Removing applications on a Mac is easier than you might think. However, especially for people emigrating from the Microsoft system, it can be a real challenge. How to uninstall programs on Mac?
Installing and uninstalling applications from the Internet or disc on a Mac
You can download and install applications from the Internet or install applications from the disc. If you no longer need the application, you can delete it.
Uninstalling the application
You can delete applications downloaded and installed from the Internet or installed from a disc.
- Click on the Mac on the Finder icon in the Dock, and then click on Applications in the Finder sidebar.
- Perform the following actions:
- If the application is in a folder, open the folder to check if it has an uninstaller. If you see the icon Uninstall [application name], Uninstall [application name] or similar, double-click on it and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If the application is not in the folder or there is no uninstaller, drag the application from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
If you change your mind and opt out of removing the application, you can recover it before emptying the Recycle Bin – select the application in the Recycle Bin, then choose File> Restore from Recycle Bin.
To uninstall applications purchased from the App Store, use Launchpad.
Removing applications using the Launchpad
Launchpad is a convenient way to remove applications downloaded from the App Store.
- To open the Launchpad, click it in the Dock or open from the Applications folder. You can also slide your thumb and three fingers on the trackpad.
- If you don’t see the application in Launchpad, enter its name in the search box at the top of the screen. You can also swipe left or right with two fingers on the trackpad to display the next or previous page.
- Hold down the Option (⌥) key or click and hold any application until the application starts shaking.
- Click the button next to the application you want to remove, and then click Delete to confirm. The application will be deleted immediately. If you don’t see the button next to the application you want to remove, the application does not come from the App Store or is required by a Mac. To remove an application that does not come from the App Store, use the Finder.
Removing the application does not cancel the subscription purchased with the application. Learn how to unsubscribe from apps downloaded from the App Store.
Remove application using the Finder
- Find the application in the Finder. Most applications are located in the Applications folder. To open it, click Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. You can also use the Spotlight function to find an application and then press and hold the Command (⌘) key by double-clicking the application in the Spotlight function.
- Drag the application to the Trash or select File> Move to Trash.
- If prompted for a username and password, enter the name and password of the Mac administrator account. This is most likely the username and password you use to log in to your Mac.
- To remove the application, select Finder> Empty Trash.