Uninstalling an app on a Mac is so easy, you might not even realize how to do it: just drag the app’s icon from the Applications folder into the trash. But what about applications that don’t have shortcuts, built-in system apps, and other corner cases?
This will cover most situations, but not all of them. This method leaves some junk behind, for example, but it’s mostly okay to leave it there. Some other apps may have different uninstall processes, too. So let’s look at all the different things you need to know how to uninstall applications on mac.
Table of Contents
How to Uninstall Most Applications on Mac
Most Mac applications are self-contained items that don’t mess with the rest of your system. Uninstalling an application is as simple as opening a Finder window, clicking “Applications” in the sidebar, Control-clicking or right-clicking the application’s icon, and selecting “Move to Trash.”
You can also drag-and-drop an application’s icon to the trash can icon on your dock. Or, open the Launchpad interface and drag-and-drop an application’s icon to the trash can from there.
Most applications will go straight to your trash, and you can then Control-click or right-click the trash can icon on your dock and select “Empty Trash” to get rid of that application and all the other files you’ve deleted.
However, some applications will prompt you for a password when you try to move them to the trash. These applications were installed using the Mac package installer. Uninstalling them will remove whatever system-wide changes they made.
Note that you can’t remove built-in applications by doing this. For example, try to move the Chess app to the trash and you’ll see a message saying, “Chess can’t be modified or deleted because it’s required by OS X.”
How to Remove Left Behind Files
The above method doesn’t actually erase an application’s preferences. Erase an application and it will leave preference files leftover in your Library folders. Most of the time, these files will use very little space and won’t cause a problem. The preferences will still be available on your Mac, too — this is convenient if you’re uninstalling an app only to replace it with a newer version of the same app, or if you reinstall the app later down the line. It’ll keep all your preferences from when you had it installed before.
If you absolutely must remove those files (say, if you want to reset an app to its default settings), you can use a handy app called AppCleaner to fully uninstall an app, along with all its extra files. Just launch AppCleaner, search for an application in its main window, and click on it, then click the “Remove” button in the popup window that appears.
How to Uninstall Apps That Don’t Appear in Your Applications Folder
But what about applications that don’t appear here? For example, install the Flash plug-in for Mac OS X, or the Java runtime and browser plug-in for Mac, and neither will appear in your Applications folder.
On Windows, that’s no problem — the Control Panel shows a list of all your installed programs, even ones without shortcuts. On a Mac, there’s no interface that lists all your installed software so it’s tough to even notice if you have this stuff installed.
Some applications must be removed in other ways, and you’ll generally find instructions by simply performing a web search for “uninstall [program name] mac”. For example, Adobe offers a separate uninstaller app you need to download and run to uninstall Flash on a Mac.
Oracle is even worse and doesn’t provide an easy app that will uninstall Java from Mac OS X for you. Instead, Oracle instructs you to run several terminal commands to uninstall Java after installing it. Here’s how to uninstall the Java runtime and development kit.
Come on, Oracle — at least provide a downloadable uninstaller as Adobe does.
Other software applications may provide their own downloadable uninstallers or uninstallation instructions, so perform a web search if you’re not sure how to uninstall something and you’ll find instructions.
How to Uninstall Adware and Other Crapware
Macs are now falling prey to the same epidemic of crapware Windows PCs have to deal with. The same free application download websites that serve this junk up to Windows users are serving similar junk to Mac users.
On a Windows PC, most “reputable” adware provides an uninstaller that sits in the Programs and Features list, allowing users to easily uninstall it for legal reasons. On a Mac, adware programs don’t have a similar place to list themselves in. They may want you to download and run an uninstaller app to remove them if you can even figure out which ones you have installed.
We recommend the completely free Malwarebytes for Mac if you need to purge your Mac of crapware and even Mac malware. It’ll scan your Mac for junk applications and remove them for you.
How to Remove Built-in System Apps
Macs also have no way to uninstall or install operating system features, so there’s no way to easily remove the many applications Apple included with your Mac.
