How do I remove extra applications from my hard drive?
Make sure you have the original installation discs/files and installation codes for any applications you may want to run again on your Mac. Applications you've purchased from the Apple App Store will theoretically be available for download again if you need them but there are no guarantees. Once you’ve confirmed that you have everything you need if you want to run that application again, you can uninstall it.
Some applications have an uninstall utility, which is usually located in the Applications folder. Applications that don’t come with their own uninstall utility, will need to be removed manually. Drag the application’s icon from the Applications folder to the Trash. There are normally small support files and any files you created using the application left over. If there are preference files, support files, or a cache that the application has created, those will not be removed by deleting the application. You can check the application’s website for uninstall instructions or use the shareware utility AppCleaner or AppZapper.
Read “How do I remove extra files from my hard drive?“ for more.
Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on November 25, 2011 1:31 PM
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