The Software Removal category includes software programs, often called uninstallers, that remove applications from your computer. Along with programs that simply uninstall software, the category. When to Uninstall APPs on Mac. There is no doubt that uninstalling Mac applications is an easy.
Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Uninstalling programs from macOS is one of the easiest ways to remove or delete programs from your Mac computer. Unlike in Windows OS where programs come with their own uninstallers, deleting Mac apps is generally as straightforward as dragging the app icon to trash from the Application folder.
However, if you're new to macOS, then it might be a little bit tricky to delete apps on Mac. That's why we come up with this guide to help you learn how to uninstall applications on Mac.
Part 1. When to Uninstall APPs on Mac
There is no doubt that uninstalling Mac applications is an easy thing to do. But, have you ever wondered when it's right time to remove apps from your Mac? So, let's discuss the various situations when you may need to remove some programs on your Mac.
- If you're Mac is showing low disk space, then it's time you must consider to delete unwanted and useless applications from your Mac in an effort to free up storage space.
- If there are some third-party applications you've installed on your Mac, and they are causing lots of trouble in the proper functioning of your Mac system, then you need to delete those apps.
Keep in mind that installing a lot of applications on your Mac can cause you to slow down its performance. So, if you want to run enhance your system performance, you must install only necessary apps and get rid of ones that don't use at all.
Part 2. How to Uninstall Applications on Mac?
Well, how to uninstall apps on Mac or MacBook? Check out the following easy methods you can try to remove unwanted programs from your Mac.
1. Move to Trash
Those who are asking how to remove apps on Mac, the easiest and simplest way is to drag the app you want to uninstall into the Trash and afterward, empty the Trash folder. After emptying the trash bin, the selected app or program becomes removed from your Mac. It is a basic method of deleting Mac applications, and the method has been around since the existence of the Mac. Thus, this method works in all Mac versions from modern releases to earliest releases.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to delete apps from MacBook Pro:
- To start with, move to the Finder on your Mac, and next, go to the Applications folder.
- In Applications folders, you need to choose the app or program you want to remove from your Mac.
- After that, you can either right-click on the application icon and choose 'Move to Trash' option or you can simply drag the program icon to the Trash.
- Finally, you need to right-click on the 'Trash' can and choose 'Empty Trash'.
That's how you can uninstall programs from your Mac. If you are good at remembering keyboard shortcuts, then you can also delete the apps using keystrokes. All you need to do is to choose the app icon, and press 'Command + Delete' to transfer the selected application to Trash. Afterward, you can empty the Trash to remove it from your Mac. Mac pages to word converter.
2. Uninstall APPs with LaunchPad
There is also another easy way to remove the application from Mac, and it is using LaunchPad. Many users who are new to Mac OS or even those who don't have a habit of pinning applications to the Dock. If you're one of those users, then you might be wondering what LaunchPad is?
Well, it is an application launcher designed for Mac OS and established in Mac OS X Lion. It provides users an alternative method to start programs in macOS besides other options, like Finder, Dock, Spotlight, or Terminal. In LaunchPad, you will get to see applications that you have downloaded from the App Store or apps that are already present in macOS. Thus, it provides an easy way to uninstall applications downloaded from the App Store.
Here is the simple step-by-step guide on how to remove the software from Mac with LaunchPad:
- To begin with the process, you need to first open the LaunchPad. For this, tap it in the Dock or launch it from the Applications folder.
- After that, tap and hold down the icon of that app you like to uninstall.
- Once the app begins to jiggle, all you need to do is to tap on the (x) icon you see.
- Finally, tap on the 'Delete' button to confirm you want to remove the selected app form your Mac.
That's how you can immediately remove apps from your Mac. Applications that don't show (x) icon either didn't downloaded from the App store or included by your Mac. To uninstall an application that didn't install from the App Store, you can use the above method i.e. Move to trash.
Part 3. How to Remove Leftover Files After Deleting APPs?
Uninstalling a program from your Mac isn't as simple as you think. When you simply drag and drop program you want to delete into the Trash and then, empty Trash or delete a program with LaunchPad, the main program itself may be removed, but its associated files are left behind.
Thus, wondering how you can get rid of leftover files after you delete programs on Mac? Fortunately, macOS also provides a way to do this.
1. Reasons for Removing Leftover Files
Apps generally create various additional files that aren't deleted even after the application itself is removed. These files are known as leftovers, and they are placed in hidden folders that are not visible to you by default. Thus, these files aren't easy to locate, and they can be:
- Web-plugins
- Application caches
- Application preferences
- Temporary files.
There are a number of reasons why there is a need for deleting leftover files, which include:
- When you delete an app from your Mac, the app leftover files become useless and you don't need them anymore.
- Leftover files take up some storage space on your Mac and that's why it is required to delete them to free up space on your Mac. Plus, if you didn't get rid of these files, then it becomes difficult for you to manage these junk files, and slow down Mac performance.
- In order to completely uninstall an application on Mac, deleting leftover files after removing an app is quite a necessary thing to do.
