Comprehensive Guide- How to Permanently and Thoroughly Delete an Application from Your Mac

How to Completely Delete an Application from Mac

Are you tired of seeing unnecessary applications cluttering your Mac’s desktop? Deleting an app on a Mac is not just about dragging it to the trash. To ensure that the app is completely removed from your system, you need to follow a few additional steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to completely delete an application from your Mac.

Step 1: Open the Application

The first step in deleting an app is to open it. This is important because some applications have additional files and folders that are not visible when the app is not open. By opening the app, you make sure that all its components are accessible for deletion.

Step 2: Move the Application to the Trash

Once the app is open, you can proceed to move it to the trash. To do this, click and drag the application icon to the trash can on your dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash.”

Step 3: Empty the Trash

After moving the app to the trash, it is not yet completely deleted from your Mac. To finalize the deletion, you need to empty the trash. To do this, open the trash can by clicking on it, then click on the “Empty Trash” button. A confirmation dialog will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Click “Empty” to proceed.

Step 4: Delete Additional Files

Some applications may leave behind additional files and folders after being deleted. To ensure that the app is completely removed, you need to locate and delete these files. You can do this by searching for the app’s name in the Finder. Once you find the remaining files, drag them to the trash and empty the trash again.

Step 5: Remove Associated Preferences and Shortcuts

In some cases, applications may create preferences files or shortcuts that need to be removed. To find these files, navigate to the following locations:

– ~/Library/Preferences/
– ~/Library/Application Support/
– ~/Library/Caches/
– ~/Library/StartupItems/
– ~/Library/Scripts/
– ~/Library/QuickLook/

Search for the app’s name and delete any files or folders associated with it. Additionally, you can remove any desktop or dock shortcuts by right-clicking on them and selecting “Move to Trash.”

Step 6: Clean Up Your Mac

Now that the app is completely deleted, it’s a good idea to clean up your Mac to ensure optimal performance. You can use third-party cleaning tools or built-in utilities like “Onyx” to remove unnecessary files and optimize your system.

By following these steps, you can ensure that an application is completely deleted from your Mac. This will help you keep your desktop organized and free up valuable disk space.