Installing a software or app is extremely easy and so does uninstalling the software when you don't need them anymore? Many times, for some unknown reason, a Mac system denies to remove some data. If this is happening with you then the first thing you could try is to restart the computer and then try to remove it again, but still failed! Then what should you do?
Out of curiosity, what app were you attempting to download? I ran into this yesterday when trying to download Yosemite from a Mac running 10.6.8. – Mr Rabbit Dec 13 '14 at 0:53. In the Safari app on your Mac, click the Show Downloads button near the top-right corner of the Safari window. The button isn’t shown if the downloads list is empty. Do any of the following: Pause a download: Click the Stop button to the right of the filename in the downloads.
On the other hand, there are many stubborn software that won't get uninstalled whatsoever. You will continuously get errors, warning and unknown issues when uninstalling them. These are usually infected with viruses or the developers don't intend to let you uninstall them. This could be really very intimidating especially when they are slowing down your computer. In this article, we will show you few simple tricks to remove unwanted apps or softwares that won't delete on Mac.
Part 1. How to Delete Apps in the Finder on Mac Manually (the Hard Way)
Unlike Windows computers, Mac works a little distinctly. All the programs and apps are stored in the Application directory. The app and software configuration settings are saved in the Library/Preferences folder and any other additional supporting data are saved in the /Library/Application_Support folder. In order to remove the Apps in Mac, you only have to open the application folder and drag the app to the Bin or Trash Can. This is rather easy if the program is uninstalled simply.
However, if the application still denies to uninstall and stays on the Mac then we need to get another solution below.
Delete the Preferences
If you can't delete the app by using the above method then the reason could be that the preferences folder of that app still exists. Let's go and delete that first.
Step 1. Open Finder then click on the Go option from the dropdown menu.
Step 2. When the menu pops down, simple press the Option key and keep holding it.
Step 3. You will now see the Library option right between the Computer and Home options. Click on it and the folder should open.
NOTE The final necessary thing to do after uninstalling a program is to empty the trash can or Bin. Dragging and dropping a software shortcut icon to the Bin will actually do nothing. It is only erasing the shortcut, this won't uninstall the program. It is still laying somewhere in your computer however, if you empty the trash then the application is truly removed.
However, there's also a chance that the software files must have stored in the computer somehow, which happens quite often. So, if you are not able to remove Apps by yourself then it's better to take help from an automatic Mac program remover like CleanGeeker in Part 2..
Part 2: Completely Remove Unwanted Apps that Won't Delete on Mac (Easy Way)
When any app is fishy enough not to get deleted from a Launchpad or Finder then you will have to use some sort of force to delete that. TunesBro CleanGeeker is one of the most powerful Mac app remover that helps to remove any app or software as well as the trace from the Mac without destroying your system. Unlike other App removers, CleanGeeker can deeply scan and remove multiple apps at once, including corresponding files and preferences. It also has other miscellaneous functions as well like cleaning junk files, clearing app caches and finding + deleting duplicate items from the computer like music, documents, pictures, videos, etc. To summarize, CleanGeeker is used to optimize and organize your Mac so that it remains clean and fast as a thunder.
CleanGeeker - Force to Delete Apps on Mac, Easy and Safe!
- Locate all the installed apps on your Mac and shows them in a list.
- Deeply scan and remove apps along with its remaining files like caches, or junk files.
- Force to remove unwanted app that won’t uninstalled, easy and safe! Never destroy your system.
- Optimize and improve your Mac’s space and performance.
Step 1Download and Install App Remover Tool on Your Mac
Download the App remover and install it normally on your Mac. Launch the program and enter the license code to activate the software. On the main user interface, you will be able to see multiple options on the screen. Just click on 'Uninstaller' from the mid left sidebar.
Step 2Scan All Apps that Installed On Your Mac
Let the program search all the apps installed in your computer. It may take few minutes.
Step 2 Found and Remove Unwanted Applications on Mac
Computer Won't Turn On
Once the scanning is done, you should be able to look on all the apps that has been installed in the system. Choose the app that you want to remove and select the 'Delete' button once.
There's no software or apps that cannot be removed with CleanGeeker and that's why it's now a must have tool for everyone. Moreover, it helps to speed up your computer unbelievably fast and run it like it used to when you first bought it.
Part 3: Delete Apps Downloaded from Mac App Store
Why Wont Things Download On My Macbook Pro
One of the best alternative to delete any app is by simply deleting it from the sales page from the App Store. Once you have done that, you will no longer be able to download it form there anymore. But, the app will remain active in the iTunes account which is associated with that. So, if you wish to download or update it later from the iTunes then you will be able to do that. But the important thing is: Once you delete any app which you have downloaded from Apple App Store, you won’t be able to recover that app or find the SKU to install it again.
So, if you want to delete any app from App Store without actually removing it then follow these steps –
Step 1. Open the Launchpad from the Dock section. At this point you should be familiar with it if not then just find the Rocket icon.
Step 2. After the Launchpad is opened, it will replace the existing Windows with the apps that are provided by default in alphabetic order. You can obviously do many things using this tool but at this moment we are just erasing the unwanted apps.
Step 3. Just like any iPhone or Android phone, click and hold on the app that you want to delete until it starts dancing. Next, click on the 'X' mark with your mouse or touchscreen.
Step 4. Now, confirm that you want to delete by clicking on the 'Delete' button once and the system will get rid of it instantly.
Done! Keep in mind, that you should not worry about accidentally delete the apps that you want to keep in Mac. You’re allowed to obviously re-install any app that you have deleted before without paying any extra. Simply go to the app store and it’s done.
Related Articles & Tips
- Not enough available storage space on your device
- Downloading the update takes a long time
- Unable to reach the update server
- The update doesn't complete
If there's not enough space to update
If there isn't enough space to download and install an update, the software on your device will try to make space. It will remove only app data that it can download again and doesn't remove or relocate any of your data. If your device still doesn't have enough space, you can use your computer to update your device.
If you can't connect your device to your computer, you can make room for the update by removing content and apps on your device that you don't use. Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
Learn more about the space your apps and content use.
If the download takes a long time
You need an Internet connection to update your device. The time it takes to download the update varies according to the size of the update and your Internet speed. You can use your device normally while downloading the update, and your device will notify you when you can install it. To improve the speed of the download, avoid downloading other content and use a Wi-Fi network if you can.
If you can’t reach the update server or can’t verify the update
If you try to update your device, you might see one of these messages:
'Unable to Check for Update. An error occurred while checking for a software update.'
'Unable to Verify Update. [Software] failed verification because you are no longer connected to the Internet.'
Try updating your device again using the same network. If you still see one of these messages, try updating your device using another network or update your device with your computer. If the issue happens again after trying to update with multiple networks, remove the update.
Learn more about iOS and iPadOS updates.
If the update doesn't complete
If you're installing the update, the progress bar might appear to move slowly. The time an update takes depends on the size of the update and the number of files on your device.
When you're updating over the air, keep your device connected to a power source. If your device runs out of power, connect it to a power source and turn on the device to let the update or restore complete.
Learn what to do if your device appears frozen or won't start.
Remove and download the update again
Why Won't My Mac Update
If you still can't install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, try downloading the update again:
- Go to Settings > General > [Device name] Storage.
- Find the update in the list of apps.
- Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.
If you don’t see the update in the list of apps or if the issue happens again, you need to update your device with your computer using Finder or iTunes.