On OS X 10.10 Yosemite and earlier, it was possible to open a terminal window and issue commands to delete these system apps, which are located in the /Applications folder. For example, running the following command in a terminal window would delete the built-in Chess app. Be very careful when typing the following command:
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Chess.app
As of Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan, System Integrity Protection protects these applications and other system files from being modified. This prevents you from deleting them, and it also ensures malware can’t modify these applications and infect them.
If you actually did want to remove any of these built-in apps from your Mac, you’d have to disable System Integrity Protection first. We don’t recommend that. However, you can re-enable SIP after and your Mac won’t mind that you’ve deleted Chess.app and other built-in system apps.
Really, we recommend you don’t do this. Mac OS X may automatically reinstall these applications in the future when you update the system, anyway. They don’t take up much space, and Apple provides no way to get them back beyond reinstalling OS X on your Mac.
Read about the Latest News, about Nepal Reviews, Gadgets, How-to, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Lyrics, etc. on the All Info Nepal website, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin.
You may also like: How To Setup, Rank Gigs on Fiverr and Earn in 2020 [During COVID-19]
101870 624820Das beste Webdesign Berlin erhalten Sie bei uns, genauso wie professionelles Webdesign. Denn wir sind die Webdesign Agentur mit pfiff. 995295
Thanks for finally writing about > How to Uninstall Applications on mac »
All-Info Nepal < Loved it!
What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web site, and
piece of writing is in fact fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these types of content.
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard
in favor of his site, for the reason that here every material is quality based stuff.
Here is my web-site NeoPodz Reviews
Hurrah! At last I got a weblog from where I know how to genuinely get helpful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
Very good post! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts
and I will be waiting for your further write
ups thanks once again.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to
see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a
youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed
and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic
but I had to share it with someone!
Also visit my web site … Aizen Power
It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this put up and if I may just I wish to suggest you some fascinating issues
or tips. Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring to this article.
I wish to read even more issues about it!
Feel free to visit my homepage – Pure Keto Burn Diet
It’s amazing designed for me to have a web page, which is good in support of
my knowledge. thanks admin
Feel free to visit my site Insights CBD Reviews [http://cowon.mix-connexion.com/index.php?action=profile;u=223136]
You have noted very interesting points! ps decent site.
my blog :: Venus
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking
about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly
very often inside case you shield this increase.
hello there and thank you for your info ? I?ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since I
experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I
could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage
your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out
for much more of your respective interesting content.
Ensure that you update this again soon..
Also visit my website Nature Fused Anti Aging Cream
Wonderful site you have here but I was curious about if you
knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked
about here? I’d really love to be a part of community where I
can get advice from other knowledgeable people
that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me
know. Thank you!
Look into my website: VigorMax Male Enhancement
Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Also visit my page … Optimum Keto Reviews
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading very slow
for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Thank you for your site post. Jones and I are already saving for just a new e book on this subject matter and your blog post
has made us all to save all of our money. Your thoughts really resolved all our inquiries.
In fact, a lot more than what we had known prior to when we ran into your great blog.
We no longer have doubts along with a troubled mind because you have
attended to all of our needs in this article.
Thanks
Review my site: Ketorol – Diane
–
I will right away seize your rss feed as I can’t to find your email
subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any?
Please allow me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
my homepage; TetraMale Review
I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your information. The article has really peaked my
interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking
for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Thank you for some other excellent post. The place else could anyone
get that type of info in such a perfect means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the
search for such info.
Also visit my site Green Earth CBD Reviews
What’s up, just wanted to mention, I loved this
post. It was practical. Keep on posting!
You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers
such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
At all times follow your heart.
my web-site – prettypeople.club
What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to
commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could
also create comment due to this good piece of writing.
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website genuinely stands out :
D.
Also visit my page True Keto 1800 Ingredients
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your
efforts and I will be waiting for your further post thank you
once again.
Hi there! This article couldn?t be written much better!
Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He continually kept talking about this. I will forward this
post to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read.
Thank you for sharing!
Have a look at my blog – Sparkling CBD Review
It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before end I am reading this
great article to improve my experience.
I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have introduced for your post.
They are really convincing and will certainly work.
Still, the posts are very short for starters. May you please prolong them a bit
from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
Hello. splendid job. I did not expect this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!
