There are two main ways to uninstall programs on your Mac:
1. Using Launchpad:
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Launchpad is the application launcher similar to the Start menu on Windows. Here’s how to uninstall programs using it:
- Open Launchpad. You can find it in the Dock or access it by swiping up with three fingers on your trackpad (if enabled).
- Press and hold the Option key (⌥ Opt) on your keyboard. This will make the app icons jiggle.
- Click the “X” that appears in the top left corner of the app you want to uninstall.
- Confirm the deletion by clicking Delete.
2. Using Finder:
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This method works for apps not located in Launchpad, such as downloaded applications.
- Open Finder.
- Go to the Applications folder. You can find it in the sidebar or navigate using Go > Applications from the menu bar.
- Drag the app icon you want to uninstall to the Trash in the Dock.
- Empty the Trash to permanently delete the application.
Additional notes:
- Uninstalling vs. deleting: Uninstalling removes the application and its associated files from your Mac. Deleting only removes the app icon, but its files might still be present on your storage.
- Uninstalling specific apps: Some applications come with their own uninstallers. You might find them within the application itself or in a separate folder within the Applications folder.
- Administrator privileges: You might need administrator privileges to uninstall certain applications. If prompted, enter the administrator password to proceed.
- Leftover files: Even after uninstalling, some applications might leave behind leftover files or preferences. You can use third-party uninstaller tools or manually search for and delete them, but exercise caution to avoid removing essential system files.