Unistalling Applications

[marty1990]

Okay, so I know that to uninstall an application, you go to the Finder > Applications > drag the icon into the trash.

Apparently some applications leave some traces, and you're supposed to go to the Finder again and search for the name of the application etc. and delete any other tracers.

I've downloaded and installed/uninstalled only a couple of applications so far. I installed Google Chrome as a test uninstall. Removed it from Applications, then did the search through Finder to attempt to find any other files. I couldn't find anything, so presumed that was that. Reinstalled Chrome, because I use it anyway.

I downloaded iProcrastinate from the Mac App Store and didn't really like it, so removed it the same way as I had done with Chrome. Did a search through Finder for iProcrastinate after I had deleted it, and couldn't find anything.

Now, I'm confused, because I thought there would be some traces left from both of these applications? Also, is simply deleting the application from Applications enough for it to be uninstalled? Since my Mac is new, and I've never had one before, I don't particularly want to be messing about with files and ending up deleting something accidentally that I actually need.

 

[Macman45]

Unless You Know

Okay, so I know that to uninstall an application, you go to the Finder > Applications > drag the icon into the trash.

Apparently some applications leave some traces, and you're supposed to go to the Finder again and search for the name of the application etc. and delete any other tracers.

I've downloaded and installed/uninstalled only a couple of applications so far. I installed Google Chrome as a test uninstall. Removed it from Applications, then did the search through Finder to attempt to find any other files. I couldn't find anything, so presumed that was that. Reinstalled Chrome, because I use it anyway.

I downloaded iProcrastinate from the Mac App Store and didn't really like it, so removed it the same way as I had done with Chrome. Did a search through Finder for iProcrastinate after I had deleted it, and couldn't find anything.

Now, I'm confused, because I thought there would be some traces left from both of these applications? Also, is simply deleting the application from Applications enough for it to be uninstalled? Since my Mac is new, and I've never had one before, I don't particularly want to be messing about with files and ending up deleting something accidentally that I actually need.

What to look for, you will miss things. I use app cleaner which removes those files left behind. There are other apps that do the same job, but I like appcleaner. Simple to use, you just drag the application to the interface and it does the rest.

 

[marty1990]

I thought app cleaner type applications were unsafe, as they can remove too much?

 

[Macman45]

I've never Had

I thought app cleaner type applications were unsafe, as they can remove too much?

Any issues with appcleaner, check the site and the reviews out if you are concerned.

 

[Weaselboy]

I thought app cleaner type applications were unsafe, as they can remove too much?

They can if they automatically remove a file thought to be associated with the deleted app, but actually belonging to something else.

I use Easyfind to manually search for files to delete when removing an app.

 

[GGJstudios]

I like appcleaner.

I thought app cleaner type applications were unsafe, as they can remove too much?

In most cases, app removal software doesn't do a thorough job of finding and removing files/folders related to deleted apps. For more information, read this.

One app that I would not recommend, based on the number of complaints that have been posted in this forum and elsewhere, is CleanMyMac. As an example: CleanMyMac cleaned too much.

The most effective method for complete app removal is manual deletion:

Best way to FULLY DELETE a program​

 

[Macman45]

True

In most cases, app removal software doesn't do a thorough job of finding and removing files/folders related to deleted apps. For more information, read this.

One app that I would not recommend, based on the number of complaints that have been posted in this forum and elsewhere, is CleanMyMac. As an example: CleanMyMac cleaned too much.

The most effective method for complete app removal is manual deletion:

Best way to FULLY DELETE a program​

And it's the best way to go...Thing is not all users are comfortable deleting files and you can get into trouble. Golden rule BACKUP first!