Uninstalling Applications/Programs

How do you uninstall an application/program? This might sound like a naive question but I'm new to Mac and don't know the best/most effective way of doing it. In Windows there is the add/remove programs utility, is there something like this for Mac and I'm just not seeing it? Any help would be appreciated.
Mick

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Most applications create preference files which are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can located them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term.
There are also several shareware utilities that can uninstall applications:
AppZapper
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

Similar Messages

How do I target my Program Files (x86) folder to uninstall applications?

I've subscribed to Cloud 6, but I first want to uninstall my CS5 products before installing the Cloud apps. I have a 64-bit system and Win 7. There is a Program Files folder and a Program Files (x86) folder where my CS5 app reside. However, I can't seem to get my Win 7 Uninstaller to target the (x86) folder, so I'm stuck. Any advice on how to properly uninstall the programs from that location?

Have you followed these steps?
http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/uninstall-creative-suite-cs5-cs5.html#main_Uninst all_Creative_Suite_5_or_CS5_5__Windows_7__Windows_Vista_
Should be all you need to do.
I recommend successfully installing and activating CS6 before you uninstall CS5.

I just uninstall a program by puting it to the trash, how can i know if the program left some folder or file?

I wanted to uninstall a program so I put it to the trash but I want to know if the program left some file or folder somewhere so I can completely eliminate.
Thanks.

Any program that simply requires you to drag it to the applications folder to install, can be uninstalled by simply deleting it. If an application goes through an "install process", it more than likely needs an uninstaller to be uninstalled completely.

I am trying to uninstall a program that is running in the background but does not show when I force quit. How do I remove it?

How do I uninstall a program that is running in the background but does not show in Force Quit?

Open Activity Monitor and look for the program. Select it and Quit or Force quit it from within Acitiviy Monitor.
Search for the application with Find Any File as it can search areas that Spotlight can't, like invisible folders, system folders and packages. You can drag the app and any associated files from the search result window to the Trash bin in the Dock.
OT

How to uninstall the program "Utilities" from the Satellite A210

How can I unistall the program "Utilities" from the Satellite A210. In the control panel I can uninstall the program "Value Added Package" but not "Utilities".
With the A210 I can't work with the FN keys and on a German Toshiba help website I have found this information:
http://aps2.toshiba-tro.de/kb0/TSB0402UR0000R01DE.htm
So I will try this sequence of installation:
- Chipset Utility
- Display Driver
- Toshiba Value Added Package V1.2.40
- Flash Cards Support Utility for Satellite L500 (see this thread why I want it to do):
http://forums.computers.toshiba-europe.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=46135&tstart=7
- Toshiba-Utilities V1.0.25.5C
and probably
- Hardware Setup V2.00.09
I hope the FN keys will work after this sequence of installation.
John

Hi again John
So here a little bit theory:
After clean OS you must install all necessary drivers and Toshiba tools and utilities. Just when everything is installed properly you will have well working operating system. Problem is that you cannot install all this in some alphabetical sequence but following right installation order.
I don't have Satellite A210 and cannot offer you exact installation order but it must be something like this one:
-Win7
-chipset driver
-storage manager
-display driver
-sound driver
-modem driver
-LAN/WLAN driver
-supervisor utility
-Synaptics touchpad driver
-Card reader
-Webcam driver
-patches
-configfree
-VAP
-Toshiba hardware setup
-HDMI control
-WLAN driver
-Toshiba assist
Please note
VAP is package with follow applications:
- Toshiba Components Common Driver
- Toshiba Utilities
- Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool
- Toshiba Power Saver
- Toshiba Button Support
- Toshiba Zooming Utility
- Toshiba Flash cards
As far as I know you cannot remove one single application. What I always do is to remove whole VAP and after notebook restart I start VAP installation again but not as standard installation. I use custom installation. There you can choose which application should be installed and which not.
To be honest I have very good experience with Win7 installation and if everything is installed properly you should be able to use flash cards with FN button.

I am new to mac can you tell me how to uninstall a program?

I purchased Office for MAC and it's terrible. In order to get a refund I have to uninstall it from my computer. Being from a PC I am not sure how to completely uninstall the program.
Can comeone tell me the steps to do this?
Thanks

Some programs, including most versions of MS Office, have an uninstaller app. Use it, since it will ensure all its pieces are correctly removed. If you cannot find Office's uninstaller or if the version you have does not have one, follow the instructions here:
How to completely remove Office for Mac 2011
For apps that do not have an uninstaller, merely dragging its icon to the Trash is sufficient. Drag the icon from the Applications folder, or wherever it happens to be installed - not the Dock.

I cannot uninstall a program

I purchased Business in a Box some time ago and was using the program without any problems. After a while I was not able to launch it and sent the details to Apple, contacted support at Busines in a Box that advised me that it was an error that was corrected. Since then they have instructed me to uninstall the program and reinstall the new version.
I CANNOT uninstall the program.
Has anyone ever used this program with similar issues?

I've had a look at their website and they seem to be saying you need to run the INSTALLER, which then has an option to UNINSTALL. Have you tried this?
They also say to try this as an alternative:
1. Open the application "Activity Monitor" on your Mac and search for Box Sync. Select "Quit Process" then choose "Force Quit."
2. Open "System Preferences," then right-click on the Box Sync icon and choose "Remove Box Sync Preference Pane"
3. Open "Finder" on your Mac, navigate to "~/Library/Application Support" and delete the "Box" folder by moving it to the trash
4. Restart your computer
Any help???

