Uninstall Mac apps and delete left behind files If the idea of deleting apps and digging into secret libraries on your Mac to remove associated files is daunting, we have a better solution. CleanMyMacX is a best Mac utility that helps manage your apps and files, in addition to a ton of other features. We look at these types of uninstall processes in a separate article: How to remove Mac antivirus software. You can't delete apps like Safari or Mail, or any other apps that come as part of MacOS.
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].
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Most of the time, uninstalling is this simple:
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. Transmission remote mac app. 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. Open source swift mac apps.
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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. 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. 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:
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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Many people had reported that they are unable to uninstall the McAfee after they have used it for the trial period, or after using when it came pre-installed with their new laptop.
This type of problem is common with security programs, and it is not much alarming. However, it is necessary to uninstall McAfee entirely before installing any other security program on your system to avoid the conflicts.
How To Uninstall App On Mac
If you are one of those people who are undergoing this problem, then this guide is just for you.
In this guide, we would discuss some methods that can help you to uninstall the McAfee security solution from your system completely.
Uninstall using Windows Settings
The easiest method to get rid of McAfee is using Windows inbuilt settings.
Uninstall using McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool
If you are unable to uninstall the McAfee through Windows settings, then you can try McAfee’s official removal tool known as McAfee Consumer Product Removal or MCPR tool.
1. Download the latest version of MCPR from the official site of McAfee.
2. Run it after it gets downloaded, you will notice it does not require installation.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the uninstallation process to complete. It will take some time, depending on the processing speed of the system.
4. Once done, the McAfee programs on your system should have gone. If you like to get more information, click on ‘View Logs.’
Uninstalling McAfee on a Mac
Usually, it is quite easy to remove applications from macOS. However, things are different with McAfee. It is complicated to remove it even on Mac since it does not get uninstalled in the usual way. Here are the steps to do that:
1. Check whether you are signed in with the Administrator account or not. Of not, then do that.
2. Open the Applications and click on Utilities Folder. Look for the Terminal and open it.
3. Now you have to enter a command to uninstall the McAfee from the device. However, the command depends on the version of McAfee you are using. For instance, for McAfee version 4.8 or earlier enter following command:
sudo /Library/McAfee/cma/uninstall.sh
And for McAfee version 5.0 and later use the following command:
sudo /Library/McAfee/cma/scripts/uninstall.sh
After entering the command according to your version of McAfee, hit Enter
4. The macOS should remove all the programs and files related to McAfee from your Mac device.
How To Uninstall Apps That Won't UninstallFinal WordsDelete Apps From Mac
So these are the top solutions to remove McAfee from your device altogether. However, sometimes you may find it difficult to remove it even after using MCPR on Windows and Terminal on Mac. In that case, it is better to get a good uninstaller to remove McAfee.
Can't Uninstall App Mac Os
Furthermore, we understand that there might be several reasons that have prompted you to get rid of McAfee, but securing your computer is also essential. If you are not satisfied with McAfee, then there are many more alternative security program options you can go for. Windows Defender is good, but getting a proper antimalware would be more beneficial.
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