vary depending on your installation, but it is typically found in /etc/gitlab-runner/
on a Linux system. Once located, you can create a copy of this file and store it in a secure location.
Remember, backing up your configuration is a safeguard against data loss. It allows for a smoother transition should you decide to reinstall GitLab Runner or migrate to a new system.
Additionally, consider backing up any scripts, hooks, or custom executables associated with your runner. These files are often crucial for the runner’s operation and may not be easily reproducible.
Stopping the GitLab Runner Service
Identify the Service Management Tool
Before stopping the GitLab Runner service, it’s crucial to identify which service management tool your system is using. This will determine the specific commands you need to execute. Common tools include systemd
for most Linux distributions, init.d
for older Linux systems, and launchd
for macOS.
Ensure you have the correct permissions to manage services on your system. Without these, you won’t be able to proceed with stopping the GitLab Runner service. Here’s a quick reference for the commands used to check the service status across different management tools:
systemd
:sudo systemctl status gitlab-runner
init.d
:sudo /etc/init.d/gitlab-runner status
launchd
:sudo launchctl list | grep gitlab-runner
Remember, using the wrong service management tool or commands can lead to system instability. Always double-check your system’s documentation if you’re unsure.
Execute Service Stop Command
Once you’ve identified the service management tool your system uses, it’s time to stop the GitLab Runner service. Use the appropriate command for your system to halt the service. For instance, on a system using systemd
, you would execute sudo systemctl stop gitlab-runner
to stop the service.
Remember, stopping the service will not remove the GitLab Runner or its configurations, but it will prevent it from processing any new jobs.
Ensure that no critical jobs are running before you stop the GitLab Runner service to avoid disrupting important processes.
After executing the stop command, it’s crucial to verify that the service has indeed stopped. You can check the status of the service using a command like sudo systemctl status gitlab-runner
. The output should indicate that the service is inactive (dead).
Confirm Service Stoppage
Once you’ve executed the stop command, it’s crucial to ensure that the GitLab Runner service has indeed halted. Check the service status to confirm that it is no longer running. This verification step prevents any unexpected behavior during the uninstallation process.
To verify the service stoppage, you can use the following command, replacing gitlab-runner
with the name of your service if it differs:
systemctl status gitlab-runner
If the service is stopped successfully, you should see an output indicating that the service is inactive. In case the service is still running, you may need to troubleshoot the issue before proceeding.
Remember, a clean stoppage of the service is essential to a smooth uninstallation. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section of this guide.
Unregistering the GitLab Runner
Locate the Registration Token
Before you can unregister your GitLab Runner, you’ll need to locate the registration token. This token is unique to each runner and is used to securely communicate with the GitLab instance. Finding the token is crucial as it is required for the unregister command.
To locate the registration token, follow these steps:
- Log in to your GitLab instance.
- Navigate to the project or group settings, depending on where your runner is registered.
- Go to the CI/CD settings section.
- Expand the ‘Runners’ area to view the registration token.
Ensure you have the correct permissions to access this token, as it is sensitive information.
Once you have the token, keep it handy for the next step where you will be using it to unregister the runner. Remember, if you have multiple runners, each will have its own registration token that you’ll need to note down.
Run the Unregister Command
Once you’ve located your registration token, it’s time to unregister the GitLab Runner. This step is crucial to ensure that the runner no longer communicates with your GitLab instance. To do this, execute the following command in your terminal:
gitlab-runner unregister --all-runners
If you prefer to unregister a specific runner, use the runner’s token instead:
gitlab-runner unregister --url https://GITLAB_INSTANCE_URL --token REGISTRATION_TOKEN
After running the command, you should receive a confirmation message indicating the successful unregistration. If you encounter any issues, double-check the registration token and the URL of your GitLab instance.
Remember, unregistering the runner does not remove the runner’s binaries or configuration files from your system. You’ll need to manually delete these in the subsequent steps.
