How do i completely uninstall a program from my new mac?

i would usually go to control panel and then uninstall however there is no such option on a mac. How do i completly delete all files assosiated with an app? please dont tell me i need a 3rd party application

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.2

Posted on Dec 9, 2015 7:13 PM

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12 replies

Dec 9, 2015 7:33 PM in response to pany1

It somewhat depends on the application.


However, for the majority of Mac applications you would simply drag it from "Applications" to "Trash" and you are done. It's typically that simple.


For some applications such as those that integrate more deeply (such as applications that run background processes or add items to the Menu bar), the application itself should have an uninstaller that came with the installer. Sometimes simply running the same installer over again will offer to uninstall the application.


Whatever you do, do not put ANY 3rd party uninstallers, maintenance, or security applications on your new Mac as they are unnecessary and highly undesirable. If you have a problem uninstalling a particular application then just ask and someone will give you specific instructions.

Dec 9, 2015 7:41 PM in response to pany1

If it installed by drag (from Disk Image) and Drop (to Applications folder), it is removed the same way. Drag from Applications folder, Drop in Trash).


If it used an Installer program, it needs the developer's Un-Installer to be removed accurately. (occasionally, this takes the completely counter-intuitive step of downloading again to get access to the un-Installer.


As FishingAddict says, Mac cognoscenti do not ever recommend using third-party general purpose Un-Installer or Cleaner programs. They generally do not get everything, or throw away parts of Mac OS X in the process.

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How do i completely uninstall a program from my new mac?

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