
- How to uninstall a program in mac how to#
- How to uninstall a program in mac mac os x#
- How to uninstall a program in mac install#
- How to uninstall a program in mac software#
- How to uninstall a program in mac free#
Next, head to the user’s library folder (in OS X Lion and above, hold down the Option key while selecting the “Go” menu from the Finder’s menu bar and select “Library”). Select any associated processes and click “Quit Process” to end them. You can check this by looking at the processes listed in the Activity Monitor application (there’s a search filter there to narrow the list down if it’s too long). To manually remove an OS X app, first make sure the app is closed and that no services associated with it are running.
How to uninstall a program in mac install#
Many apps, however, also install additional files in the user’s Library folder, such as application preferences and caches. app file and select “Show Package Contents” to see what’s inside).ĭeleting an application bundle will remove that application’s binary and all the supporting files contained within. app bundle (if you’re curious, right-click on any. Unlike Windows, in which an application usually installs a folder that contains the executable and supporting files, most of what an OS X app needs to run is stored within the. (Feb.In general, applications in OS X are packaged into a “.app” bundle that appears to be a single file but is actually a self-contained folder.
How to uninstall a program in mac mac os x#
"How to Uninstall & Remove Mac OS X Programs and Applications," The Mac Observer. "Uninstalling Applications in Mac OS X,".

"Tutorial: Now you see 'em, now you don't: Invisible files in Mac OS X,", May 19, 2004. But clearing away computer clutter and making space on your hard disk can be just as satisfying.
How to uninstall a program in mac software#
Removing software from your Mac is a lot less of a hassle than cleaning your office or garage. If, after you remove a program, the icon is still in your dock, you can get rid of it by simply dragging it off the dock and letting it go.Removing the files of one component may affect the others, so it's good to be cautious with these. Suites of software from a developer, such as the Office suite from Microsoft, often share files.If you ever reinstall the same software, you won't have to set the preferences. It often makes sense to leave preference files alone.Some developers charge for their software, but you may not need the bells and whistles. If you opt for a third-party uninstall utility, look at the features.If you're uninstalling at work and don't have administrator privileges, you'll have to consult with your tech people. Log on as your computer's administrator whenever you uninstall.Before you begin any uninstalling process, check to make sure your Trash is empty or contains nothing you might want to save.Make a note if it has its own uninstall utility or instructions.
How to uninstall a program in mac how to#
When you install a program, check to see how to uninstall it.Ĭheck out the next page for tips to make your uninstallation go even more smoothly. Drag the files you find to the trash to get rid of them. You can search for the relevant names using Spotlight, which is included with the Mac OS. They will usually be labeled with the name of the program, like Office or Acrobat, or the developer, such as Microsoft or Adobe. These files are likely to reside in Library folders in your hard drive or Home folder. Background files or support files can be larger, especially for multimedia programs like GarageBand.
How to uninstall a program in mac free#
Preference files are usually small and you might want to ignore them if you're just trying to free up disk space.

You should be aware that removing an unbundled program by moving it into the Trash can leave behind orphan files on your computer. Running an uninstall utility can make removing a program much easier.

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If you downloaded a disk image to install the software, sometimes you'll find an uninstaller there. 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. The first step in removing them is to check the program's documentation to see if there is an uninstall utility. When installed, these programs create files in several locations, often in the System Folder. įor some other programs, removal is more complicated. 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 User\Library\Containers. 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. 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.
