Do you want to remove programs from your Mac? You have a number of choices! Here’s how to remove apps and programs from your Mac.
On the surface, uninstalling programs on a Mac appears to be simple, but it isn’t. There is a separate uninstall option in Windows’ settings. However, there is no similar utility in macOS; instead, you must delete the software from the Applications folder. However, the app frequently leaves some traces behind.
Learn how to remove apps on a Mac using a variety of approaches in our guide. It should also assist you in deleting apps that won’t erase regularly on your Mac.
On a Mac, there’s a difference between uninstalling and deleting apps.
Uninstalling an app on a Mac is as simple as deleting it from the Applications folder. If you’re coming from a Windows PC, this may seem unusual, but dumping an app on macOS won’t break anything. So, regardless of whether you want to “uninstall” or “remove” a program, you must follow the steps outlined below.
Option 1: Empty the Trash Can of Apps
Delete Mac apps by dragging them to the trash.
The most straightforward approach to remove an app from your Mac is to drag its icon to the Trash. You can’t drag the app’s icon from the Launchpad or the Dock to the Trash; you have to delete it from the Applications folder in Finder.
Then, on the Dock, Control-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash to permanently delete the app. If you are unable to clear the trash, you can usually fix the problem by forcing the trash to empty.
This technique removes all of the app’s files from the Applications folder, which may include more than the app itself. Control-click on an app and select Show Package Contents to see its contents.
While this method will uninstall most apps completely, it may leave behind library or other related files in some cases. Instead, use the next way to remove everything from a specified app.
Option 2. Use AppCleaner to Delete Apps Fully
Two different ways are available to macOS for app files. There are many files associated with the app. These files can be found in the library folder or in another folder. You will need to also delete any associated files (junk) in order to uninstall an app completely. This will save you storage space and make your system run faster.
AppCleaner, a free utility, helps you to delete all files associated with an app. AppCleaner will open and show you a blank area in which you can drag any app to be deleted. AppCleaner can also be used to remove unwanted apps from your Mac such as GarageBand and Pages.
To see a complete list of your apps, click on the List button located in the toolbar. You can also search for an application from the top.
AppCleaner’s transparency in the uninstallation process is its best feature. You can click on any app to see all the associated files. The app will automatically choose the safest files to delete.
You can still browse the list and choose files you don’t think are important. To delete the app and any related files, click on the Remove button.
Download AppCleaner Free
Option 3. Automate the Process With AppCleaner’s SmartDelete
It might be worthwhile automating the process of removing junk files if you are someone who is always looking for new apps. AppCleaner’s SmartDelete functionality is a great option.
Open AppCleaner’s Preferences panel and switch to the smartDelete tab. Next, toggle the switch from ON. When you move an app into the Trash, a popup will appear asking you if you would like to also move any associated files to Trash. Select Remove and uncheck any items that you don’t wish to delete.
Option 4. Use Dedicated App Uninstallers
Certain companies provide their own installers when you download apps. These apps come with their own installers and updates utilities. It is difficult to uninstall them completely.
Adobe makes it unnecessarily complicated, especially since they are the ones who created it. Even if an Adobe app is deleted, the helper utility or menu bar app will still show put. These cases won’t be helped by an app such as AppCleaner.
You can only get rid of such apps by using their uninstaller. Open Spotlight or Finder search, and search for the name of the app followed by “uninstaller”. Open the app you found and begin the uninstallation process.
Google a search for the app if you are unable to find it on your Mac. You may be able to download uninstallers for specific apps.
Option 5. Remove Related App Files From the Library
The Library folder contains application resources. These files are required for an app to function properly. Unless you use App Cleaner, any files that are related or associated with an app deleted on Mac will usually remain in the Library folder.
It can be dangerous to mess with Library files. It can cause crashes and data loss if you delete files that are critical to macOS. If you are confident in your knowledge and want to delete only specific files that are related to an application, you can follow these steps:
- By default, the Library folder is hidden. To reveal it, open Locator and click on the Go link in the menu bar. While holding the Option keys, hold the Library folder key. Click on the Library item from the dropdown.
- Click on the search button. Enter the name of your app or file. To narrow your search down to the Library folder, click on the Library link.
- Select the file you are interested in and drag it to Trash. After you have emptied the Trash you can delete the file from your computer.
Option 6. Uninstall Apps on a Mac Using the Terminal
Terminal is an excellent tool to take matters in your own hands. Instead of downloading third-party apps and trusting them, you can do the job with just one command.
You don’t have to be a Terminal pro, but you can use the following command to remove an app from your computer. Simply open Terminal Applications> Utility, and then type the following command.
sudo uninstall file://Drag the app icon to the Terminal window. It will then automatically enter the app’s path. As such:
sudo uninstall file:///Applications/vlc.appUse to enter. The third slash after Applications indicates that the password is required.
You can also use the following command if you are having trouble.
sudo rm -rf
To add , add one space at the end of your command. Drag the app into Terminal and input the path before you press Enter. Here’s an example:
sudo rm -rf /Applications/vlc.app
Warning: Be careful when running the sudo-rm –rfcommand. Incorrectly putting a path in a command can cause data loss.
For added convenience, use simple Mac utilities
You now know how to remove apps from a Mac in any way you can think of. You’ll discover that simple Mac utilities have a lot of charm, even if you’re trying out many different Mac apps. These apps are often developed by passionate independent developers, and they are free of bloatware. They aren’t cluttered with files and folders in the Library folder, which makes them much easier to remove. To manage your calendars, search files, expand text and convert videos to Mac utilities, you can use these simple tools.