Check Runner Removal from GitLab
After you’ve run the unregister command, it’s crucial to verify that the GitLab Runner has been successfully removed from your GitLab instance. To do this, navigate to the Runners section in your project’s settings within GitLab. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure the runner is no longer listed:
- Access your GitLab project and go to
Settings
>CI/CD
. - Expand the
Runners
section. - Confirm that the runner’s description or tags do not appear in the list.
If the runner still shows up, it might be due to a delay in the system’s update. Wait a few moments and refresh the page. If it persists, double-check the unregister command for accuracy and ensure you have the correct permissions.
Remember, removing a runner is irreversible. If you plan to use the runner again, consider simply pausing it instead of unregistering.
Once you’ve confirmed the runner’s removal, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps of uninstallation, knowing that your GitLab instance is clear of any references to the obsolete runner.
Removing GitLab Runner Binaries and Files
Find GitLab Runner Installation Directory
Locating the installation directory of your GitLab Runner is crucial for a clean uninstallation process. By default, GitLab Runner installs in /usr/local/bin
for most Linux distributions. However, if you’ve installed it in a custom location, you’ll need to find that path. Use the which gitlab-runner
command to reveal the installation path. If the output is empty, try searching for the binary with find / -name gitlab-runner
(note that this can take some time).
Ensure you have located the correct directory before proceeding to delete any files. This step prevents accidental deletion of unrelated system files. If you’re unsure, consult the documentation or use the package manager that was used for installation to query the location.
Remember, uninstalling GitLab Runner will not automatically remove configuration files or directories. You’ll need to manually clean these up in the next steps.
Delete Runner Executables
Once you’ve stopped the GitLab Runner service, the next step is to remove the actual executables. These are the files that were running the GitLab Runner and may include the main binary and any additional helper tools. To ensure a clean uninstallation, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the GitLab Runner installation directory.
- Locate the GitLab Runner binary files. These typically include
gitlab-runner
and any associated executables. - Delete the files using the appropriate command for your system (e.g.,
rm
on Linux ordel
on Windows).
Remember, this action cannot be undone. Make sure you no longer need the Runner before deleting its executables.
After deleting the executables, it’s important to verify that no residual files or processes are left running. Use system monitoring tools to check for any GitLab Runner related processes that may still be active. If found, these should be terminated to prevent any unexpected behavior.
Clean Up Configuration Files and Directories
After stopping the GitLab Runner service and unregistering it, the next step is to clean up any remaining configuration files and directories. This is crucial to prevent any potential conflicts if you decide to reinstall GitLab Runner or another CI/CD tool in the future.
Italics for subtle emphasis where needed.
Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’ve covered all bases:
- Locate the
.gitlab-ci.yml
file and any other project-specific configuration files and delete them. - Remove any scripts or custom commands that were part of the GitLab Runner setup.
- Check for any scheduled tasks or cron jobs related to GitLab Runner and remove them.
Remember, if you’re using GitLab Ultimate, you might have additional configuration files related to advanced features that also need to be addressed.
Finally, if you’ve used any rake tasks for cleanup or configuration checks, such as rake gitlab:cleanup:repos
or rake gitlab:env:info
, make sure to run them one last time to ensure that all associated data has been properly cleaned up.
Cleaning Up Dependencies and Related Software
Uninstall Associated Packages like werf and kubectl
When you uninstall GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to also remove related packages such as werf and kubectl
. These tools are often used in conjunction with GitLab Runner for managing Kubernetes clusters and deployments.
Ensure that all necessary data is backed up before proceeding, as this step cannot be reversed. For kubectl
, you may need to delete specific contexts that are no longer required. Use the command [werf kubectl config delete-context](https://werf.io/documentation/v1.2/reference/cli/werf_kubectl_config_delete_context.html) NAME
to remove the specified context from your kubeconfig.
Remember to also clean up any user-specific configuration files and revoke system permissions that were associated with these packages.
Finally, verify that all associated services have been stopped and that no scheduled jobs are left that might use werf
or kubectl
. This will prevent any unexpected behavior in your system post-uninstallation.
