How to remove software from a Mac – and why you should do so regularly
As a technology writer, I often install applications, test them, write about them, and remove them. Sure, a few such applications remain on my machines, but for the most part, it’s one and done.
After I’m done using those apps, I always remove them. Why? First, space. My MacBook Pro has finite internal storage, so I don’t want those unused apps to keep piling up. Then there are permissions. Why have an app installed that you don’t use with various permissions that could wind up being problematic later on?
Also: How to install an LLM on MacOS (and why you should)
As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And, boy, does that apply to technology.
Fortunately, MacOS makes it very easy to remove software. In fact, there are two simple ways to take care of this task, and I’m going to show you both.
How to remove software from Launchpad
What you’ll need: To make this work, you’ll need a MacOS device with an updated operating system. You should make a habit of applying updates as soon as they become available. Do this for new features but, more importantly, for security.
Click the Launchpad icon on your dock, which looks like a colorful square composed of smaller squares.
You can either scroll through the applications listed or type the name of the application in the search field.
Press and hold the Option key, and you should see the app icons wiggle and a small X will appear in the top right corner of each launcher. To delete the app in question, click the associated X. When prompted, click Delete.
The MacOS Launchpad is the easiest way to delete apps.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Alternatively, you can locate the app you want to delete in the Launchpad and simply drag and drop the icon to the trash can on your dock.
How to remove apps from Finder
You might have noticed when using the above methods, that some applications cannot be removed (the small X won’t appear in the corner when holding down the Option key). When that happens, use this method.
1. Open Finder
Open the Finder app from either your dock or Launchpad.
2. Navigate to the Applications folder
You’ll find an entry for Applications in the left sidebar. Click that entry, and you’ll see all of your installed applications in the main pane.
3. Delete the app
Locate the app you want to delete. Once found, right-click (or two-finger tap) the launcher and then click “Move to Trash.” Some app removals will require that you authenticate by either typing your password or using the fingerprint scanner. Once you’ve successfully authenticated, the app will be moved to Trash.
For apps that cannot be deleted from within Launchpad, this is just as easy.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
4. Empty your trash
Finally, right-click (or two-finger tap) the trash can icon in the dock and click Empty Trash. The app is officially gone.
It’s always a good idea to regularly empty your trash.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Congratulations, you’ve officially removed software from your MacOS device.