Hey! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the nice information you have got right here on this post. I will likely be coming again to your weblog for more soon.
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before ending I am reading this great
post to improve my knowledge.
My web site … Reneaux Review
That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read article!
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot
of completely unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission.
Do you know any techniques to help protect against content from being ripped off?
I’d really appreciate it.
Great article. It is very unfortunate that over the last years, the travel industry has had to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, as well as first ever entire global economic collapse. Through all of it the industry has proven to be solid, resilient along with dynamic, getting new methods to deal with hardship. There are constantly fresh problems and the possiblility to which the industry must just as before adapt and behave.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve
truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your
feed and I am hoping you write once more
very soon! asmr https://app.gumroad.com/asmr2021/p/best-asmr-online asmr
I actually still can’t quite believe that I could become one
of those reading the important points found on your website.
My family and I are sincerely thankful on your generosity and for presenting me the advantage to pursue my personal chosen career path.
Thank you for the important information I managed to get from your website.
Also visit my blog post – Level CBD Gummies
Every weekend i used to go to see this site, for the reason that i want enjoyment, for the reason that this
this site conations actually good funny material too.
quest bars http://j.mp/3jZgEA2 quest bars
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell
and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off
topic but I had to tell someone! scoliosis surgery https://0401mm.tumblr.com/ scoliosis surgery
Greetings! I’ve been reading your web site for a long time now
and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter
Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
cheap flights http://1704milesapart.tumblr.com/ cheap flights
you’re truly a just right webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing.
It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Also,
The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a fantastic job on this topic!
scoliosis surgery https://coub.com/stories/962966-scoliosis-surgery scoliosis surgery
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole
my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five
foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83
views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
quest bars https://www.iherb.com/search?kw=quest%20bars quest bars
875611 129314In todays news reporting clever journalists function their own slant into a story. Bloggers use it promote their works and numerous just use it for enjoyable or to stay in touch with buddies far away. 665840
maltcasino güncel giriş adresi paylaşıldı
grandbetting güncel giriş adresi paylaşılmıştır
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking about!
Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my site =).
We will have a link trade contract between us!
Also visit my web-site: http://www.tpspa.net
I gotta bookmark this internet site it seems handy handy.
My page; sex tips for women
Hello, I check your new stuff regularly. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
My web page cannabis doctor
I visited various websites but the audio quality for audio songs current
at this website is really fabulous.
Stop by my blog post; http://www.hltkd.tw
I genuinely enjoy studying on this website, it has
excellent content.
My web-site atkins diet weight loss protein based diet revolution diet plan surrounding atkins diet diet book
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was
doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let
me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!
my site: personal cannabis seeds
You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the subject matter
and found most people will approve with your blog.
Also visit my web blog :: useful weight-loss
I every time emailed this blog post page to all my friends, since if like to read it afterward my friends will
too.
My site http://www.aniene.net/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=BlanchetteFatima
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
My site: south beach diet
Definitely believe that that you stated. Your favourite
justification appeared to be on the web the easiest factor to
bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while folks consider issues that they plainly do
not recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects ,
other folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
Thanks
Check out my web blog Jens
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same
nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
click here= 토토사이트
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my
personal blogroll. https://parttimejobshiredin30minutes.wildapricot.org/ part time jobs hired in 30 minutes
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
click here= 토토
I visited many websites but the audio quality for audio songs existing at this
site is really wonderful.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
click here 먹튀검증
en iyi bahis siteleri listesi code7
I do trust all of the ideas you have offered in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too brief for beginners. May just you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.|
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having
trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it improve
over time.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say
that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope
you write again soon!
each tіjme i ueԁ too read smaller articles thatas well clear thei motive, and that iss also happening with this piece of writinjg which Iam reading at this time.
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article. Cool.
Thanks , I’ve just been looking for information about this subject forages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far.But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive in regards tothe source?
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and
I’m impressed! Very useful info particularly the last part :
) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time.
Thank you and good luck.
Great article! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared
across the internet. Shame on Google for now not positioning this
submit upper! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thanks =)