Remove User-Specific Configuration Files
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to remove any user-specific configuration files to prevent any potential conflicts or security issues. These files may contain sensitive information and should be handled with care. Ensure all personal data is securely erased to maintain privacy and compliance.
User-specific configurations are often stored in hidden directories within the user’s home folder. Look for directories named .gitlab-runner
or similar. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you through the process:
- Locate the user’s home directory.
- Search for
.gitlab-runner
or related configuration folders. - Carefully delete the folders and any contained files.
- Verify that no related configuration files remain.
Remember, this step is about cleaning up after the uninstallation to ensure that your system is free from remnants that could affect future installations or the security of your system.
If you encounter issues related to deprecated features, refer to the GitLab documentation on ‘Deprecations and removals by version‘ for guidance.
Revoke System Permissions and Remove Users
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to ensure that any residual system permissions are revoked and user accounts specifically created for GitLab Runner are removed. This step is vital for maintaining system security and preventing unauthorized access.
Revoke all system permissions associated with the GitLab Runner to prevent any lingering access. This includes removing any SSH keys, cron jobs, or service accounts that were used by the runner. Use the following commands to clean up permissions:
rake gitlab:cleanup:block_removed_ldap_users
rake gitlab:cleanup:dirs
rake gitlab:cleanup:repos
Next, remove the GitLab Runner user accounts. If you’ve set up GitLab-specific users, ensure they are deleted to avoid unused accounts posing a security risk. Here’s a quick guide:
- Identify GitLab Runner users.
- Use your system’s user management tools to remove these accounts.
- Confirm the removal by checking the user list.
Remember, leaving old user accounts active can be a gateway for security breaches. Always double-check that all GitLab Runner related accounts are fully removed.
By following these steps, you’ll help keep your system secure and clean from unnecessary user accounts and permissions.
Final System Cleanup and Reboot
Clear System Caches
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s a good practice to clear your system caches to ensure that no stale data remains. This can help prevent potential conflicts and free up disk space. Use system-specific commands to clear caches such as apt-get clean
on Debian-based systems or yum clean all
on RedHat-based systems.
For Windows users, the command Cleanmgr
can be invoked to open the Disk Cleanup utility. Here’s a quick list of cache types you might want to clear:
- Application cache
- System cache
- DNS cache
- User temporary files
Remember, clearing caches will not affect your system’s operation but will remove temporary files that are no longer needed.
If you’re unsure about the commands for your specific system, consult the system’s documentation or seek assistance from a system administrator. Clearing caches is generally safe, but it’s always best to proceed with caution and ensure you understand the actions being taken.
Check for Remaining GitLab Runner Artifacts
After you’ve uninstalled GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to ensure that no residual files or configurations linger on your system. Perform a thorough search across your file system for any directories or files related to GitLab Runner. Common places to check include /etc/gitlab-runner
, /home/gitlab-runner
, and any custom directories you may have used.
Use the find
command to locate any hidden artifacts: find / -name '*gitlab-runner*'
. Remember to check for cron jobs, services, or scripts that might be referencing GitLab Runner. If you find any, remove them accordingly.
It’s good practice to also look for any scheduled tasks or automation scripts that might attempt to use or update GitLab Runner. Removing these will prevent future errors and confusion.
Lastly, review your system’s startup processes to ensure that GitLab Runner is not set to run on boot. If all checks out, you can be confident that GitLab Runner has been fully removed from your system.
Reboot the System (If Necessary)
Once you’ve completed the uninstallation process, a system reboot might be necessary to ensure that all changes take effect. Rebooting is particularly crucial if you’ve encountered issues during the uninstallation that could be resolved by restarting. Before you proceed, verify that all necessary services have been stopped and that there are no pending tasks that could be disrupted by a reboot.
