Apple unveils a new MacBook Air during an Apple launch event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Oct. 30, 2018 in New York City. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
Removing programs from a Macintosh can be very easy. In many cases, all you have to do is drag the application's icon to the Trash. Sometimes, though, applications store the files they need to run in other locations on your computer's hard drive, and finding them can take some detective work. If you are used to the uninstall option in Windows, you have a little culture shock — macOS does not have this feature built in.
Why would you want to uninstall a program? For the same reason you occasionally tidy your office or clean your garage. Clutter breeds inefficiency. Applications take up space on your hard disk and can slow your computer. Also, a new version of a program may not work correctly unless you get rid of the old one [source: Ritchie].
How to Uninstall a Program on a MacBook Pro. Apple's MacBook Pro laptop computers run Mac OS X. Based on the server-grade UNIX operating system, OS X provides a number of improvements over OS 9. Office mac 2019 download iso. One difference between the two operating systems is the method for uninstalling software. Instead of requiring you to. Because they don’t know the exact way to uninstall programs and files. It is really a common problem for users to have some difficulties while removing apps and files on macOS Big Sur. However, in the new operating system, they still face the same problem. Uninstall Apps Using the Trash Can. The easiest way to uninstall an app or program from your Mac is by using the trash can located on the Dock. Drag the application from wherever it is located on your Mac and drop it on the trash can. When you empty the trash, the application is deleted.
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Most of the time, uninstalling is this simple:
- Exit the program you want to delete.
- Open the Applications folder, which you'll find by opening a new window in the Finder, or clicking on the hard disk icon.
- Drag the icon of the program you want to uninstall to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash.
When files for the application you want to delete are all stored in one location, dragging the icon to the Trash will take care of most of the work. In Mac talk, apps like this are 'bundled.' To see the files in an application's bundle, click on its icon while holding down the Control key. You should see an option that says, 'show package contents.' Uninstalling applications downloaded from the Mac App Store is even easier — just delete the application from the Applications Folder and its accompanying folder in UserLibraryContainers [source: Tanous].
For some other programs, removal is more complicated. When installed, these programs create files in several locations, often in the System Folder. The first step in removing them is to check the program's documentation to see if there is an uninstall utility. If your program has an uninstall utility associated with it, it may have been installed with the program or included on the disk that came with it. If you downloaded a disk image to install the software, sometimes you'll find an uninstaller there. Running an uninstall utility can make removing a program much easier.
You should be aware that removing an unbundled program by moving it into the Trash can leave behind orphan files on your computer. Preferencefiles are usually small and you might want to ignore them if you're just trying to free up disk space. Background files or support files can be larger, especially for multimedia programs like GarageBand [source: MacRumors]. These files are likely to reside in Library folders in your hard drive or Home folder. They will usually be labeled with the name of the program, like Office or Acrobat, or the developer, such as Microsoft or Adobe. You can search for the relevant names using Spotlight, which is included with the Mac OS. Drag the files you find to the trash to get rid of them [source: Tanous]. .
Check out the next page for tips to make your uninstallation go even more smoothly.
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If searching through obscure corners of your computer for what could be hundreds of files sounds like something a machine could do better than you, you're right. There are plenty of software programs that do just that. They're usually your best bet for really cleaning an app off your Mac, and some of them are free. Popular examples include AppTrap, Appcleaner, and AppZapper.
Some of the files that a program might create on your hard disk are invisible. It may be tempting, especially for neat freaks, to find and delete these files. But some files are deliberately hidden because they are essential to the computer's operating system. https://vagfoj.weebly.com/blog/mac-app-store-mavericks. Deleting the wrong file could land you in deep trouble [source: Landau]. The best advice is not to go where even experienced techies fear to tread. Uninstall utilities can search out and destroy these files, but doing so on your own invites trouble.
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Another important thing to do is empty your Trash when you're finished uninstalling. Autotune 6 vst download. Moving a program's icon to the Trash doesn't actually remove the files from your hard disk or clear up any space. Only when you empty the Trash is the application really gone.
Here are some other important tips:
- When you install a program, check to see how to uninstall it. Make a note if it has its own uninstall utility or instructions.
- Before you begin any uninstalling process, check to make sure your Trash is empty or contains nothing you might want to save.
- Log on as your computer's administrator whenever you uninstall. If you're uninstalling at work and don't have administrator privileges, you'll have to consult with your tech people [source: Ritchie].
