What To Know
- Drag the app icon to the Trash icon in the Dock or right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash.
- Click on the App Store icon in the Dock or use Spotlight Search to launch it.
- Once the app has been force-quit, follow the steps outlined in the “Removing from the Applications Folder” section to delete it.
Maintaining a tidy and organized MacBook Air is essential for optimal performance and efficiency. Removing unused or unwanted apps is a crucial step in achieving this goal. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to delete MacBook Air apps in various ways, ensuring a clean and streamlined computing experience.
Using the Launchpad
1. Open Launchpad: Click on the Launchpad icon in the Dock or use Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Space and typing “Launchpad.”
2. Locate the App: Find the app you want to delete in the Launchpad grid.
3. Click and Hold: Click and hold on the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click the “X”: A small “X” will appear in the corner of the app icon. Click on it to delete the app.
Removing from the Applications Folder
1. Open Applications Folder: Click on the Applications folder in the Dock or navigate to it via Finder.
2. Locate the App: Find the app you want to delete in the Applications folder.
3. Drag to Trash: Drag the app icon to the Trash icon in the Dock or right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash.”
Uninstall via App Store
1. Open App Store: Click on the App Store icon in the Dock or use Spotlight Search to launch it.
2. Purchased Section: Click on the “Purchased” tab at the top of the App Store window.
3. Locate the App: Find the app you want to delete in the list of purchased apps.
4. Uninstall Button: Click on the “Uninstall” button next to the app name.
Using Terminal
1. Open Terminal: Launch Terminal via Spotlight Search or navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter Command: Type the following command into the Terminal window:
“`
sudo rm -rf /Applications/App_Name.app
“`
Replace “App_Name” with the actual name of the app you want to delete.
3. Enter Password: You will be prompted to enter your administrator password. Type it in and press Enter.
Force Quit and Delete
1. Force Quit: Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
2. Select the App: Choose the app you want to delete from the list.
3. Force Quit: Click on the “Force Quit” button.
4. Delete: Once the app has been force-quit, follow the steps outlined in the “Removing from the Applications Folder” section to delete it.
Delete System Apps
Deleting system apps requires special permissions.
1. Enable Root User: Follow the steps in this Apple support article to enable the root user account: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204012
2. Open Terminal as Root: Launch Terminal as the root user by typing “sudo su” in the Terminal window and entering your password.
3. Delete Command: Use the following command to delete a system app:
“`
sudo rm -rf /System/Applications/App_Name.app
“`
Replace “App_Name” with the actual name of the system app.
Tips for Deleting Apps
- Close Apps Before Deleting: Ensure that the app you want to delete is not running before attempting to remove it.
- Empty Trash Bin: After deleting apps, remember to empty the Trash bin to permanently remove them.
- Check for Leftover Files: Some apps may leave behind preference files or other data. Use a third-party app cleaner to remove these leftovers.
- Use App Cleaner Software: There are dedicated app cleaner software available that can help you uninstall apps and remove their associated files.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I delete all apps from my MacBook Air?
A: It is not advisable to delete all apps from your MacBook Air, as certain system apps are essential for its functionality.
Q: How do I recover deleted apps if I change my mind?
A: If you have deleted an app from the App Store, you can reinstall it from there. For apps installed from other sources, it may be possible to recover them from a backup or by contacting the developer.
Q: Why can’t I delete some apps on my MacBook Air?
A: Some apps, such as system apps or those installed by other users, may require special permissions to delete. Refer to the section on “Delete System Apps” for instructions.
