Deleting programs and apps on the Mac under macOS is super easy at first glance: Open the Applications folder and drag the icon of the corresponding software into the trash can. Then empty it, and the hard drive is freed from the deleted apps. Or? Not at all, because usually there are still various program remnants, directories and logs that do not take up too much space, but can fill up the memory as a whole. Who himself clean my mac do not want to buy, I recommend the as a free alternative AppCleaner.
Chapter in this post:
AppCleaner - completely remove macOS apps from the Mac
AppCleaner is extremely easy to download and use. All you have to do is open up freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ go, download the right version for your operating system and you're good to go. Incidentally, the AppCleaner is saved in the download folder, but can be moved to other folders or to the desktop. To start, you just have to double-click on the directory file. These versions are available on the linked developer website:
- AppCleaner version 1.2.2 for macOS 10.4 and 10.5
- AppCleaner version 2.3 for macOS 10.6 to 10.9
- AppCleaner version 3.4 for macOS 10.10 to 10.13
- AppCleaner version 3.6 for macOS 10.13
- AppCleaner version 3.6.7 for macOS 10.14 to 13
This is how you can find all files belonging to the program
Once you have started the AppCleaner, you will be greeted by a very simple window (see above), into which you can drag individual apps from the Applications folder. This does not delete them immediately, but instead shows you which files in which directories and folders are related to the software.
Alternatively, you can switch to the list view from the "Drag and Drop" option in the top right corner. This shows you the programs installed on the Apple Mac, iMac or MacBook you are using. Native apps that are connected to the Apple system are marked with a lock symbol. So you can't uninstall it. For all others, you just click on it, select the files that are to be deleted with the program files, and click on "Delete".
Conclusion on the AppCleaner for Apple Mac
Anyone who, like me, has already run CleanMyMac no longer needs the tool, as CleanMyMac offers a function that also takes over this comprehensive uninstallation of programs. AppCleaner is free and therefore always my recommendation when someone asks me how they can get program XYZ from the disk. Especially people who come from Windows and miss the (mostly) complete deletion of programs and their directories using the built-in function in macOS will be satisfied with the presented app;)
Related Articles
5 app recommendations in November 2023- Temu – bargain hunting and criminal records
- Apple Music: Album is split into singles – explanation and solution to the problem
- Apple Mail App: Deactivate suggestions for queries (Mac + iPhone)
- 5 app recommendations in October 2023
- Taskade – AI tool for teams, start-ups and more
- After installing Chrome: Delete Google services from Launchpad
- Affinity 2.2 – This is new in Photo, Designer and Publisher
[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.
Hello Sir Apfelot,
From Windows times I use CCleaner, Onyx and Cleanmymac X only the combination of various cleaning programs like an immune system, keeps the Mac super from data garbage and vermin, bucks, etc.
Haha! Perfect! Just CCleaner has meanwhile been noticed somewhat negatively as spyware. Otherwise good choice! : D
The CCleaner spies is new to me, as licensed software for money is very trusty from Avast, thanks for the hint uninstalled
Yes, I think so, too. You wouldn't expect it from purchased software. But I suspect all these antivirus booths anyway. : D
I beg your indulgence, sir.
Of course I don't think I can teach you anything else, but in all modesty: For deleting programs I have always found and still find “App Cleaner & Uninstaller” the best. AppCleaner may be just as good at deleting itself and the associated support files. But the App Cleaner & Uninstaller is extremely flexible when it comes to finding and selecting apps and their accompanying software.
Hello Falk! Thanks for the tip: I'm sure you can teach me something. I'm just looking at what I use myself and I haven't used App Cleaner & Uninstaller yet. But now thanks to you “on the screen”. I think I'll download it one day and try it out!