Deleting apps from Mac

Hey there!

Agreed with P. Philips. The best way to rid of these apps are to follow the uninstallation instructions provided by the developer.

Otherwise, I usually search Finder for either the name of the app, or the name of the developer, and delete any associated files/folders.

First of course, you’d want to check the Applications folder if you haven’t already to remove them.

The usual suspect locations for these files and folders are:

Finder > Go > Computer > Macintosh HD (Usually) > Library. From there, check these folders:

Application Support

Extensions

Internet Plugins

Launch Agents

Launch Daemons

Scripting Additions

Startup Items

Delete any associates files from those locations.

Also from the user library, check:

Finder > Go > (While holding the Option key) > Library. Check:

Application Support

Containers

Group Containers

Internet Plugins

Launch Agents

Preferences

Saved Application State

Delete any associates files/folders.

As you’ve already Checked Macintosh HD > Users > Shared, that spot is good to go.

Once all are removed, just restart and make sure all is good.

Of course all apps are different and may have components stored in other locations based on the access you gave them when installed, etc.

I personally do this before installing an app to do so, (That’s of course if I don’t have an official uninstaller provided from the developer, considering they’re legitimate, or I being really stubborn).

Many times for apps, I can find their uninstaller in two locations, so this maybe a good step to try first:

In /Macintosh HD/Library/Name of app or developer.

Likewise by right clicking on the app > Show Package Contents.

Hope all goes well!

Q - " My suspicion is that having recently updated Excel and Word readers these have somehow opened the door to what could be a lot of Windows based junk."

A - That may totally depend on the Source and From where the Windows Applications " Excel and Word readers " were downloads from.

A - As for " One is entitled 'AnyTrans for Android' " I would dubious as to the Source of this download

A - If the user is Serious about what is installed on the computer >>>

The below will Not Remove Applications but only Inventory both the Hardware and Software

We do not have the On-Hands experience the User ( you ) has with this computer.

The next best thing for us to having a semi - actual On-Hand experience on this computer is to follow the steps below

Download the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.

The application is free or paid from added features. 

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.

 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

My short answers are the following. You can first visit any app provider's web site to look for an uninstaller app which can be downloaded. These apps will completely uninstall the app. If none is available, download and install the free app AppCleaner. When you open it, it presents a window into which you drag the app to be removed. It then presents a list of all the app's bits and pieces to be removed. You then carefully check each for having the correct app name and confirm. Then removal is complete.

Short answer is - any Third Party Application installed on the computer would require purposely and willful actions by the Admin Account User of this computer to download and give permission to install on this computer.

The usual best way to remove the Third Party Software installations, are to Check with the Developers of this unwanted Software Application for Their Specific Instructions.

Stylax wrote:

I deleted the Apps folder and ran CCleaner for good measure.

Glad that you sorted the issue- though be careful with those "Mac cleaner" apps. They often delete necessary files without any user notice.

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

Hey again, apologize for omitting something, as for the location of some third party app uninstallers, other than the App package contents are In /Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Name of app or developer.

Hope all goes well!

I had this once on my MacBook Air with a dubious program. I eventually put back a time machine backup from BEFORE the install of the app. And quess what? Even then the app was still there.

I ended up completely reinstalling my system but I Guess that's a bit harsh to do. Hope someone else knows another solution but you're not alone in this

Hey Stylax! Well done, These problems aren’t always a one step fixes all type of deal, good to hear all is okay!

Good advice and great article by John Galt and the participants.

Indeed- he's got a lot of great User Tips.

Agreed, many 👍!