How do I block Google from installing programs on my Macbook

This annoys me as well, but that's Google for ya.

It does the same thing on Windows, though you can uncheck the box and not have these added (in Windows only, because... well, reasons). They're shortcuts to Google services in web, that's correct, partially because Google doesn't have standalone desktop productivity apps for them like Numbers, Keynotes, Word, Excel etc. do.

I've used Finder to remove those shortcuts: locate them in Finder -> Applications, select them one-by-one or all of them, hit Command + Backspace (or whatever this key is called on Apple keyboard), confirm the removal - and you're good to go.

Also, few notes about unattended installation - when you start the installer (of whatever software) and authorise with your password (or TouchID/FaceID), you're essentially granting it all privileges (to a degree) to do whatever it needs to install what IT wants and create as many shortcuts as IT wants to create. Look no further than DaVinci Resolve - this is the amount of shortcuts and programs that one installer... well, installs, in one go.

So, it's a perfect time to just give a reminder - be very careful with what you download and where.

Select one of the apps in the finder and press command+i. What does the get info window say? Or post a screen shot of the get info window.

It would seem, the user has some Other Google Applications installed on this computer.

It that correct ?

If so what are the Application from Google .

Generally, Applications can not be installed without the Expressed Consent / Permission of the User.

To help in inventorying both the HArdware and Software on this computer >>

Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.

This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.

It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer 

The application is free or paid from added features. 

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

mccass wrote:

OK, I understand. They are only "shortcuts" to the WebService.

Thanks for the explanation.

Still don't like the fact that an external company put these on my computer without my permission.

There is no way to block them from doing that?

They did not put anything on your computer without permission. Did you access a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide? Did you access Google Drive? If so, you created the link not Google.

As one of my Learned Colleagues has mentioned above this reply.

This dovetails into what was mentioned at the outset " Generally, Applications can not be installed without the Expressed Consent / Permission of the User."

By using Google Services this permission was granted

I think some information is missing. There are no standalone Google Docs/Sheets/Slide apps for macOS.

Those are online services by Google. Please follow dialabrain's instructions.

As Others More Learned than I on this specific issue have mentioned.

These are not really Applications installed On the Internal Drive but rather Services associate with Google

Those files are much too small to be standalone apps. They appear to be links to the respective Google Services. And it's quite likely they are part of using Google Drive.

mccass wrote:

Hi there, thanks for the quick response.

Indeed, I have Google Drive installed because we use that in a community.

Could be the problem.

I have a problem because I didn't gave permission to install unattendent programs.

Just to clarify " we use that in a community. " ?

Care to elaborate on this