Rebooting should be done with caution, especially on a production server. Here’s a quick checklist to run through before restarting your system:
- Ensure all critical services are stopped
- Check for any active user sessions
- Confirm there are no ongoing system updates or installations
Remember, a reboot is not always mandatory. If your system is performing well and no errors are evident post-uninstallation, you may skip this step.
After the reboot, it’s advisable to run a system health check. Execute commands like sudo -u gitlab $(cat environment | xargs) bundle exec rake gitlab:env:info
and sudo -u gitlab $(cat environment | xargs) bundle exec rake gitlab:check
to confirm that GitLab Runner artifacts are no longer present and the system is functioning as expected.
Troubleshooting Common Uninstallation Issues
Addressing Errors After Updates
Encountering errors after updating GitLab Runner can be frustrating. Ensure your system’s compatibility with the latest version as a first step. If you’re facing a connection error, consider the following steps:
- Verify network settings and firewall rules to allow outbound requests to GitLab servers.
- Check if the GitLab Runner service is running and restart it if necessary.
- Clear system caches using commands like
sudo -u gitlab $(cat environment | xargs) bundle exec rake cache:clear
.
Remember to always backup your configuration before attempting fixes.
If issues persist, adjusting file permissions may be required. Use commands such as chmod -R ug+rwX,o-rwx /var/lib/gitlab/repositories/
to set the correct access rights. For more detailed troubleshooting, consult the GitLab documentation or seek assistance from the community forums.
Resolving Blocked GitLab Subscription Management
When managing your GitLab instance, encountering a block on subscription management can be a hurdle. To resolve this, configure GitLab to bypass fetching runner release version data from GitLab.com. This is often necessary when outbound requests are filtered, leading to blocks on GitLab subscription management.
To effectively address this issue, add customers.gitlab.com:443 to the allowlist in your network settings.
Follow these steps to modify your allowlist settings:
- Navigate to the Admin Area at the bottom of the left sidebar.
- Go to Settings > Network.
- Expand the Outbound requests section.
- Check the option to block all requests except those defined in the allowlist.
Remember, you must have administrator access to make these changes. After updating the settings, ensure to select ‘Save Changes’ to apply the new configuration. This action will prevent the error related to blocked subscription management and allow your GitLab Runner to operate without interruption.
Fixing GitLab Documentation Access Problems
Encountering access issues with GitLab documentation can be a hurdle when uninstalling GitLab Runner. To swiftly resolve this, ensure that docs.gitlab.com
and any redirected help documentation URLs are added to your allowlist. This action prevents the error message Help page documentation base url is blocked from appearing.
If you’re facing a blockage due to filtering requests, the following steps should be taken:
- Revert any recent changes that might have triggered the block.
- Add
customers.gitlab.com:443
to the allowlist to address issues with GitLab subscription management. - Save your changes to confirm the new settings.
Remember, proper access to documentation is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring a smooth uninstallation process.
In cases where outbound requests to the GitLab cloud server are restricted, add https://cloud.gitlab.com:443
to the allowlist and manually synchronize your license after granting GitLab access to the cloud server. For further guidance, consult the GitLab Duo Code Suggestions troubleshooting documentation.
Advanced Configuration Post-Uninstallation
Reconfigure SSH for Remaining Services
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to ensure that your remaining services continue to operate securely over SSH. Revert any changes made to the SSH configuration during the GitLab Runner setup. This includes restoring the sshd_config
file to its original state or the version from the OpenSSH package. Make sure to include the following lines for GitLab-specific SSH configuration:
AuthorizedKeysCommand /var/lib/gitlab/gitlab-shell/bin/gitlab-shell-authorized-keys-check gitlab %u %k
AuthorizedKeysCommandUser gitlab
Once you’ve updated the configuration, restart the sshd service to apply the changes. Additionally, if your SSH setup includes the AllowUsers
directive, remember to add the gitlab user to this list to maintain access for GitLab services.
Ensure that the SSH configuration aligns with your security policies and provides the necessary access for all authorized users and services.