2. How to Remove Program Files on Mac?
Just like uninstalling programs on Mac, removing their leftover files is also an easy and straightforward process. If you have made your mind to delete left behind files, then follow the below steps:
- To start with, open Finder, and next, you need to choose the 'Go to Folder' option from the Go menu.
- Here, you need to type '~/Library' into the text field that appears on your screen, and it will open the 'Library' folder.
- After that, you can need to find folders that contain the program developer name or the program name. You can either browse it or you can use 'Search' filed to do that.
- Next, you need to select the located files. After selecting the files, you need to right-click or control-click on them and choose 'Move to Trash' option.
- Finally, you can empty the trash folder.
Important Notes:
Make sure to remove the files and not the folders in which desired leftover files are present in order to prevent the accidental deletion of important files.
Part 4. How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Files on Mac?
Sometimes, many users delete some important files by mistake while they are attempting to remove the software from Mac or leftover files after uninstalling the app. If this sounds you, then there is no need to panic at all as you can still get back your accidentally deleted files using reliable data recovery software for Mac.
1. Free Download Mac File Recovery Tool
At present, there are lots of free Mac file recovery tools available out there. But, if you are looking for the most powerful and easy-to-use data recovery solution, then RecoveritMac Data Recovery software is the one. No matter how you lost or delete your files whether, by mistake or virus-attack or sudden power failure, this software can help you to recover your files under various data loss situations. Plus, it works on all Mac versions, which include the latest one macOS Mojave.
2. How to Recover Replaced Files on Mac in 3 Steps
With the help of the Recoverit file recovery program, you can get back overwritten data with a high success rate using three simple steps. Get started by downloading and installing the software from its official site on your computer and then, follow the below step-by-step guide to recover accidentally replaced file on Mac:
Step 1: Select a Disk
To begin with, run Recoverit file recovery and you need to choose a location from where you think files were overwritten or replaced. After that, click on the 'Start' button to move forward.
Step 2: Scan the Location
Now, the software will begin with an 'All-around' scan to look for the replaced files into the selected location. Here, you have to wait for a few minutes until you get scanned results.
Step 3: Preview and Recover
After the scanning, you will see all files listed in a well-categorized manner. You can preview files you want to get back and finally, click on the 'Recover' button.
Part 5. Tips for Uninstalling Programs on Mac
When you are attempting to uninstall or delete apps on MacBook, follow the below-mentioned tips to uninstalling programs safely.
- Before you start uninstalling the application, ensure that the Trash folder is empty or doesn't contain any files you might need to recover.
- When you dragging the icon of the app you want to delete, if you accidentally dragged the wrong app icon, then use 'Command + Z' at the same time to undo the last action.
- After uninstalling the app with LaunchPad, the app moved to the trash folder and so, you also need to empty the trash.
- When you are deleting leftover files after uninstalling the app, make sure to delete only left behind files of the app you have uninstalled.
- If you're unable to locate the leftover files, then you can use cleaner software for Mac that can help you to delete junk files on your Mac. A
Conclusion
That's all on how to uninstall programs on MacBook. Hopefully, the guide helps you to completely uninstall the desired applications on your Mac. If you've accidentally deleted some important files while deleting apps, then we have also provided a solution, Recoverit, to get back deleted files on Mac.
A
What's Wrong with Mac
- Recover Your Mac
- Fix Your Mac
- Delete Your Mac
- Learn Mac Hacks
It is not going to be a hectic one to uninstall programs on Mac OS X. Still, while deleting or uninstalling software, there might be some program-related files left undeleted. Unknowingly, these unwanted files occupy your hard drive space. Hence, I am writing this post with different ways to uninstall programs on Mac OS X without leaving any traces. You won't see any control panel with ‘Uninstall Programs' feature like in Windows OS. Still, it is dead easy to do so.
Different Ways To Uninstall Programs On Mac OS X
As a Mac user or beginner, do you have questions – how to uninstall programs on Mac OS X or how do I uninstall programs on Mac OS X completely? Don't you feel your Mac gets lazy in loading and irritates you while doing urgent chores? It's up to you to make it clean and refreshed to accompany your speed of working. Format the system uninstalling the storage-stealing unwanted programs and free your Mac.
Here are the various methods to delete or uninstall any software programs on Mac OS. Go with your convenient one.
That's all on how to uninstall programs on MacBook. Hopefully, the guide helps you to completely uninstall the desired applications on your Mac. If you've accidentally deleted some important files while deleting apps, then we have also provided a solution, Recoverit, to get back deleted files on Mac.
A
What's Wrong with Mac
- Recover Your Mac
- Fix Your Mac
- Delete Your Mac
- Learn Mac Hacks
It is not going to be a hectic one to uninstall programs on Mac OS X. Still, while deleting or uninstalling software, there might be some program-related files left undeleted. Unknowingly, these unwanted files occupy your hard drive space. Hence, I am writing this post with different ways to uninstall programs on Mac OS X without leaving any traces. You won't see any control panel with ‘Uninstall Programs' feature like in Windows OS. Still, it is dead easy to do so.