How to uninstall application software??

Hi Guys,
When a application is installed into Mac. successfully.
But now, I want to uninstalled the application, how can
I do? The application software no uninstall program.
Thanks.

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Most applications create preference files which are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can located them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term.
There are also several shareware utilities that can uninstall applications:
AppZapper
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at www.versiontracker.com or www.mackupdate.com.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

How to uninstall application in mac?

how to uninstall application in mac?

Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, EasyFind 4.9, instead.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Here is a selection:
AppZapper 2.0.1
AppDelete 3.2.6
Automaton 1.50
Hazel
AppCleaner 2.1.0
CleanApp
iTrash 1.8.2
Amnesia
Uninstaller 1.15.1
Spring Cleaning 11.0.1
Look for them at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

Uninstalling applications? and wheres the delete key.

Sorry to sound like a complete idiot. However Ive had my macbook for a full day. First impressions are exceptional, however Ive only ever used DOS, Windows PCs over the last 13years, and this is completly new to me.
First question, which does sound dumb, is where is the delete key? I know theres a back space, but no delete for deleting characters in front of the cursor??? If so what key is it?
Secondly, how do I uninstall apps? In Windows, it could be done via add/remove programs, however I have no idea what Im looking for to remove installed programs on the hdd.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Paul

Hi
As for the remaining 1% that Terence did not deal with, these are applications that are more complex in structure and typically install files in various locations. These apps come with their own uninstaller. Check whether an app has such an uninstaller when you install it. Typically, uninstall info is to be found in the Readme file that comes with the application. As Dr. Smoke says:
"Never install an application until you know how to uninstall it!"
Uninstalling applications
Matthew Whiting
Message was edited by: matthew whiting

Program not listed in "Control panel Uninstall a program". Help! - Windows 7

For some reason I cannot find the program I want to uninstall in control panel and it is really bugging me out because there is no uninstall application in the programs directory folder. Please help, Thanks :)

Hi,
Based on your description, the program is not correctly installed, in this case, install or repair the program again and then it should appear at the control panel, after a reinstallation or repair, you can choose manually to uninstall it again.
If you can’t delete it from the programs directory folder, try to boot your computer in same mode to remove them, ways of booting your computer in same mode:
1.Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
2.Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
3.On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the safe mode option you want, and then press Enter. For more information about options, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
4.Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights.
You can also follow this for detailed steps:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-hk/windows/start-computer-safe-mode#start-computer-safe-mode=windows-7
Regards
Wade Liu
TechNet Community Support

How do I uninstall the program OS mavericks?

I'm having trouble working with the program final cut after installing The Mavericks, I'm waiting for uninstalling.

Mavericks is not a program. It is the latest version of the OS X operating system ("OS") that basically controls everything your computer does. You cannot "uninstall" it like you would an application program.
There are methods to revert to an earlier OS but they are not that simple & vary depending on the previous OS version you were using, what if anything you have backed up, & how you did that.
I suggest you follow rkaufmann87's advice first, & if that doesn't help, post the info mentioned above. Also describe in more detail what trouble you are having, because there may be simpler ways to fix them than reverting to your older OS.

How do you uninstall applications from OS X?

I've been having problems with a couple of my applications, mainly Firefox (hangs, plus I prefer Safari anyway) and Office X (must be opened from the Applications folder and won't open by double-clicking on an Office document icon). I'd like to uninstall and then reinstall them, but I can't find any info anywhere (checked MS and Firefox sites as well as Apple OS X support site) on how to uninstall. (As you can tell I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to OS X.) Any help/advice would be appreciated!

Hi Catti,
Some applications have an uninstall option in the installer. You run the installer as if you were going to put the app on the drive and choose Uninstall instead.
For those that don't come with an uninstall program, you simply put the application in the trash. So put Firefox in the trash. Then press Command+F and enter "Firefox" as the search string to find any other pieces it created on the drive. For sure you'll find a .plist file (a preferences file) and maybe a couple of other small folders. Put those in the trash, also. That's it.
Office has its own uninstall application on the CD. Run that to remove all traces of Office. Don't worry about your e-mail database if you're using Entourage. It won't remove that. But make a copy of it to your desktop first just to be safe.

How do i uninstall applications on my computer

How do I uninstall programs on my computer?

There are 3rd party softwares such as app delete or appzapper that can uninstall the program more cleanly (that's what I use).
or
like sig said, mostly likely you just can just drag the app (from application folder) into the trash.
microsoft programs have uninstaller as an example.

How do i uninstall applications and their packages without littering trashcan

how do i uninstall applications and their packages without littering trashcan.
                                                                                                   *sincerly nube*

OK. That wasn't clear at first. See the following:
Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
Some software use startup daemons or agents that are a new feature of the OS. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term. Unfortunately Spotlight will not look in certain folders by default. You can modify Spotlight's behavior or use a third-party search utility, EasyFind, instead.
Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.
There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Here is a selection:
    1. AppZapper 2.0.1
    2. AppDelete 3.2.6
    3. Automaton 1.50
    4. Hazel
    5. AppCleaner 2.1.0
    6. CleanApp
    7. iTrash 1.8.2
    8. Amnesia
    9. Uninstaller 1.15.1
10. Spring Cleaning 11.0.1
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

Uninstalling Applications/Programs

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