For custom SSH connections, such as those on non-standard ports, update the GitLab user’s SSH config accordingly. Testing the SSH connection with the GitLab user can confirm that the configuration is correct and the service is operational.
Adjust Firewall and Network Settings
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s essential to revisit your firewall settings to ensure they align with the current state of your system. Remove any rules specific to GitLab Runner to prevent unnecessary exposure. For instance, if you had previously configured iptables to allow traffic for GitLab Runner, those rules should now be removed.
To adjust your firewall settings, follow these steps:
- Identify any existing GitLab Runner rules in your firewall configuration.
- Remove or modify these rules as necessary.
- Verify that the changes have been applied and that your firewall is functioning correctly.
Remember, maintaining a secure firewall configuration is crucial for protecting your system from unauthorized access.
Finally, ensure that any changes to the firewall do not inadvertently block other services that are still in use. It’s a good practice to review all network settings after making modifications to confirm that everything is in order.
Validate System Integrity and Performance
After uninstalling GitLab Runner, it’s crucial to ensure that your system’s integrity and performance remain uncompromised. Perform a thorough system check to verify that all components are functioning correctly. This includes reviewing system logs, checking for any unusual activity, and confirming that no residual GitLab Runner processes are running.
Use system monitoring tools to assess performance metrics. Look for any significant changes in CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk I/O that could indicate underlying issues. If you notice any performance degradation, investigate and address these as soon as possible.
Remember, maintaining a clean and efficient system post-uninstallation is key to avoiding future complications.
Lastly, consider running a security audit to ensure that all GitLab Runner related permissions and access controls have been properly revoked. This step is especially important if the runner was used in a sensitive or secure environment.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, uninstalling GitLab Runner is a straightforward process when you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Remember to first remove the runner from your GitLab project settings and then proceed with the uninstallation commands specific to your operating system. It’s essential to ensure that all related services and configurations are also purged to avoid any lingering issues. If you encounter any hiccups along the way, refer back to the troubleshooting section for guidance. With your GitLab Runner successfully uninstalled, you can now proceed to reconfigure your CI/CD setup as needed or repurpose your system resources for other tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify the registration and status of my GitLab Runner?
To verify the registration and status of your GitLab Runner, you can navigate to your GitLab project’s Settings > CI/CD section, expand the Runners tab, and check the list of runners associated with your project. Additionally, you can use the GitLab Runner command-line interface to check the status.
What information do I need before uninstalling GitLab Runner?
Before uninstalling GitLab Runner, ensure you have the registration token, administrative credentials, and access to the server where the runner is installed. Optionally, you may want to back up the runner’s configuration files.
How can I stop the GitLab Runner service?
To stop the GitLab Runner service, you need to identify the service management tool (such as systemd or init) and execute the appropriate command to stop the service, such as ‘sudo systemctl stop gitlab-runner’ for systemd.
What is the process to unregister a GitLab Runner?
To unregister a GitLab Runner, use the ‘gitlab-runner unregister’ command with the appropriate registration token. You can verify the runner’s removal by checking the Runners section in your GitLab project settings.
How do I remove GitLab Runner binaries and files after unregistering?
After unregistering the runner, locate the GitLab Runner installation directory and delete the runner executables and any related configuration files and directories.
Is it necessary to uninstall dependencies like ‘werf’ and ‘kubectl’ after removing GitLab Runner?
Yes, after removing GitLab Runner, you should also uninstall associated packages such as ‘werf’ and ‘kubectl’ to ensure there are no leftover dependencies that could affect your system.
Should I reboot my system after uninstalling GitLab Runner?
Rebooting the system after uninstalling GitLab Runner is optional but recommended if you want to ensure that all changes take effect and the system is clear of any residual configurations.
What are some common issues I might encounter when uninstalling GitLab Runner and how can I troubleshoot them?
Common issues include errors after updates, blocked GitLab subscription management, and access problems to GitLab documentation. Troubleshooting may involve reconfiguring settings, adding exceptions to firewalls, or clearing caches.