Google Drive) you may not even need to do this. If you are storing all your needed files already on a cloud service (i.e. Make a clone of your drive so you don't lose anything or at least copy anything that you still need, (Time Machine isn't going to cut it, because you don't want to do a migration, that will just restore the old problems.). However, I doubt you'll be overly excited about the answer:Īssuming you are using a Mac that does not allow for you to install a new SSD into it, these are the directions: There is one absolutely best surefire way to clean up your Mac, and it always means getting MASSIVE improvement on the way your OS is working, often doubling the speed it had previously been working at. I have used Macs since their inception (and before that, the Apple II).
![mac os uninstall app mac os uninstall app](https://s4827.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Uninstall-Mac-Apps-Right-Click-to-Delete.jpg)
To fully uninstall (assuming the software itself doesn't have an uninstaller), you often have to go into directories, et al, and start removing other remnants of the program. Thankfully very few apps should need to be installed this way. If you have Finder > Preferences > Advanced > When Performing a search set to Search the current folder, then you can simply press Cmd-F to search for the app or company name, when you're inside of Library.Ī few apps come with installers to put files in system locations, these are not as easy to fully uninstall unless they come with an uninstaller or an uninstall guide (usually found on the app home page). has a folder called Thunderbird directly in the Library folder. Note that some apps put things in non-standard places, Thunderbird e.g. A streaming audio app may use Caches to store some of the tracks locally for later use, to avoid issues with variable internet speeds and availability. Preferences contains app settings, most apps only have a single small xxx.plist file.Īpplication Support usually stores larger things like game saves, browser extensions and bookmarks, in some cases caches and other data created and used by the app.Ĭaches is used by apps to store data that is time consuming to generate or download, but which can easily be recreated. Non-sandboxed apps typically put files in Application Support, Preferences and Caches - and usually name files/folders by app or company name, or use a. A Container contains all the support files and is typically named as.
![mac os uninstall app mac os uninstall app](https://trendblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Application-Window-Delete-process-1024x667.png)
In Library look for Containers, Application Support, Preferences and Caches.Ĭontainers are used by sandboxed apps (i.e. Un-hide or located the Library folder in your user folder - google on ways to do this, there are a bunch of different options.
![mac os uninstall app mac os uninstall app](https://i1.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/06/how-to-delete-mac-apps-11.png)
When in Launchpad hold down Alt/Opt and click the x "button" to remove the app. In the case of Steam games it's better to delete the game through Steam.Īpp Store apps can be uninstalled using Launchpad. app file itself can simply be put in the Trash. Manually uninstalling apps and locating their support files is generally fairly easy: Just stay away from junk like CleanMyMac that is a overpriced mix of legit, dubious and snake oil features.
![mac os uninstall app mac os uninstall app](https://www.techworm.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/How-To-Uninstall-An-App-In-Mac.jpg)
There are some free app un-installers like AppCleaner. Most of the time these bit of data are small and can be ignored. app file will NOT remove the app preferences, game saves and other random data associated with the app. MacOS is usually good at maintaining itself, but removing the.