How to Reset htop Configuration to Default on Ubuntu

This guide explains how to restore the htop system monitor to its original settings on Ubuntu. If you have customized colors, columns, or meters and want to start fresh, you simply need to remove the specific configuration file stored in your home directory. The following steps provide a quick and safe method to delete these settings and regenerate the defaults upon the next launch.

Close htop

Ensure that htop is not currently running in any terminal window. If it is open, press q to quit the application before proceeding with file modifications.

Remove the Configuration File

Open your terminal and execute the following command to delete the existing configuration file. This file stores all your personal customizations.

rm ~/.config/htop/htoprc

If you are using an older version of htop or Ubuntu, the configuration file might be located directly in your home directory as a hidden file. In that case, run:

rm ~/.htoprc

Launch htop

Start htop again by typing the following command:

htop

The application will detect that the configuration file is missing and automatically generate a new one with the default factory settings. Your columns, colors, and meter arrangements will now be reset to the original state.