This is how to completely delete apps and any residual data off your Mac

Users who have just migrated from Windows to Mac may find something strange: they can't find a place to uninstall the application in the system settings. So, how to uninstall it? The answer is: find the application in Finder and drag it to the Trash.

Yes, it's that simple. Open the Finder, go to the application folder, and drag any unwanted programs to the Trash icon on the Dock. You may be asked to enter a password or use a fingerprint scanner, but that's basically the whole process – the application is uninstalled. If you prefer to use the keyboard, just use the shortcut key Command Delete.

This is all you need to do: It's so simple that it confuses new users. But once you get used to macOS, it feels very reasonable.

How to completely uninstall applications on macOS

The above method works well for most people, but it has one drawback: it will leave some files behind.

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You may change settings from time to time when you use the application. Your computer stores these settings and other software-related files in a hidden location in the user folder, called Library. In addition to deleting the application itself, deleting these files is also an easy way to free up storage space.

In theory, you can open the folder, search for any files related to a specific application, and then delete them manually. However, it's easier to use a tool like AppCleaner: It's free, easy to use, and widely recommended among Mac professionals. I've been using this app for years and have never encountered any problems. Once the software is installed, you can drag the app on top of it, or click the icon in the upper right corner to view the list of apps on your Mac.

Select any item in the list and you will see a pop-up menu with the application and all the files in the Library folder associated with it.

To delete them, just click Delete . If you want to batch uninstall the software, you can press and hold the Command button while clicking the application name.

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This is a quick and easy way to batch uninstall applications on your Mac, and it does it very thoroughly. App Cleaner even adds up the total size of the items you want to delete so that you know exactly how much hard disk space is freed. Unfortunately, even with tools like AppCleaner, you can't delete applications built into your Mac. This frustrates many users who want to remove chess apps or prefer software from other manufacturers, but there is no real way to do this without turning off the security features that are best not to move around.

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