Introduction
One of the troubles that Mac users face is when they want to uninstall apps from their computers. Whether it is to free up space or to remove unwanted apps, the process of uninstalling on a Mac can be confusing to a beginner.
This article will go over five possible methods for uninstalling on a Mac and provide step-by-step guides, compare the pros and cons of each method, and offer tips for troubleshooting issues. It will also share common mistakes that users make while uninstalling apps and suggest alternative options for managing apps. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to successfully uninstall apps on your Mac quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first method of uninstalling an app is by dragging it to the trash. This may appear easy, but it doesn’t actually remove all associated files, meaning that it consumes unnecessary storage on your Mac hard drive. Here’s how to do it fully:
- Open a Finder window and locate the app that you want to delete.
- Drag the app icon to the Trash icon located at the dock. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Delete.
- If prompted, enter your Administrator password to authorize the deletion.
- Open the Trash bin icon.
- Press Control and click the app you want to delete.
- Select Delete immediately.
- Confirm when prompted to make sure that you’re really sure you want to obliterate the app.
Removing Associated Files and Folders
After you’ve dragged the app to the Trash, there are still leftover files, library folders, and preferences stored in other locations on your Mac. To remove all related folders and supporting files for the deleted app, you should follow these additional instructions:
- In the Finder menu, click on “Go”.
- Click on “Go to Folder…”
- In the search box, type “~/Library/.”
- Delete the files and folders associated with the app you uninstalled.
- Empty the trash.
Identifying and Removing Hidden Files
Some apps leave behind hidden files that are not visible in the Finder. This data can accumulate with time and end up consuming a significant amount of space. To locate and remove these files:
- Open Terminal.
- Type in “sudo find / -name ‘appname'” and replace appname with the name of the app that you’ve just uninstalled.
- Delete the identified files and folders associated with the app.
- Empty the trash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are common mistakes that Mac users make while uninstalling apps. Some of them include:
- Dragging the app icon to the Trash which doesn’t remove all supporting files.
- Deleting only the application and not supporting files.
- Manually searching for supporting files instead of completing a search through Finder.
- Trying to remove the app while it is still open or running in the background.
Ensuring a Complete Uninstall
To fully uninstall an app from your Mac, you should consider using a third-party uninstaller that examines the entire system, locates all related files, and uninstalls the app and its associated files. This is more efficient compared to manually deleting files and folders. This ensures that you maximize your Mac’s performance by freeing up space and eradicating unnecessary files.
Comparison of Uninstallation Methods
The Mac operating system provides several solutions for uninstalling apps. Learning the pros and cons of each method can help you choose the most effective approach:
Using Finder
Finder is a built-in Mac program that can be used to uninstall apps. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to see the apps you have installed on your Mac. However, it doesn’t remove all supporting files.
Using Launchpad
Launchpad is an app that lets you see all the apps installed on your Mac. It removes both the app and its supporting files. Its drawback is the inability to find hidden files.
Using Third-Party Utilities
Third-party apps like AppCleaner and CleanMyMac X go an extra mile to erased-all supporting files on Mac. They efficiently remove all app-related data. However, they require a fee or subscription.
Which is the Best Method for Me?
The best method for you depends on personal preference. The built-in options provide an efficient solution, but third-party apps offer enhanced removal capabilities at a cost.
Troubleshooting Uninstallation Issues
Uninstallation may present some challenges. Knowing how to overcome these problems can help ensure that you do not get stuck halfway through the removal process.
Frozen Apps
Apps can freeze while being removed. If this happens, you can:
- Right click on the app icon on the dock and select “Force Quit”.
- Go to Activity Monitor and force quit the frozen app process.
- Restart your Mac and retry removing the app.
Error Messages
If an error message pops up when uninstalling an app, you can resolve the issue by:
- Checking if the app is still running in the background.
- Using a different uninstallation method like Launchpad or third-party utilities.
- Restarting your Mac and retrying the uninstallation process.
Alternative Options for App Removal
If you don’t want to remove an app, there are alternative options:
Organize Apps into Folders
To make it easy to locate and use apps, you could put your apps into custom folders. This is especially useful if you have a lot of apps installed on your Mac.
Disable Certain Apps
If you find that apps are slowing down your Mac, you can temporarily disable them until you need them. This way, the apps will not run in the background, consuming unnecessary system resources.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has given you five different methods for uninstalling apps on a Mac. The importance of removing supporting files has been emphasized, and tips for identifying and removing hidden files have been provided. Common mistakes have been highlighted, and users have been advised on alternative methods for managing apps. All these tips will help you efficiently manage your Mac’s storage space and keep it running smoothly.
The best uninstallation method to use varies. Users must choose which method to use based on their needs. With the knowledge and tips provided in this article, you are better equipped to manage and uninstall apps on your Mac.