Tech

How to Delete Apps from MacBook

Becky R. Perry August 31, 2023

Are you running out of storage space on your MacBook? Or perhaps you’ve simply outgrown some apps and want to declutter your laptop? In either case, deleting unnecessary applications is a simple yet effective solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods of removing apps from your MacBook, ensuring you reclaim valuable storage space and maintain optimal system performance.

Table of Contents

  1. Drag and Drop Method
  2. Using the Finder
  3. Using Launchpad
  4. Uninstalling Software Downloaded from the Web
  5. FAQs

Drag and Drop Method

Steps to Follow:

  1. Open Finder: Go to your Applications folder.
  2. Select App: Click on the app you want to delete.
  3. Drag and Drop: Drag the app to the Trash icon on your Dock.
  4. Empty Trash: Right-click on the Trash icon and select ‘Empty Trash’.

This is the simplest method, but it may leave behind some leftover files.

Using the Finder

A Detailed Walkthrough

  1. Navigate to Applications: Open the Finder and go to the Applications folder.
  2. Locate the App: Browse or search for the application you wish to delete.
  3. Right-Click: Once you find it, right-click (or Control-click) on the app.
  4. Move to Trash: Select ‘Move to Trash’ from the contextual menu.
  5. Empty Trash: To complete the uninstallation, empty the Trash.

This is a more comprehensive approach, ensuring that additional files associated with the app are removed.

Using Launchpad

For Apps Downloaded from the App Store

  1. Access Launchpad: Click on the Launchpad icon in your Dock.
  2. Find the App: Use the search function or manually locate the app.
  3. Delete: Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle, then click on the ‘X’ that appears.
  4. Confirm: A prompt will ask you to confirm the deletion. Click ‘Delete’.

This method is most effective for apps downloaded from the App Store.

Uninstalling Software Downloaded from the Web

Some applications installed from the web may come with a dedicated uninstaller.

  1. Check Applications Folder: Look for a folder related to the app, as it may contain an uninstaller.
  2. Run Uninstaller: Double-click on the uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.

If no uninstaller is available, you may have to manually remove the associated files, which could be riskier and is generally not recommended for novice users.

FAQs

Can I recover an app after deleting it?

If the app was purchased from the App Store, you can easily re-download it. Otherwise, you may need to re-install it from the original source.

Are there apps to help delete other apps?

Yes, third-party uninstaller apps like AppCleaner can automatically remove leftover files when uninstalling apps.

What happens to the files created by the app?

Deleting an app doesn’t automatically delete the files created by that app. You’ll have to remove them manually.

Is it necessary to empty the Trash?

Until you empty the Trash, the app remains on your MacBook, taking up space.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a long-time MacBook user or new to the Apple ecosystem, understanding how to efficiently delete apps is essential for effective storage management and system performance. This guide has outlined multiple ways to remove apps, offering a method that’s suitable for every user.