Uninstalling applications from Mac OS is perhaps the simplest method of removing apps from any OS like Windows, and it’s far easier on a Mac than anything you’ll encounter within the Windows world. It’s so simple that some new Mac users are left wondering what else they’re alleged to do, I even have received several family tech support questions whether they're determined to find an “Uninstall Programs” control panel like in Windows – this is often not the case on a Mac, it’s dead simple.
First up we’ll cover the normal method of just deleting the application. Then we’ll show you the even easier way that's new modern versions of Mac OS, including OS X El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Lion, Mountain Lion, and beyond:
How to Uninstall Applications in Mac OS the Traditional Way
This is one of the classic methods of uninstalling a mac app that has been around since the dawn of the Mac. All that you need to do is select and delete the application within the Finder, like so:
Go to the Finder in Mac OS if you haven’t done this already.
Navigate Click and hold on the icon of the app you would like to uninstall
Either drag the application to the Bin or right-click and select “Move to Trash”
Right-click on the Trash Can show on the screen and select “Empty Trash”.
If you prefer keystrokes, you'll also just select the app icon then hit Command+Delete to move the app to Trash can, then empty the Trash and the app will be removed.
This method to uninstall apps on Mac works in quite literally all versions of Mac OS X, from modern releases like OS X El Capitan (10.11.x) and prior to Snow Leopard as well, going back to the earliest releases of Mac OS. Now let’s move onto Lion and onward, which makes uninstalling apps from the Mac App Store as simple as doing the same on the iPhone.
Uninstalling Apps from the Mac through Launchpad
Despite the already incredibly simple app uninstall process on a Mac, Lion and Mountain Lion onward make it even easier by taking the iOS method. This works on apps installed through the Mac App Store, but not for apps installed manually on your Mac.
Open LaunchPad
Navigate click and hold on the icon of the app you would like to uninstall
When the app icon starts jiggling, click on the black (X) icon that appears
Click on “Delete” to verify the removal of the app
You can also use the drag-to-Trash method in Mac OS X, but LaunchPad is quickest for apps installed through the App Store
Using LaunchPad in Mac OS X 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.7, 10.8, and newer does not require you to empty the Trash afterward, it’s all handled immediately. This should be familiar to anyone who has used an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch since the interface and tap-and-hold method are identical to what is in iOS. This is yet another reason for upgrading your Mac OS, it makes the Mac experience even simpler while still retaining the full power and potential behind Mac OS. To know more in-depth about how to uninstall Avast on Mac lookup to our web portal.
