Completely deleting a program from Mac isn’t an easy task as it seems to be. Just removing the application from the Applications folder doesn’t remove all the files associated with it, and those files continue to take up valuable space on your system. Additionally, the leftover files can cause some programs to malfunction or even make your system unstable. Therefore, it’s crucial to get rid of all the associated files while deleting a program from Mac.
If you’re also facing these challenges while trying to delete a program from your Mac, then you’ve landed on the right page. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the methods that can help you completely delete a program from Mac. So, let’s dive in!
Video Tutorial:
Things You Should Prepare for?
Before we start with the methods, there are a few things that you need to prepare for. These include:
1. Make sure the program you’re trying to delete is not running in the background.
2. Back up your files and data before deleting any program.
3. Know the exact name of the program and the files associated with it.
4. Close all the associated windows and documents.
Method 1: Delete Program Using App Cleaner & Uninstaller
App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a third-party application that allows you to uninstall any program on your Mac completely. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Download and install App Cleaner & Uninstaller on your Mac.
2. Launch the App Cleaner & Uninstaller from the Applications folder.
3. Select the Application you want to uninstall from the list of applications.
4. Click on the Remove button.
Steps:
1. Launch App Cleaner & Uninstaller
2. Select the Application you want to uninstall from the list of applications.
3. Click on the Remove button.
Pros:
– User friendly interface.
– Manages to remove all associated files.
Cons:
– Some users might not prefer using a third-party application.
Method 2: Using the Launchpad
Launchpad is a pre-installed application on Mac’s operating system that allows you to organize and delete applications quickly. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Open the Launchpad.
2. Locate the application you want to delete.
3. Click and hold on the Application’s icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click on the "X" button to delete the application.
Steps:
1. Open the Launchpad.
2. Locate the application you want to delete.
3. Click and hold on the Application’s icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click on the "X" button to delete the application.
Pros:
– Built-in application, no need to download or install any third-party apps.
– Easy to use and navigate.
Cons:
– Only works for Applications downloaded from the Mac App store.
– Doesn’t remove all the files associated with the application completely.
Method 3: Manual Deletion
If you’re comfortable with using the Terminal, then this method might be for you. Here’s how you can delete the application manually.
1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Type the command "cd /Applications/" without quotation marks.
3. Type the command "ls -al" to show all the installed applications.
4. Locate the folder with the name of the application you want to delete.
5. Type the command "sudo rm -r" followed by a space and the exact name of the folder in quotation marks.
6. Press Enter, and the Application will be deleted.
Steps:
1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Type the command "cd /Applications/" without quotation marks.
3. Type the command "ls -al" to show all the installed applications.
4. Locate the folder with the name of the application you want to delete.
5. Type the command "sudo rm -r" followed by a space and the exact name of the folder in quotation marks.
6. Press Enter, and the Application will be deleted.
Pros:
– Free of cost.
– You have more control over the deletion process.
Cons:
– Requires some technical knowledge.
– Can harm your system if not executed correctly.
Why Can’t I Completely Delete A Program from Mac?
1. Some files associated with the application might be running in the background.
2. You might not have special privileges to delete the file.
3. The program you’re trying to delete might not be located in the Applications folder.
Fixes:
1. Make sure all the associated files and application are not running in the background.
2. Gain admin access to the application you want to delete.
3. Use a third-party application like App Cleaner & Uninstaller.
Additional Tips
1. Always backup your files before deleting any program.
2. Always check if there’s a dedicated uninstaller for any application you want to delete.
3. Always double-check before deleting any files manually.
4. Perform disk cleanup regularly to free up space on your system.
FAQs
Q: Can I delete an application using the Finder?
A: Yes, you can. Locate the application in the Finder, right-click the application’s icon, and select Move to Trash.
Q: How do I know if the associated files are deleted?
A: You can use applications like App Cleaner & Uninstaller to check if all the files associated with the application are deleted.
Q: Can I delete multiple applications at once?
A: Yes, you can. Select multiple applications and delete them using any of the above methods.
Q: Is it safe to delete files using the Terminal?
A: It depends. If you’re not well-versed with using the Terminal, then you might end up deleting critical system files. Always backup your system before using Terminal.
Q: Can I recover deleted files?
A: Yes, you can use data recovery software to recover deleted files. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll recover all your files.
In Conclusion
Deleting a program from your Mac might seem like an easy task, but it’s crucial to get rid of all the files associated with it. We’ve discussed three methods that can help you delete an application completely from your Mac. Always backup your data before deleting any files. If you’re not comfortable using the Terminal, then use the built-in application like Launchpad or third-party software like App Cleaner & Uninstaller.