Adding and Removing Applications in macOS

Owned by June Miller (Deactivated)
Last updated: Sept 18, 2023 by A.J. Newman
2 min read

Adding a Program

Using the App Store

  1. The App Store can be accessed by clicking on the App Store icon in the Dock or in the Applications Folder.

  2. Once the App Store is open, log in using iTunes credentials (Apple ID) and select the app you wish to install; you can search for an app using the search bar at the top right.

Using a Third-Party Program

Once a program has been downloaded or a CD has been inserted, a .dmg file should appear on the desktop. To add a program, 

  1. Double-click on the .dmg file. A window should appear showing the program you are installing and the Applications Folder.

  2. Drag the program into the Applications Folder; macOS will automatically install the software for you.

Some programs may not be available as a .dmg file. In this case, the Application File will appear in the Downloads folder if you are downloading from a website. Drag the file into the Applications Folder directly to install it.

Some applications (like Microsoft Office) have installers. The installer will come as a .pkg file. Double-click this file and the installer will guide you through the installation process.

Installing Software from an Unverified Developer

  1. Navigate to System Preferences. 

  2. Click on Security & Privacy.

  3. Select the General tab. The Application Title was blocked from opening because it is not from an identified developer message will appear.

  4. Press the Open Anyway button. 

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application. 

Removing a Program

Using the Built-In Uninstaller

  1. Sometimes programs come with built-in uninstallers. Be sure to look for them when you need to uninstall a program. These are usually located in the Applications folder.

  2. After initializing the uninstaller, follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the program.

Manually Removing a Program

Programs installed via both third-party applications and from the Mac App Store can be removed manually. This method will leave preference files from the software on the computer and will only remove the program itself.

  1. Navigate to the Applications Folder.

  2. Drag the folder of the program you wish to delete to the Trash on the dock.

Using a Third-Party Utility

This procedure will allow you to uninstall the application and any leftover files.  

  1. Download the AppCleaner application. 

  2. Open AppCleaner. 

  3. Drag the application you wish to uninstall into the AppCleaner window from the Applications Folder. 

  4. Check all boxes. 

  5. Press the Delete button.