Jump to Key Sections
Have you ever encountered a situation where you need to delete an application from your Mac, but it just won’t go away? It can be frustrating when you try to drag it to the trash, only to receive an error message saying that the application is still in use. This problem often occurs when applications are not properly uninstalled or have files running in the background. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to force delete applications on your Mac. We will provide step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you will have multiple solutions to permanently remove stubborn applications from your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Force Delete Applications on Mac
There are several reasons why you may need to force delete an application on your Mac. Some common scenarios include:
1. Application is not functioning properly: If an application is not working as expected or causing issues on your system, uninstalling it and reinstalling a fresh copy may solve the problem.
2. Application is no longer needed: In case you have an application that you no longer use and want to free up space on your Mac, force deleting it will ensure that all associated files and folders are removed.
3. Failed uninstallation: Sometimes, when trying to uninstall an application, the process may fail or leave behind residual files. Force deleting the application will ensure a complete removal.
4. Application is preventing system updates: Certain applications may interfere with macOS updates. To install the latest updates, you may need to force delete the problematic application.
Method 1. How to Force Delete Applications on Mac via Finder
Using Finder is the most straightforward method to force delete applications on your Mac. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Launch Finder from the Dock or by clicking on the desktop.
Step 2: Go to the "Applications" folder in the sidebar.
Step 3: Locate the application you want to force delete.
Step 4: Press and hold the "Control" key on your keyboard and click on the application.
Step 5: From the contextual menu, select "Move to Trash."
Step 6: Empty the trash by right-clicking the trash icon in the Dock and selecting "Empty Trash."
Pros:
1. Simple and easy to follow.
2. Requires no additional software.
3. Removes the application and its associated files from your system.
Cons:
1. May not work if the application is running in the background.
2. Cannot delete applications that are protected by the system.
Method 2. How to Force Delete Applications on Mac via Terminal
If the Finder method fails, you can try using Terminal to force delete applications on your Mac. Here’s how:
Step 1: Launch Terminal by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Step 2: Type the command sudo rm -rf followed by a space.
Step 3: Drag the application you want to force delete from the Applications folder into the Terminal window.
Step 4: Press Enter on your keyboard and enter your administrator password when prompted.
Step 5: Terminal will execute the command and force delete the application.
Pros:
1. Gives you complete control over the deletion process.
2. Works even if the application is protected.
3. Deletes all associated files and folders.
Cons:
1. Requires knowledge of Terminal commands.
2. Incorrect usage of Terminal can have unintended consequences.
3. Not recommended for novice users.