- If you opt for a third-party uninstall utility, look at the features. Some developers charge for their software, but you may not need the bells and whistles. Free utilities may work fine.
- It often makes sense to leave preference files alone. If you ever reinstall the same software, you won't have to set the preferences.
- Suites of software from a developer, such as the Office suite from Microsoft, often share files. Removing the files of one component may affect the others, so it's good to be cautious with these [source: The X Lab].
- If, after you remove a program, the icon is still in your dock, you can get rid of it by simply dragging it off the dock and letting it go [source: Tech-FAQ].
Removing software from your Mac is a lot less of a hassle than cleaning your office or garage. But clearing away computer clutter and making space on your hard disk can be just as satisfying.
Originally Published: Aug 8, 2011
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Sources
- Landau, Ted. 'Tutorial: Now you see 'em, now you don't: Invisible files in Mac OS X,' cnet.com, May 19, 2004. (Feb. 14, 2019) https://www.cnet.com/news/tutorial-now-you-see-em-now-you-dont-invisible-files-in-mac-os-x/
- FacRumors. 'Uninstalling Applications in Mac OS X,' MacRumors.com. (Feb. 16, 2019) https://web.archive.org/web/20170715163609/http://guides.macrumors.com/Uninstalling_Applications_in_Mac_OS_Xp
- Ritchie, David. 'How to Uninstall Mac Programs,' TheMacLawyer.com. October 13, 2010. (Feb. 16, 2019) http://www.themaclawyer.com/2010/10/articles/guest-posts/guest-post-how-to-uninstall-mac-programs/
- Tanous, Jim. 'How to Uninstall & Remove Mac OS X Programs and Applications,' The Mac Observer. Feb. 1, 2013. (Feb. 16, 2019) https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/answers/how-to-uninstall-remove-mac-os-x-programs-and-applications
- Tech-FAQ. 'How to Uninstall Programs on a Mac,' Tech-FAQ.com. (Feb. 16, 2019) http://www.tech-faq.com/how-to-uninstall-programs-on-a-mac.html
- The X Lab. 'Uninstalling applications,' TheXLab.com. (Feb. 16, 2019) http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/uninstallingapps.html
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Removing apps from mac is not as easy as it sounds. It may look like a simple drag and drop task, however uninstalling an application may leave several supplementary files on your device.
Manually finding out these files and deleting them can be a frustrating and time-consuming task, also they do not guarantee desired results. The use of the best uninstaller for mac is what will help you in such scenarios.
Over time these residual and cache files build up and add up gigabytes of junk which eat away a lot of system space
An uninstaller application is designed to delete the required applications and neatly clean all the leftover files associated with it. Doing this will not only reduce system load, boost its performance but also optimize your mac.
To make your task easy and help you pick the best uninstaller for mac, we have prepared a well-researched list of the most efficient tools. Let’s have a look at these dedicated tools to remove apps from mac.
9 Best Mac Uninstaller Apps to Remove Apps From Mac in 2020:
1. Easy Mac Care
Are you looking for the best uninstaller app for mac, which can enhance its speed and give you a smoother experience, then there is no better application than Easy Mac Care.
Powered with efficient features it is known for its cleaning and optimizing abilities. Use it to uninstall various apps and remove the leftover files to boost the overall efficiency and performance of your device.
Recover additional storage space by deleting system junk, duplicate files, browsing history and other unwanted files.
More than being a simple uninstaller app it also works well as a PC tune up, cache manager and startup optimization tool.
Apart from this it also works well as a system protection tool and guards your devices against harmful viruses and digital threats.
Read More: Best Free Mac optimizer and cleaner tools
2. Cleanmymac X
Cleanmymac X earns the second place on our list of mac cleaners for fairly good reasons. It is a powerful tool and comes with several utility functions including speed optimization, malware protection, and comprehensive file management capabilities.
It makes the task of uninstalling apps highly easy and can effortlessly scan and sort all your downloaded applications. It can sort them based on their category, last use, vendors, etc.
Use it to perform a system scan and check the health of your device. After a successful scan cleanmymac X will display a detailed list of all your applications along with the details of data cache, app leftovers and supporting files of each application.
Cleanmymac X is an ultimate deep cleaner utility tool. Use it to locate the unwanted apps and delete them permanently with their supporting files to reduce the system, retrieve space on your mac and boost overall system performance.
