How to remove/uninstall applications from your Mac?
- For the vast majority of Mac users, it’s best to resort to a more traditional app uninstall methods, or use a thorough application uninstaller utility like AppCleaner, which is free and basically does the same search process but through an automated graphical user interface.
- How to delete a Mac app using Launchpad. You can also delete an app using Launchpad, which shows all your apps in an iOS like interface. To open Launchpad, click on F4 (the button that shows a.
Removing applications from Mac OS is easy, however, some users (especially those who have switched from Windows) can find the process confusing. The default method for removing apps from a MacBook or other Apple computer is similar to that of a mobile device: hold and drag the app icon to Trash. In most cases, this all that is required to remove an application.
Some applications offer an uninstaller, however, this is not strictly necessary, since Mac OS applications do not have background components or registry files (as is the case with software designed for Windows). Also, macOS allows you to access its library freely, so you are able to manually remove any application files, such as cache or old preferences. Rarely, some corrupted or older applications require a more complicated method to remove them completely. Note that removing applications using the methods described in this article might save valuable disk space. Some application removal steps described below can also help to remove hidden files that store application serial numbers. This might be useful when attempting to install Adobe CS applications or remove Symantec AntiVirus.
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Remove applications on any Mac OS through finder
This is probably the oldest method, which has been in use since the Mac OS was first devised. Therefore, it does not matter which operating system version you are using and there is no IT knowledge required. Simply open Finder, go to the Applications folder and look for the software you wish to remove. When you have found the app, hold Control down and click it, or right-click the icon, and select Move to Trash. This option is accessible also by dragging the icon straight to the Trash can icon. If you are unable to use a mouse, trackpad or touchpad, use the Command and Delete shortcut, which also moves software to the Trash can. Once you have moved the selected programs to the Trash can, right click or Control click the Trash can icon and select Empty the Trash.
Uninstall apps installed via Mac App Store
Although software removal is simple on the Mac OS, Apple decided to add even easier way to delete apps. Note, however, that this path works only with programs installed through the App Store, so you are not able to remove apps added manually. This simplified method appeared with the Mac OS X Lion and Mountain Lion versions.
To remove programs added through the App store, open Launchpad and find the application you wish to remove, left-click and hold until the white (X) icon appears and the app icon begins to jiggle. Click the white (X) icon and confirm your action by clicking Delete in the warning message. The Drag to Trash method also works here. Using the Launchpad to remove the software allows you to skip a step (where clearing the Trash is required) and programs disappear immediately.
Many iOS users will recognize this method, since removing app from their iPhones, iPads or iPod touch is identical. Even Android users might be familiar with this method. Apple attempts to simplify their operating system with every new version.
Remove the software's library files, caches and preferences
Rarely, some applications leave preference files and caches after deletion. These usually do not affect operation of the Mac or affect performance, but they will use hard drive space. If your system has low capacity SSDs or the hard drive is almost full, remove these files. To make cleaning easier, we recommend Combo Cleaner, which deletes software and associated files such as saved states, preferences, caches, temporary files, etc. Furthermore, this utility offers Drive, RAM, and CPU monitoring features.
If you prefer to clean the Mac manually, remove app support files usually located in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder. Look for folders or files with the name of the software you wish to remove. Sometimes they are named by developer, rather than the title of the app. Preferences are usually stored in the ~/Library/Preferences/ directory.
Cache files are stored within the ~/Library/Caches/ folder.
Again, these files should not affect Mac performance, but they use hard drive space. So remove them to obtain more space. If you lack drive space generally, check this article for detailed information how to obtain more available space.
Applications with uninstaller utility included
Programs developed for Mac OS are usually delivered without an uninstaller, however, some have this feature, thus allowing you to remove apps and all associated files in one step. As a rule, software from Adobe or Microsoft comes with an uninstaller, since some of the apps install additional software, which place library files and affiliated programs in separate directories. For instance, by default, Adobe Photoshop installs the Photoshop application in addition to Stock Photos, Help Viewer, Adobe Bridge, and other programs. If you do not wish to use these additional features, you may delete them manually as with any other app. Alternatively, use the included uninstaller, which is provided whether you have downloaded the install from the web or a DVD. If the software you wish to uninstall contains an uninstaller app, it is probably best to use this, since it is an official method, suggested by developer, to remove the program.
Removing Kernel Extensions and Hidden files
How To Remove An App From Your Macbook
If you have deleted an Application and all associated files from Library folders and still notice some fragments of the removed software, this might be caused by a kernel extension or hidden file. Before you remove the files, research the components of the particular application. Note: Kernel extensions are necessary for correct functioning of the operating system. Do not delete these files permanently until you are sure that they are not necessary for Mac OS. Kernel extensions are stored in the /System/Library/Extensions and contains .kext format. Look for files or folders with the name of your removed software or vendor. For example, old copies of Symantec software might leave SymEvent.kext and SymOSXKernelUtilities.kext files hidden on your system. These can be removed as with any general file, but before you delete them permanently, first leave a copy on the desktop and move the original to the Trash. Do not clear the Trash can until you reboot the Mac and check that it is working properly and the issues are solved. Otherwise, restore the files and try others.
Hidden files are usually identifiable as their names have a (.) in the beginning. These types of files are not displayed in Finder by default. Developers use this method for authentication purposes, and most of them are stored in the home folder. To detect these files, you can use Terminal (which is within the Utilities folder.) With the help of Terminal, you can delete the hidden content. Execute following commands to list all contents from the home folder (~), and then remove the hidden file with the name .parallels_settings:
- cd ~
- ls -al
- sudo rm .parallels_settings
- Note: using sudo command to delete any file will require you to enter an administrator account password.