Mac Deleting App Does Not Remove Assocaited Files

  

Use Launchpad to delete an app

Jan 22, 2010 Thanks and it should be noted for anyone else that you do not get an 'it's ok to delete' message you just run the command then delete. That command isn't intended to free a file so that it can be deleted, but to show what process has a file open so that you can do something (such as restarting the process) to free the file. Air drive app mac.

Launchpad offers a convenient way to delete apps that were downloaded from the App Store.

  1. To open Launchpad, click it in the Dock or open it from your Applications folder. You can also pinch closed with your thumb and three fingers on your trackpad.
  2. If you don't see the app in Launchpad, type its name in the search field at the top of the screen. Or swipe right or left with two fingers on your trackpad to show the next or previous page.
  3. Press and hold the Option (⌥) key, or click and hold any app until the apps jiggle.
  4. Click next to the app that you want to delete, then click Delete to confirm. The app is deleted immediately. Apps that don't show either didn't come from the App Store or are required by your Mac. To delete an app that didn't come from the App Store, use the Finder instead.
  • Manually removing is not just dragging the particular apps to trash, you have to go in-depth to delete each file and folder manually. You need to make an advanced search to see all the associated files to those apps. Here you will see some of the common locations where your associated files to different apps are located.
  • Manually removing is not just dragging the particular apps to trash, you have to go in-depth to delete each file and folder manually. You need to make an advanced search to see all the associated files to those apps. Here you will see some of the common locations where your associated files to different apps are located.


Deleting an app doesn't cancel any subscription you may have purchased with that app. Learn how to cancel subscriptions for apps that were downloaded from the App Store.

Use the Finder to delete an app

  1. Locate the app in the Finder. Most apps are in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or use Spotlight to find the app, then press and hold the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking the app in Spotlight.
  2. Drag the app to the Trash, or select the app and choose File > Move to Trash.
  3. If you're asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac. This is probably the name and password you use to log in to your Mac.
  4. To delete the app, choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Learn more

To use an app again after deleting it, either reinstall it or restore it from a backup.

  • To reinstall apps that were installed as part of macOS, reinstall macOS. This applies to apps such as Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
  • You can also redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books that were installed from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books.

Learn how to delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Learn what to do if the Dock contains an icon with a question mark.

Did you know that you’re probably uninstalling apps from your Mac incorrectly? This process is not so straightforward as it may seem. After dragging and dropping the app to Trash it doesn’t vanish from your machine, and many connected files are still left on your Mac. I will share several ways of getting rid of those files and folders.

The main difference between all approaches is that you can use an app that will automatically remove apps from your Mac or take some time and manually delete all those trash.

How to Manually Delete Apps

First of all, let me show you what does manual deleting means and how it works. Be careful as if you accidentally delete some important system file, other apps may become corrupted. If you are afraid of mistakes, please skip to the part where I’m talking about software solutions. If you are brave enough to experiment with your Mac, let’s proceed.

Mac Deleting App Does Not Remove Associated Files File

Assocaited

1. Move the App to Trash

All your apps are usually stored in the Applications folder. If you can’t find one, use Spotlight and locate the necessary app. Drag and drop this app to the trash bin. Here is my example — Samsung Kies.

Though it may seem you are selecting just a shortcut or a single file, there is a bundle of files. You may see them after right-clicking on this app and going to the ‘Show package contents’ section.

Your Mac may ask you whether you are sure that you want to delete this app and ask you to enter the admin password. This depends on a specific app.

Now it’s time to empty your trash bin. Right-click on the icon and click on ‘Empty Trash’ or launch it, find the ‘Empty’ button in the upper right corner and click on it.

So, it seems that the app is already uninstalled, but it is not. You have lots of associated files, cache and other garbage left by the app.

2. Use Library to Delete Associated Files

How To Delete An Application On Mac That Won't Delete

App resources are files used by them for correct functioning. They can be located in ‘Library’. Starting from MacOS X 10.7, the manufacturer locked this folder so that users don’t interfere with Mac’s work. Still, it can be unlocked and let’s learn how to do that on your Mac.

Go to Finder, click ‘Go’, hold ‘Option/Alt’ to get to the Library option and select it.

This folder will show you many other folders, some of them contain associated files with the app you want to completely remove. Now you need to visit each folder and search for that files.

Note, that accidental deleting of other important for the system files can cause serious failures and system errors. So, be careful and check twice what you remove. How to change the apps on a mac file.

My Library contains 50+ folders, so it takes time to find all the associated files. I have found them in: Caches, Containers, Application support, Logs, Frameworks, Preferences, WebKit and Saved application state.

Honestly saying, this process was time-intensive, but it is not so difficult.

3. Using Search in Your Library

You can save some time and instead of manually visiting each folder, enter the name of the app into the search bar.

This method can be also used for finding such associate files throughout your Mac, not just Library alone. Select ‘This Mac’ instead of ‘Library’ under the search bar.

Using Third-Party Apps

How To Delete An App On Mac That Won't Delete

As I mentioned before, using third-party apps can be time-saving and it is much safer, as apps never delete system files.
I usually delete apps with CleanMyMac, as it is as simple as possible and the result is brilliant. Additionally, its price is very reasonable for me.

If you are not sure whether this option is suitable for you, get a free trial. It means that even undeletable files will be removed in a couple of seconds without causing any problems to your Mac.
So, here is a quick overview of the process of uninstalling apps using CleanMyMac иonce you have it installed:

  1. Launch the app and visit the ‘Uninstaller’ tab.
  2. View all apps.
  3. Select the app for removing
  4. Select ‘Uninstall’ and CleanMyMac will delete 100% of that app from your Mac.

Mac Deleting App Does Not Remove Associated Files Permanently

This is really easy. So, try using a free version before making the final decision.

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Before saying “Goodbye” I want to remind you once again… If you are going to manually remove associated files of the app, check twice before making changes, as consequences may be fatal for your Mac.
I wish you smooth Mac functioning after deleting unnecessary apps! 🙂 See you!