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3 apps that uninstall apps on OS X the right way
Dragging an app to the trash on OS X does uninstall it, but often times files are left behind. These files can add up, taking up precious space on your machine. We have found 3 OS X apps that uninstall apps on OS X.
(Credit:
AppZapper logo, TrashMe logo, CleanMyMac logo)
As a new Mac user, you are taught to uninstall an app by dragging it to the trash. While this method does uninstall an app for your computer, often associated files are left behind. These files can add up and hog space on your Mac.
There are much more efficient ways to uninstall an app on your Mac. Here we round up three apps that help you uninstall software on your Mac.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)
1: AppZapper
The creators of AppZapper boast that the app is "the uninstaller Apple forgot." They are right. AppZapper does one thing, and only one thing: it uninstalls apps along with all of their associated files.
There are two ways to use AppZapper to uninstall an app: you can drag and drop an app into it, or browse all installed apps and extensions to select which app has to go.
You will be presented with a list of associated files and given the option to keep some of the files.
There is a free demo of AppZapper that allows you to zap three apps before purchase. After that, you must pay $12.95 for a full license. OS X 10.6.2 and above is required.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)
2: TrashMe
TrashMe is very similar to AppZapper. The UI is pretty basic, yet behind the scenes it is very powerful.
Again, you just drag an app that you want to uninstall into TrashMe and it will look for all associated files, and present you with a list of the files it has found. You will be able to keep any files should you feel it would be too dangerous to delete them (if, for instance, they are system files).
The best part about TrashMe is its pricing. The app is free. You will need to be running OS X 10.6 or later to use it.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani)
3: CleanMyMac
CleanMyMac is a great app that not only helps you with uninstalling applications but will also free up a lot of storage on your Mac by finding unneeded or redundant files.
To uninstall an app using CleanMyMac you simply drag and drop the app onto the CleanMyMac icon or app window. CleanMyMac will then hunt down and find all the files associated with that app, and include them in the uninstallation process. Pretty straight forward.
Don't fret, as you will be presented with a list of the files it has found, giving you the option to keep some of the files if needed.
CleanMyMac isn't free. Prices range from $15 for a 6-month license to $30 for a lifetime license. OS X 10.4 and up is required.
This post barely scratches the surface of what CleanMyMac can do, so check out our Download page to read more about this powerful utility.
Any one of these apps is a great method to uninstall software on your Mac the right way. Granted, some go more in depth than others, but the job is accomplished either way. Both AppZapper and CleanMyMac offer free trials. Download all three of them and see which one works best for you before settling on one.