3. App Zapper
App Zapper is known for its simple working and in-depth system cleanup. With this compact uninstaller tool for mac you can simply drag and drop applications into its interface and look out for supporting files.
You can also refer to its Hit List which gives details of the apps consuming maximum space on your system. To delete apps from your Mac, simply select them along with the associated files and remove them. Apart from this, it’s Undo feature also gives you an option to recover accidentally deleted apps. Use this simple yet efficient tool to get rid of junk files, plugins, widgets and many more.
4. App Cleaner and Uninstaller
Another incredible uninstaller for mac that effortlessly deletes apps from your Mac is “App Cleaner and Uninstaller”. Use it to recover space on your mac, remove supporting files along with system junk, residual files, cache and much more.
To remove a particular application, simply select it from the application list and uninstall it. The best part about this tool is that, even if you are deleting the application manually, it will automatically remove all the supporting files. However, during this process, it ensures that no important system app is deleted.
Use it to get rid of browser extensions, plugins, unneeded installation files, prefpanes and other junk and unwanted files on your Mac.
If you want to fully optimize your mac, pick App cleaner and uninstaller for class apart results.
Read More: 7 Best Disk Cloning Apps For Mac in 2020
5. App Delete
If you are still searching for an app cleaner for mac, you can pick App delete. With this power-packed tool you can not only remove supporting and leftover files of the uninstalled app but also get rid of various screensavers, widgets, plugins, preference panes.
This helps in recovering precious system space and makes your Mac perform faster. It comes with a simple yet effective working and can effortlessly find unwanted files. Apart from the basic functionalities App Delete also comes with advanced features like Clear Logs, AppReset and Library folder.
This uninstaller for mac application comes with a Trash monitoring feature, which automatically starts deleting supporting files as soon as you uninstall an application from your device.
6. Trash Me
Next on our list of best app removers for mac is Trash Me. If you want to remove and uninstall apps from your mac it can be a great pick. Use this intelligent tool to get rid of supporting files, system cache.
The app comes with a Smart Detection Feature which when enabled will automatically start the file cleaning process as soon as you delete an app from your device. Apart from this it’s alert button also keeps sending notification messages whenever the trash bin is full.
Use the best uninstaller apps for your Mac to revoke system space by removing cache files, system junk and other unwanted files.
7. Hazel
If you are still searching for an efficient app cleaner tool for mac than Hazel. This handy uninstaller for mac earns it a place on our list because of fairly good reasons.
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It comes with a condition-based rule which starts functioning as soon as you perform certain tasks. This feature is particularly beneficial for file organizing, archiving, photo naming, for keeping your desktop clean and most importantly for deleting apps. Best mirroring app for mac.
Lost photos app mac. Apart from this it also comes with special rules and app configuration features which allows you to set limits and automatically delete files from the trash.
Powered with a simple and user-friendly interface, Hazel is a good pick if you want to keep your mac optimized. Download virtual dj 7. 4 crack.
8. CleanGeeker
Next on our list is this best free app uninstaller for mac. With this powerful tool, you can effortlessly remove apps from Mac along with their supporting files. Apart from this it also comes from a one-click feature that allows you to remove unwanted files and system junk.
Use it to optimize your Mac by deleting old downloads, duplicate files, login items, and large files. If you are struggling with the slow speed of your device, CleanGeeker will not only help you to recover disk space but will also boost its overall performance. Besides the free trial version, you can also buy its advanced version at a premium price.
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Read More: 10 Best Photo Organizer For Mac
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9. Osx Uninstaller
If the above-mentioned applications have not been of great help to you, try Osx Uninstaller to remove apps from your Mac. It comes with a clean and convenient interface with simple working. The Application intelligently displays an elaborated list of all the installed apps.
Simply select the app you wish to remove from your device, then click on the Run analysis button and press the Complete Universal button. Doing this will not only remove the app but also remove all supporting and leftover files associated with it. Keeps Your Mac protected with Osx Uninstaller.
The only drawback of this multi-functional tool is that it comes at an unreasonably high cost.
Wrapping Up
So this is it Mac users. Icloud apps list. We hope that our list of uninstallers for mac has answered all your related questions. Refer to our list and pick the best-suited app remover for mac.
All the apps mentioned above are loaded with advanced functionalities and features. Use them to delete app and system junk, recover memory space and optimize your Mac.