How to Delete Apps from Mac: Declutter the Smart Way

Is your Mac feeling cluttered? Are you looking to free up some space or simply tidy up your Applications folder? Deleting apps you no longer need or use can refresh your system and make it run more smoothly. However, the process isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, with different types of applications requiring different approaches. This blog post will guide you through all the methods for removing apps from your Mac, ensuring you can declutter your system efficiently and safely.

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How to Delete Apps from Mac: Decluttering the Quick Way

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover a crucial preliminary step: backup your data. Whether through Time Machine or your preferred cloud storage service, ensuring your data is safe provides peace of mind in case something goes awry. You can also consider having an external storage device such as the WD Elements External Hard Drive or a Samsung External SSD to save a physical copy of your crucial data.

Now that we have a copy of our important data, here are all the methods that will help you delete apps from your Mac,

Method 1: Using the Finder

The Finder is your gateway to managing files and applications on your Mac, and it offers a straightforward way to uninstall applications. For me, Finder is the most important app on my Mac as it helps me easily navigate between all my files and storage devices, as well as view apps and other data from any location on my Mac.

So, Finder is, by default, the fastest way to delete an app from your Mac. Here are the steps to follow,

1. Open the “Finder” app on your Mac and click on the “Applications” folder.
2. Scroll through the list to find the application you want to delete.
3. Right-click (or Control-click) on the application and select “Move to Trash,” or simply drag the application icon to the Trash (which makes it more convenient).
4. Empty the Trash to permanently remove the application from your Mac.

Also Read: How to Password-Protect a Zip File on a Mac?

Method 2: Using Launchpad

For apps downloaded from the Mac App Store, Launchpad provides an easy way to uninstall them with just a few clicks. It is basically the menu drawer from where you can access all the apps installed on your Mac.

• Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or using the F4 key on your keyboard.
• Locate the app you want to remove. You can use the search bar at the top if you have many apps.
• Click and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling, and an “X” appears on the top-left corner of the icon.
• Click the “X” to delete the app, then confirm the action if prompted.

Method 3: Using the App’s Uninstaller

Some applications, especially those not obtained from the Mac App Store, come with their own uninstaller programs. This method is particularly recommended for apps that install additional components outside the Applications folder. Other than uninstallers, apps also install unnecessary other apps. For instance, you can see a VPN app installed along with an antivirus or antimalware software.

Sometimes, you might not want those apps on your Mac, so you can use method 1 or method 2 for it. However, with an uninstaller, you need to follow slightly different steps.

Here are the steps,

• Open the “Finder” app and navigate to the Applications folder.
• Look for an uninstaller associated with the app you wish to remove. This could be an option within the app’s folder or a separate uninstaller application.
• Run the uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.

Also Read: How to Move Files on Mac

Method 4: Deleting Supporting Files

Merely moving an application to the Trash doesn’t remove the files it may have created in other locations on your Mac. To completely uninstall an app and free up space, you may need to delete these supporting files:

• Go to the Finder, and in the menu bar, click “Go” then “Go to Folder…”
• Enter the following paths one at a time and click “Go” to access each folder. Look for any files or folders associated with the app you’re removing and move them to the Trash:
  
  `~/Library/Application Support/`

`~/Library/Preferences/`

`/Library/Application Support/`

`/Library/Preferences/`

Be cautious and ensure you’re deleting files related to the app you’re removing, as mistakenly deleting other files can cause issues with your system or other applications.

Wrapping It Up: Deleting Apps from your Mac to Make it Faster

Decluttering your Mac by removing unwanted apps not only frees up valuable storage space but can also improve your system’s performance. Whether through the Finder, Launchpad, the app’s built-in uninstaller, or by manually removing supporting files, you now have the knowledge to clean up your Mac efficiently.

Remember, the key to a smooth and safe decluttering process lies in backing up your data and proceeding carefully, especially when dealing with supporting files. With these tips and techniques, your Mac will feel more organized and responsive, letting you focus on what’s truly important to you.

Also Read: 9 Productivity Apps for MacBook That Are a Must Have

FAQs on Deleting Apps from Mac

This pretty much wraps up my guide on how to delete apps from Mac in every easy possible way. If you wish to share some easier methods, let us know through the comment section below. Also, if you like this article, quickly share it on your social media handles and tag us. Also, join our Telegram channel, Facebook page, and Twitter to never miss a quick update.