If you're a Mac user, you may find yourself in need of uninstalling an application or program at some point. Whether it's because you want to free up some space on your hard drive, or because you no longer need the software, uninstalling a program on a Mac is a relatively simple process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to uninstall programs and apps on a Mac, including the different methods you can use and some tips to ensure that you do it correctly. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of how to remove unwanted software from your Mac and keep your computer running smoothly.
How to Uninstall Programs/Apps on Mac in Different Ways?
Uninstalling programs on a Mac is not difficult to perform, but it can vary depending on how the program was installed. In the following part, we will cover three methods for uninstalling programs on a Mac: using Launchpad, using Finder, and using a third-party uninstaller.
Method 1: Uninstall Programs/Apps on Mac from Launchpad
Launchpad is a built-in tool designed to help you access and manage your applications in one place. Typically, you can remove a program on your Mac with Launchpad if it was downloaded from the App Store or verified by your Mac.
Step 1 Click on the Launchpad icon in the Dock. The icon looks like a rocket ship.
Step 2 Find the application you want to uninstall. You can use the search bar or scroll through the list of applications.
Step 3 Click and hold the program's icon until it starts to jiggle.
Step 4 Click on the "X" button in the upper-left corner of the program icon.
Step 5 A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the app. Click on "Delete" to confirm that you want to uninstall the program. Once you've deleted the program, its icon will disappear from Launchpad.
Note that not all programs can be uninstalled through Launchpad. If you don't see the "X" button when you try to uninstall a program, you'll need to use a different method.
Method 2: Uninstall Programs/Apps on Mac Using the Applications Folder in Finder
If you download the program from outside of App Store, you can’t succeed in uninstalling it from Launchpad. Given that, Finder is another way helping to uninstall unwanted applications.
Step 1 Open the Finder window to click on "Applications" in the left sidebar.
Step 2 Find the program you want to uninstall.
Step 3 Choose “Move to Trash” from the context menu when you right-click the application. If prompted, enter your administrator password to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
Step 4 Right-click on the Trash can icon in the Dock and select "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the program.
Note that this method may not remove all traces of the program from your Mac. Some files may be left behind in other folders, such as your Library folder. To ensure that all files associated with the program are removed, you may need to use a third-party uninstaller.
Method 3: Uninstall Programs/Apps on Mac Using a Third-Party Uninstaller
Third-party uninstallers are applications designed to completely remove programs from your Mac, including any files that may be left behind by the default uninstallation process. If you want to completely remove all traces of an application, including its associated files and preferences as well as any hidden files or folders, you can use third-party uninstaller apps like AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, iBoysoft MagicMenu, and more. Let’s take iBoysoft MagicMenu as an example.
Step 1 Go to Finder > Applications to locate the app you’d like to uninstall after the successful installation of iBoysoft MagicMenu.
Step 2 Choose “Uninstall” with the right-click on the undesirable software.
Step 3 Press “Uninstall” again to delete all the found files associated with the application.
Step 4 Complete your confirmation by clicking “Yes” and quit the program by clicking “Close”.
Using a third-party uninstaller can be helpful if you want to ensure that all traces of a program are removed from your Mac but you had better review the third-party uninstaller to check if it is safe to use.
Tips for Uninstalling Programs on a Mac
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when uninstalling programs on a Mac.
- Always use the official uninstallation method when it's available.
- Be careful when manually deleting files or folders, as this can cause issues with other applications.
- Use third-party uninstaller apps if you want to ensure that all components of an application are removed from your Mac.
- Regularly uninstall programs that you no longer need to free up space on your hard drive.
Final Thoughts
uninstalling programs on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be done through Launchpad, Finder, or a third-party uninstaller. If you are unsure whether a program has been completely removed, you can use a tool like Spotlight or Finder to search for any remaining files.
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