Trouble uninstalling an app

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Level 1

4 points

Trouble uninstalling an app

I'm unable to uninstall an app. I should note that I don't think the app is being affirmatively harmful. Rather, it's not functioning properly, and my goal is to uninstall it, and then download a fresh/new version of the same app from the provider and see if it works better. The app performs backups of my data and anti-virus protection. When I move the app to the Trash, I get this message: "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to access some of the items." What the heck? I can't uninstall an app I've properly purchased and installed on my computer? My question, of course, is: How do I work around the message that says I don't have the right permissions to uninstall one of my own apps?

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for any and all help.

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 12:28 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Community+ 2026

Level 9

77,540 points

Dec 29, 2023 10:13 AM in response to TryMyBest65

Those types of apps usually have an uninstall option either somewhere within the app itself, or as a separate uninstaller utility hidden within the app bundle or as a separate download from the app's developer. Check with the developer of the app for proper instructions for uninstalling the app. Some apps installers may even have an "uninstall" option when the installer is run a second time.

FYI, there is absolutely no need to have any anti-virus software, cleaning/optimizer apps, or third party security software installed on a Mac. These types of apps usually causes more problems than they solve, plus they impact system performance because they interfere with the normal operation of macOS. macOS already has great built-in security especially when the user also practices safe computing habits. You may want to review this excellent article written by a respected forum contributor which includes some safe computing habits:

Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community

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Answer 2

Jan 1, 2024 5:47 PM in response to TryMyBest65

TryMyBest65 wrote:

Thanks for responding. I was delayed in replying because of the holiday. The application is from Acronis. Thanks again.

Acronis may be one of those apps where you must run an uninstaller to remove all parts of Acronis from the bowels of macOS. However, Acronis has multiple apps, so check with Acronis on the proper way to fully uninstall the particular app you are using. More than likely from what you originally described, you will need to use the Acronis uninstaller app to remove it since backup apps and anti-virus do install into the lower bowels of macOS. Hopefully the Acronis uninstaller actually does it job completely and does not leave anything behind.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,592 points

Jan 1, 2024 4:17 PM in response to TryMyBest65

Please uninstall Acronis and leave it uninstalled. Not only is it totally unnecessary it can cause problems with Mac OS. As you have been advised by other users, Mac OS does not need any third party anti virus, cleaning, maintenance or VPN apps. If you simply keep Mac OS up-to-date and restart your Mac about 1x per week it will run quickly and securely.

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Answer 4

TryMyBest65 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 4, 2024 4:16 PM in response to HWTech

Thanks for your ongoing assistance. I will open the Acronis installer and see if it has an uninstall capability. I also read the information in the Apple Community link you provided above. Among the things I read that I didn't know is that Java can be a conduit for malware. The text from Apple Community recommended disabling Java, which I did (on both Safari and Chrome). However, ironically, I needed Java Script to make this reply in Apple Community. Rather than just re-enable Java, I provided this specific site as an exception to the general rule that Java remains disabled. But does leaving Java enabled even in this limited mode still enable vulnerabilities? After these discussions are done, I could delete even this site as an exception to disabling Java. Or perhaps this is such a narrow exception that it's not worth worrying about. Thanks again for your help.

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Answer 5

TryMyBest65 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 4, 2024 4:26 PM in response to HWTech

Well, "Install Acronis Home Office...." is one of my Applications, but I can't even get it to open. Using it to possibly help with uninstalling Acronis looks problematic.

I also use Acronis to backup my data. Alternatively, I could simply turn off "Protection" (which is principally virus scanning) and use Acronis for only backup. Thank you for your patience and assistance.

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