As a MacBook owner, keeping your apps tidy should be part of your regular device maintenance. Over time, unused or unwanted apps can clutter up your system – taking up precious storage, slowing down performance, and generally creating a mess. Learn how to delete apps from MacBook, which you no longer need.
To delete apps from a MacBook, first fully force quit out of the app to close it. Then drag the app file to the Trash or use Launchpad to delete the icon. Finally, empty the Trash to fully erase the app from the system.
Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to clean and optimize your MacBook.
Key Takeaways
- Force quit apps before deleting to fully close processes.
- Move app files to the Trash via Finder or Launchpad.
- Empty the Trash after moving apps to it to complete deletion.
- Use uninstaller utilities like AppCleaner for removing leftovers.
- Troubleshoot issues by force quitting, rebooting, switching methods.
- Reinstall deleted apps through redownloads, backups, or installers.
- Avoid deleting system apps in System/Library folders.
- Regular app removal optimizes storage, performance, security, and organization.
- Finder and Launchpad both enable app deletion, each with pros and cons.
- Ongoing app removal prevents clutter and keeps Mac optimized.
How to Delete Apps from MacBook
Here’s a detail breakdown of this question. We’ve come up with easy and quick method to delete apps from MacBook.
Continue reading for more.
- Force Quit the App
- Move the App File to the Trash
- Empty the Trash
Step 1: Force Quit the App
Here’s the first step of how to delete apps from MacBook. Before deleting, always make sure to fully force quit out of the application first. This closes out all processes/tasks associated with the app and allows it to be removed cleanly.
Here’s how to force quit on Mac:
- Click the Apple menu and select “Force Quit”
- Choose the app you want to delete
- Click the “Force Quit” button to close it
Force quitting frees up any files or memory still tied up by the actively running app – clearing the path for deletion. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Move the App File to the Trash
Once force quit, you can move the actual application file to the Trash. This severs it from your MacBook but doesn’t delete it completely until you empty the Trash.
You have two options for trashing the app file:
Delete from Finder
- Open Finder and click “Applications”
- Drag and drop the app to eject it to the Trash
Remove from Launchpad
- Click the Launchpad icon in your Dock
- Click and hold the app icon until they all jiggle
- Click the “X” icon in the upper corner to banish the app to the Trash
Finder gives you access to all associated app files to remove. Launchpad provides a streamlined view of just the app icons themselves. Choose your preferred method!
Step 3: Empty the Trash
This final step complete the deletion process by fully erasing the app file from your system.
- Open the Trash folder
- Select the discarded app(s)
- Click “Empty” to wipe the app(s) from your MacBook forever
This is the final step of how to delete apps from MacBook. Emptying the Trash frees up the storage space the app file was occupying – crucial for recovering precious GBs!
Enlisting Uninstallers for Complete App Eradication
Sometimes an app leaves behind hidden files and folders even after you delete it. This is where uninstallers come in handy! These utilities scour your system for any remaining app remnants.
Top options include:
- AppCleaner – Scans and deletes associated files/folders
- CleanMyMac X – Full uninstall manager built into this Mac optimizer
- TrashMe – Lightweight but effective uninstaller
While uninstallers aren’t mandatory, they help fully purge every last trace of unwanted apps.
Troubleshooting Tips for Difficult App Deletions
Once in awhile you may encounter a stubborn app that refuses deletion. Try these troubleshooting tactics when an app won’t budge:
- Reboot your MacBook to clear any locks/freezes
- Use Activity Monitor to close related processes
- Switch deletion methods (Finder vs Launchpad)
- Employ Terminal for manual removal
With some Mac magic, even the most persistent app can eventually be vanished into the void!
Methods for Reinstalling Deleted Apps
Uh oh, deleted something important? Not to worry – here’s how to retrieve deleted apps:
- Redownload App Store apps for free
- Restore from a Time Machine or other backup
- Use the original .app or .dmg installer file
As long as the app is archived somewhere, recovery is possible!
Avoiding Unintentional App Deletions
When banishing apps from your system, the last thing you want is to accidentally delete something vital. Here are some tips to delete apps safely:
- Never remove anything in System or Library
- Backup your MacBook before any major deletion
- Carefully check app names/icons before confirming removal
Proceeding with caution will prevent you from inadvertently destroying important MacOS apps and utilities.
| App Deletion Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Finder | Full access to app files | Can be tedious to locate files |
| Launchpad | Simple view of just app icons | No access to associated files |
| Uninstallers | Remove all app traces | Adds extra steps |
| Terminal | Powerful manual deletion | Complex for beginners |
| Force Quit | Ensures app closure | Doesn’t directly delete app |
| Emptying Trash | Completes deletion | Easy to forget step |
Reclaim Your MacBook with App Removal
Now that you’re armed with app deletion expertise, it’s time to clean out your MacBook! Here are some major benefits you’ll enjoy:
- More Available Storage – Reclaim GBs of space for files you actually need
- Faster Performance – Remove bulky apps slowing down your system
- Increased Security – Delete outdated apps with vulnerabilities
- Less Clutter – Eliminate useless app icons crowding your desktop
- Improved Organization – Only keep apps you regularly use
Make app removal a regular routine and keep your MacBook running like new!
FAQs
How do I get rid of an app that won’t delete from my MacBook?
Try force quitting, rebooting your Mac, using Activity Monitor, switching delete methods, or manual Terminal removal for stubborn apps. Persistence pays off!
Where do I find uninstallers to remove all app traces from my Mac?
AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, and TrashMe are highly rated uninstaller programs made specifically for uninstalling Mac apps.
What’s the easiest way to delete apps on my MacBook Air?
Dragging and dropping app files from Finder to the Trash is the most direct deletion method. For greater visibility, delete directly from Launchpad.
How can I recover a deleted app that I still need on my MacBook Pro?
You can redownload App Store apps, restore from Time Machine or other backups, or reinstall from the original .dmg/.app installer file.
What happens if I accidentally delete essential System apps on my Mac?
Deleting core system apps can corrupt your OS installation. You’ll need to reformat your drive and reinstall macOS in most cases to fix it.
Conclusion
Deleting unused apps is an easy way to optimize your MacBook’s performance and free up valuable storage space. Learn how to delete apps from MacBook is not a big deal. With just a few clicks, you can remove unwanted apps and reclaim GBs on your hard drive. Be sure to fully quit apps before deleting, empty the Trash to complete removal, and utilize uninstallers for full app elimination.
Regularly reviewing and removing unneeded apps should become part of your general Mac maintenance routine. Keep this guide on hand for a quick reference on properly removing apps from your MacBook whenever needed.
