I just attempted to delete an app and its associated files using the App Cleaner app. I got a message saying "protected apps" cannot be deleted. Never got this before. How do I change the protection status of an app?
Thanks
MacBook Air 11″, macOS 10.15
What is the app you are trying to delete? If it is one of the Apple apps that come with the MacOS, then you cannot remove it.
Why delete those apps, they take up an insignificant amount of disk space.
I am questioning the wisdom of using programs like "App Cleaner" if it is trying to remove part of the MacOS.
I just tried deleting the app using the AppCleaner app again. This time deletion was successful. I suspect that on my first try I unintentionally attempted to delete one of the macOS components. The FaceTime app was adjacent to the ExpressVPN app in the Applications list.
I use the AppCleaner app to delete apps because it also deletes affiliated files.
Good points by @ steve626.
Builtin Application can not be removed - period.
I understand that components of macOS cannot be removed. Perhaps I should have been clear about that. The app I want to delete is Express VPN.
changing protection status of apps
