How to Install and Uninstall Applications on Mac

Installing and uninstalling applications on your Mac is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps required to install and uninstall applications using various methods available on macOS.

Table of Contents

1. Installing Applications

   • The App Store
   • Third-party Websites

2. Uninstalling Applications

   • Using Launchpad
   • Applications Folder
   • AppCleaner

Installing Applications

The App Store

The App Store is a convenient and secure way to install applications on your Mac.

1. Launch the App Store application from the Dock or click the Apple menu > App Store.
2. Search for the desired application using the search bar in the upper-right corner.
3. Once you find the application, click on it to view more details.
4. Click the "Get" or "Buy" button to start downloading and installing the application.
5. After installation, the application will be available in the Launchpad, Finder, or the Applications folder, depending on the macOS version.

Third-party Websites

In addition to the App Store, you can also install applications from third-party websites.

1. Visit the website that offers the application you want to install.
2. Look for a download link or a "Download" button on the website.
3. Click on the download link/button to initiate the download.
4. Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually in the Downloads folder).
5. Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer to complete the installation.

Uninstalling Applications

Using Launchpad

You can easily remove applications that you installed from the App Store or installed using Launchpad.

1. Open Launchpad from the Dock or by using the Launchpad gesture (pinch with thumb and three fingers on the trackpad).
2. Locate the application you want to uninstall.
3. Click and hold the application icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click the "X" icon on the top-left corner of the application icon.
5. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to delete the application. Click "Delete" to confirm.
6. The application will be uninstalled and removed from your Mac.

Applications Folder

For applications installed from third-party websites or sources other than the App Store, you can use the Applications folder to uninstall them.

1. Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or using the Command + Space shortcut and searching for "Finder."
2. In the Finder window, click on "Applications" in the sidebar.
3. Locate the application you want to uninstall.
4. Drag the application icon to the Trash icon in the Dock or right-click on the application icon and select "Move to Trash."
5. Empty the Trash by right-clicking on the Trash icon in the Dock and selecting "Empty Trash."

AppCleaner

AppCleaner is a useful third-party application that helps you completely uninstall applications along with their associated files.

1. Download and install AppCleaner from the official website.
2. Launch AppCleaner from the Applications folder.
3. Drag the application you want to uninstall onto the AppCleaner window.
4. AppCleaner will analyze the application and display associated files.
5. Review the files to be deleted and click the "Remove" button to uninstall the application completely.

Congratulations! You now know how to install and uninstall applications on your Mac using various methods. Enjoy exploring new applications and managing your Mac efficiently.