There are quite a few instances why one would want to delete an application from their Macbook. The most common reason would be freeing up hard drive space with the intent to improve the overall performance or accommodate different files, be it media or other applications.

When you compare it to the Windows OS, deleting an app on a Macbook is relatively easy as all you have to do most of the time is simply selecting the app’s icon and dragging it into the trash bin.

However, that is not the case with every single application. When it comes to default apps, the situation is a bit trickier. For instance, if you were to look to remove mackeeper or anything similar, it will take a while.

But then again, there is no reason to panic. This article will give you a detailed explanation of everything you want to know, so if you are looking to make some changes on your hard drive, continue reading and find out what needs to be done.

Why Is It Different From Windows?

Whenever you install something on the Windows OS, you need to use an installer wizard. The same thing applies when you are removing it.

This kind of process did not bode well with some people as they did not like the risk of getting potential threats from these installers onto their disks. Also, it does not help when you need to remove certain software.

Macbooks are different in this aspect. Apple has decided to launch its OS X in the year 2001 and stuck with the Unix way to separate files that are for the system and files that come from the user.

Everything about applications is stored in the /App folder whereas preferences, like changes made to the app and so on, are stored in another folder. 

The applications themselves are nothing more than a package of files. And when someone wants to launch the application, all they need to do is to double-click the icon or if it is available on the Dock, a single click will suffice. 

And that is how we have come to the aforementioned fact about how all you need for deletion is to simply drag the icon and put it in the trash bin. One final note – those who are not running a Macbook with an administrator account will require a password to get rid of apps.

Deleting  Applications

It may come as a surprise, but there are a few different methods to delete applications. Since simple apps are easy and do not require anything specific, it would be better to focus on default applications that can be found on every Macbook.

Launchpad

Launchpad also works as a way to delete apps if you prefer a more detailed process. You can start Launchpad by clicking the F4 key. There will be a list of applications on the Macbook. Find whichever you want to delete and press the Option/Alt key. A window with confirmation will pop up. Click the “Delete” and you will not see the application on the computer again.

Complete Removal

Even if you do everything that is written above, it may not net you with complete removal of the application.

It just so happens that certain apps will have files scattered on the computer all over the place, and locating them could be a real pain. But not impossible.

Go to the Library folder. For that, you will need to launch Finder and select the Go drop-down menu. When the menu appears, press and hold the Option/Alt key.

You will get access to the Library folder. This one has been hidden for a while, mostly due to security measures so that users do not delete stuff on accident.

Scroll down until you see a folder for the deleted app. Every file that is still there can be found this way. Delete it and you are good to go.

Some Apps Are Difficult To Delete

You may come across some applications that are extremely difficult to delete and require separate special software or reading through long guides. But then again, this kind of thing happening is very rare. Contrary to some might think, it is better to leave it as you potentially risk doing something detrimental, like deleting crucial system files. 

Specific Software

You can find quite a few alternatives when it comes to software developed for deleting applications and other files on your system. CleanMyMac, AppCleaner, and AppDelete are some examples of that. 

Alternatives To Deleting Apps

If you are lacking space on the hard drive, you can always look to make better use of cloud-based software like Dropbox and iCloud. External storage devices like USB memory sticks or an extra hard drive are also great choices. 

The Future

It would seem like things will get easier for an average user as Apple continues to push updates that are not directly related to cleaning the system from junk, but still help a little bit with that matter.