Ultimate Guide to Uninstalling Apps on Mac Without Leaving Traces

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Uninstalling Programs in MacOS
3. Steps for Full Clean Removal
   1. Searching for the Application
   2. Selecting System Files
   3. Verifying and Confirming Deletion
   4. Moving to Trash and Emptying
4. Restarting the Computer
5. Older Versions of MacOS
6. Conclusion

How to Fully Remove or Uninstall Applications/Programs in MacOS

Welcome everyone to another video where I'll guide You through the process of fully removing or uninstalling an application or program in MacOS. While most users simply drag the application to the trash, it can sometimes leave behind traces or garbage on your computer. In this article, I will walk you through the steps for a full clean removal of any program or application in MacOS.

Uninstalling Programs in MacOS

When you want to uninstall a program in MacOS, the general approach is to go to the Finder, select Applications, and locate the program you want to remove. For example, if you want to remove Discord, you would typically click and drag it to the trash. While this method removes the functioning application, it may not completely clean your computer.

Steps for Full Clean Removal

To ensure a thorough removal of the application or program, follow these simple steps:

1. Searching for the Application

1. Open the Finder and click on the search bar located at the top right corner.
2. Type in the name of the application you want to remove, for example, "Brave" in this case.
3. Make sure the search is limited to your Mac by selecting "This Mac" from the drop-down menu on the right.

2. Selecting System Files

1. Click on the "+" sign next to the search bar.
2. From the drop-down menu, select "Name" and "Matches".
3. Type in the name of the application you are uninstalling, such as "Brave".
4. To include system files in the search, click on "Other" and search for "System Files". Check the box and click "OK".
5. From the drop-down menu, select "System Files" and change it to "Are Included".

3. Verifying and Confirming Deletion

1. The search results will now list everything related to the application, including their locations.
2. Go through each item listed and confirm that it is related to the application you want to uninstall.
3. Once verified, click and drag to select everything and then drag them to the trash.

4. Moving to Trash and Emptying

1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock.
2. Click on "Empty" to permanently delete the selected items.
3. Confirm the deletion by clicking on "Empty" again.

Restarting the Computer

After completing the steps for a full clean removal, it is recommended to restart your computer. Click on the Apple icon on the top left corner and select "Restart".

Older Versions of MacOS

If you are using an older version of MacOS and the search options Mentioned above are not available, follow these alternative steps:

1. Click on "Go" in the menu bar and select "Computer".
2. In the new window, use the search bar to type in the name of the application or program.
3. You should now see the search options with the "+" sign.

Conclusion

That concludes this guide on how to fully remove or uninstall applications or programs in MacOS. By following these simple and easy steps, you can ensure a thorough clean uninstallation. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to post them below. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day!

Highlights

• Learn how to fully remove or uninstall applications/programs in MacOS.
• Follow step-by-step instructions for a full clean removal.
• Ensure a thorough deletion by verifying and confirming related files.
• Restart your computer for complete removal.
• Additional steps for older versions of MacOS.

FAQ

Q: Will this method work for all applications and programs in MacOS? A: Yes, you can use this method to uninstall any application or program in MacOS.

Q: What happens if I don't restart the computer after removal? A: Restarting the computer helps ensure any remaining traces or files are completely removed from the system.

Q: Can I recover the deleted files from the trash? A: Once you empty the trash, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered using the usual methods.

Q: Are there any risks involved in this process? A: When following the steps correctly, there shouldn't be any risks. However, ensure you only delete files related to the application you want to uninstall to avoid accidental deletion of important files.

Q: Can I reinstall the application after performing a clean removal? A: Yes, you can reinstall the application again if needed. Just make sure to download it from a trusted source.

Q: Does this method remove all associated files and folders? A: This method should remove the majority of associated files and folders, but there is still a possibility of some leftover files.