Different Ways To Uninstall Programs On Mac OS X
As a Mac user or beginner, do you have questions – how to uninstall programs on Mac OS X or how do I uninstall programs on Mac OS X completely? Don't you feel your Mac gets lazy in loading and irritates you while doing urgent chores? It's up to you to make it clean and refreshed to accompany your speed of working. Format the system uninstalling the storage-stealing unwanted programs and free your Mac.
Here are the various methods to delete or uninstall any software programs on Mac OS. Go with your convenient one.
#1 Uninstall Programs On Mac OS Manually
Manually, you can entirely delete or remove the programs on Mac OS X. Before that, I advise you to know about the Mac OS catalog system and file storage system. So, you can make sure that you are not deleting any other system files. If you have any specific app or program to uninstall, locate the app in the Applications folder. Open ‘Finder' >> Applications >> click on the app that you want to uninstall.
For an instant, here I am about to uninstall XMind program from my Mac OS AirBook. Either you can drag and drop the app to the Trash (available at the Dock). Or right click on the app and select ‘Move to Trash'. That's it. So simple isn't it?
If you aren't accessing the Mac OS system in the admin role, then you will be asked for the admin login name and password to trash programs.
But it is not done to the whole. There might be some obsolete files that are hidden in the subfolders. Go to the ‘Library Folder' via ‘Finder'. Using the Search function, look for the files and folders with the name of the uninstalled program. Here it is XMind, as we uninstalled it just now, manually.
Now, you may see some enclosing folders like LaunchAgents, Preferences, Application Support, Logs, Cookies, etc. Move all these files and folders to Trash. Finally, Empty the Trash.
If you didn't find anything like above while searching in the Library Folder, then it is well and good. Since not all the programs would leave its support files. Still, I recommend you to check it once after uninstalling a program on Mac OS X.
If you still see the deleted program again starting out, then there might be some extensions left undeleted. Go to System (in your hard drive) >> Extensions Folder >> locate the files (with the name of the deleted program) that end with text. Send those files to Trash and Empty the Trash once again. Now, the program is uninstalled and its support files are deleted, completely.
#2 Uninstall Mac OS X Programs Using LaunchPad
LaunchPad is the Application Launcher or the interface area in the Mac, where you can see all your installed programs. Launch Pad will be your alternative way to start applications rather using Dock, Finder, Spotlight or Terminal.
Click on F4 to open LaunchPad and locate the app which you want to delete or uninstall. Press the Option key and then click on ‘Delete' to confirm deleting the selected program. At last, check for its support files if any left undeleted, then remove it as we did above.
#3 Uninstall Programs On Mac OS X With 3rd Party App Uninstallers
All the above things like uninstalling any Mac OS programs, or removing its obsolete support files or deleting extensions were done manually. If you are not ready to spend this much time and attention to do so, then there are much easier ideas. Plenty of third-party App Uninstallers for Mac is available which you can get it from iTunes.
Among which, here I am going to share only the two – but best app uninstalling apps for Mac OS.
AppCleaner – Best Free App Uninstaller For Mac
AppCleaner is a highly preferable free uninstall app for Mac available in the marketing. It is enough to just drag and drop the program which you want to uninstall into this AppCleaner. The tool will automatically search and lets you know its scattered files like preferences, caches, etc. Click on Remove to uninstall the program and get rid of all the supportive files, to trash. Empty the Trash, at last.
The great thing is that the AppCleaner tool is available for free. Just download it from iTunes and vanish the unnecessary Mac programs within no time.
CleanMyMac3 – Best Mac Uninstaller 2018
Uninstalling Programs Mac Os
This tool is not only a leading app uninstaller for Mac. CleanMyMac3 is to clean up and optimize your entire Mac system. The tool will scans your system and removes loads of junk files, and makes your Mac system perform faster. It has plenty of built-in tools optimization tools like MacOS cleaner, malware removal, performance monitor, etc.
In its Uninstaller tool, simply select the programs which you want to uninstall. The tool will take the responsibility to uninstall the program and removing its entire obsolete files. It includes cookies, application support, preferences, etc.
#4 Uninstall Mac OS Programs With Native Uninstallers
Some applications will have its own uninstallers. Usually, these native uninstallers should be stored in the Application Folder. If the program that you want to uninstall has such native uninstaller, locate it via Finder. Then, launch it and follow the process steps as per the instructions. Since each one will have unique instructions and removal interface. For an instant, most of the Adobe products will have its native uninstallers like Adobe Flash Player Uninstaller.
There are chances to remove such native uninstallers by mistake. In those cases, you can check the developer's page and download it to uninstall programs on Mac OS. Else, try any of the above methods to get rid of the app which we discussed above.
I recommend using efficient Mac cleaner apps like CleanMyMac X for the fastest and finest uninstalling apps & cleaning obsolete files.
Final Words About Uninstalling Apps On Mac OS X
Anyways, removing or uninstalling the app from Mac OS is not so complex. Even for Mac beginners, these methods to delete the unnecessary programs on Mac system would be dead-easy. Make sure that you are completely getting rid of all its support files and emptying the trash. Though these support files don't harm your system, it can occupy your hard drive space.
Open Uninstall Programs
Why such unwanted files to be dumped in your storage space. Free it up and remove the unnecessary software to speed up your Mac performance.