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When deleting an app in this way, does it also remove all associated files with that app? I see there are many offers of software to "clean the Mac", but are they really necessary. Does the Mac have its own tools for cleaning up any left over fragments?
iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.2
Don't think so because the app is triggered by dragging the app to be deleted into the window. If you're already deleted the app it won't know what to look for.
However, you can use to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's name in the file name. For XXXX software you'd do the following search(es):
1 - Name contains XXXX
Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.
FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.
Don't think so because the app is triggered by dragging the app to be deleted into the window. If you're already deleted the app it won't know what to look for.
However, you can use to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's name in the file name. For XXXX software you'd do the following search(es):
1 - Name contains XXXX
Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.
FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.
I use the open source app AppCleaner . It removes the app and all associated supporting files. This Firefox is an example:
It's save but need the Warning below:
WARNING: If you use AppCleaner on an app that you have other apps from the same developer, like Adobe, you must be extremely careful checking all checkboxes and deleting. Some for those files may support other apps from the same developer and deleting them can mess them up. Adobe apps is a primary example. I know from experience. For singular apps from a developer it's safe.
For many apps the best way to uninstall is to go to the developers page and see if they have instructions, especially the high end apps such as Microsoft Office, Adobe etc. Using the standard delete method will be fine for many apps. Cleanup apps and Anti-virus aren't safe to use as they are known to cause problems, however I do use an app from the App Store called Delete App: Uninstaller which lets you see what files are deleted before you commit, I have not had any issues to date.
As already noted it is best to use the developer's remove program. Short of that I use an app called "appCleaner" but even that can leave some minor program lines behind but they do not cause any issues.
Thank you for your very helpful response! I am downsizing the apps on my Mac. I had so hoped the Mac had a built-in means to clean up fragments from deleted apps, etc. Windows has Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation to keep things running smoothly and I wondered if the Mac has something like that.
I appreciate your response to my question. I was not aware of the developer's remove program. It's probably too late to do that for the few apps I have already removed, but in the future I will do just that.
Thank you for the visual on AppCleaner! Will this work on apps that have already been deleted in the manner suggested by Apple Support?
This is great! Just what I need to remove unwanted and unseen files. Thank you!!
When deleting an app in this way, does it also remove all associated files with that app?
