How to Delete Apps on Mac That Won’t Delete

Alicia Santos

Mac, Tutorials

Are you having trouble deleting apps on your Mac? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to delete stubborn apps that just won’t go away. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Check for Running Processes

If an app is currently running, it can prevent you from deleting it. To check if any processes are still active, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select “Force Quit..” from the drop-down menu.
  3. A window will appear showing all the currently running processes.
  4. Select the app you want to delete and click on the “Force Quit” button.

Step 2: Close any Background Processes

Sometimes, apps have background processes that can interfere with deletion. To ensure a clean removal, follow these steps:

  1. Open “Activity Monitor”. You can find it in the Utilities folder within your Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
  2. In the Activity Monitor window, locate and select any processes related to the app you want to delete.
  3. Click on the “X” icon in the toolbar, then select “Quit” or “Force Quit”. This will terminate those processes.

Step 3: Remove App from Dock and Login Items (if applicable)

If the app is in your Dock or set to launch at login, it might prevent deletion. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Right-click on the app’s icon in the Dock.
  • Select “Options” and then click on “Remove from Dock”.
  • To remove it from login items, go to “System Preferences” and click on “Users & Groups”.
  • Select your username from the left sidebar, then navigate to the “Login Items” tab.
  • Select the app you want to remove and click on the “-” button below the list.

Step 4: Delete App from Applications Folder

Now it’s time to delete the app itself. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Open a new Finder window.
  2. Navigate to your Applications folder. You can find it in the sidebar or by using Spotlight search.
  3. Find the app you want to delete, right-click on it, and select “Move to Trash”. Alternatively, you can drag it directly to the Trash icon in your Dock.

Step 5: Empty Trash & Restart Your Mac

To complete the deletion process, follow these final steps:

  1. Click on the Trash icon in your Dock.
  2. Select “Empty Trash”, or press “Ctrl + Click” and choose “Empty Trash” from the context menu.
  3. To ensure everything is cleared up, restart your Mac.

And that’s it! You have successfully deleted the app that wouldn’t delete.

If you encounter any further issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Happy Mac cleaning!

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