How to completely remove a program from mac os
Jul 28, 2025 am 02:40 AM
To completely uninstall programs on macOS, you must manually delete the application and its associated files; first drag the application from the "Applications" folder to the Trash, and then delete the relevant support files in ~/Library/Application Support, ~/Library/Preferences, ~/Library/Caches, ~/Library/Containers, and ~/Library/Logs through "Go to Folder". Then remove the login item in the system settings, delete the relevant extensions in the browser, and use third-party tools such as AppCleaner to automatically scan the residual files if necessary, and finally clear the Trash to completely delete all files, so as to ensure that the program is completely removed and avoid taking up space or causing conflicts.
Uninstalling a program on macOS isn't always as simple as dragging the app to the Trash. Many apps leave behind support files, preferences, caches, and other data that can take up space or cause conflicts. To completely remove a program from macOS , follow these steps:
1. Remove the App from Applications
Start with the basics:
- Open Finder .
- Go to the Applications folder.
- Locate the app you want to remove.
- Drag it to the Trash , or right-click and select Move to Trash .
?? This removes the main app, but not all associated files.
2. Delete Related Support Files and Preferences
Apps often store data in hidden folders in your user directory. Here's where to look:
Open Finder , then press Shift Command G to bring up “Go to Folder,” and enter each of the following paths one by one:
~/Library/Application Support/
~/Library/Application Support/
Look for a folder with the app's name or developer and delete it.
~/Library/Preferences/
~/Library/Preferences/
Search for .plist files related to the app (eg, com.company.appname.plist ).
~/Library/Caches/
~/Library/Caches/
Delete any cache folders associated with the app.
~/Library/Containers/ (for sandboxed apps)
~/Library/Containers/
Some apps (especially from the Mac App Store) store data here.
~/Library/Logs/
~/Library/Logs/
Remove any app-specific log folders if present.
? Tip: The
~means your user home folder. These Library folders are hidden by default in newer macOS versions, which is why you need to use “Go to Folder.”
3. Check for Login Items and Extensions
Some apps add themselves to start automatically or install system extensions.
Remove Login Items:
- Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) .
- Click General > Login Items .
- Select any entries related to the app and click the – button to remove.
Remove Browser Extensions (if applicable):
- Open Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
- Go to Extensions or Add-ons.
- Uninstall any extensions tied to the removed app.
Remove Menu Bar or System Extensions:
- Some apps install status menu extras (eg, in the top-right corner).
- Right-click and see if there's an option to remove, or check the app's settings before uninstalling.
4. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller (Optional but Helpful)
If you'd rather not manually hunt down every file, use a trusted uninstaller tool:
- AppCleaner (Free): Lightweight and effective. Just drag the app into it, and it finds related files for deletion.
- CleanMyMac X (Paid): Offers deeper system cleanup, including uninstaller, junk removal, and malware scan.
- AppZapper (Paid): Long-standing favorite for through app removal.
These tools automate the process and help ensure nothing is left behind.
5. Empty the Trash
After deleting the app and its files:
- Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash .
- This permanently removes all files.
? If the app required admin rights, you might be prompted for your password during deletion.
Summary Checklist
To make sure you've fully removed a program:
- [ ] App moved from Applications to Trash
- [ ] Support files deleted from
~/Library/Application Support - [ ] Preferences (.plist) removed from
~/Library/Preferences - [ ] Caches cleared from
~/Library/Caches - [ ] Containers or extensions removed if applicable
- [ ] Login items disabled
- [ ] Trash emptied
It's not complicated, but skipping the Library files means you're not really “completely” removing the app. A little extra effort keeps your Mac clean and running smoothly.
The above is the detailed content of How to completely remove a program from mac os. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
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