How to - Uninstall software on a Mac computer

Mac: How to Properly Uninstall Software

Moving from Windows to Mac can feel like a breath of fresh air, but it also means relearning a few basics—like how to get rid of old apps. In macOS, uninstalling isn't buried in a "Programs and Features" menu. Instead, it’s a more visual process, though it often requires an extra step if you want to be truly thorough.

Here are the three best ways to uninstall software on your Mac in 2026:

Method 1: The Finder "Drag and Drop" (Easiest)

This is the standard "Apple Way" for most applications you download from the web.

1. Open Finder and click on the Applications folder in the sidebar.

2. Locate the app you want to remove.

3. Drag the icon to the Trash at the end of your Dock, or right-click the app and select Move to Trash.

4. To finish the job, right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Method 2: The Launchpad "Jiggle" (Best for App Store Apps)

If you installed an app through the Mac App Store, you can delete it just like an iPhone app.

1. Open Launchpad (the silver rocket icon or by pinching four fingers on your trackpad).

2. Click and hold on any app icon until they all start to jiggle.

3. Click the "X" that appears in the corner of the app you want to delete.

4. Confirm the deletion by clicking Delete.

Method 3: Cleaning Up the "Leftovers" (For Pros)

Sometimes, dragging an app to the Trash leaves behind small configuration files in your Library. To clear those:

1. In Finder, click Go in the top menu bar while holding the Option key.

2. Select Library when it appears.

3. Look inside the Application Support and Caches folders for any folders named after the app you just deleted and move them to the Trash.