Those who are asking how to remove apps on Mac, the easiest and simplest way is to drag the app you want to uninstall into the Trash and afterward, empty the Trash folder. After emptying the trash bin, the selected app or program becomes removed from your Mac. In order to remove the Apps in Mac, you only have to open the application folder and drag the app to the Bin or Trash Can. This is rather easy if the program is uninstalled simply. However, if the application still denies to uninstall and stays on the Mac then we need to get another solution below. In this guide, i will be listing two easy methods which you can follow to remove apps. Method 1: Remove Apps by dragging them to Trash. The easiest way to remove an app is by simply dragging it to the trash can. To do this, click the app once to highlight it and then drag it to the trash can whilst holding the mouse button. It can remove your unwanted apps without leftovers only in 3 steps, which is cleaner than dragging the app into Trash. If you want to easily, quickly and permanently uninstall an app from macOS Mojave, Catalina, etc., MacMaster can be helpful. Non-MAS apps do not, and must be uninstalled using the old drag-to-trash method or by using an uninstaller tool provided by the app creators. I completely agree with you that it breaks user flow when you need to use two or more methods just to uninstall an app, and Apple are usually better at things than this. – BobbyMick Aug 13 '18 at 0:12.
- Macos Uninstall Program
- Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash Settings
- Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash Delete
There often comes a time when you just don’t need to keep an app around. It may be old and unsupported – or maybe you just don’t use it anymore and don’t have a need to keep it around. If that sounds like you, we’ll show you exactly how to uninstall apps on Mac.
Uninstall Mac Applications
Get the best uninstallers to delete any application on your Mac.
With macOS Catalina and later, there are plenty of great reasons to delete apps. If an app is 32-bit, it has to go. Apple made the decision to discontinue support for 32-bit binaries with macOS Catalina, and many app developers didn’t retrofit their apps to be 64-bit as Apple requested. Old 32-bit apps no longer work on macOS.
Some apps may just be unnecessary. If you have apps for managing photos or your music library, you may find the new Photos app that comes with macOS or the new Music app do a great job, so the old software you’d been using is redundant. It’s gotta go!
Whatever the case, there are quick and easy ways to delete apps from your Mac. We’ll walk you through it!
One thing to know is deleting an app isn’t the same as uninstalling it. There are two ways to delete apps, though: Finder, and Launchpad.
How to delete apps on Mac using Launchpad
In Launchpad, you can pressing and holding the app's icon to bring up the wiggly app management feature. Like iOS, app icons start to shake in-place, which allows you to move them around. Third-party apps also have a small ‘x’ icon on the top right of the icon in this mode, which allows you to delete them.
Another way to delete apps is from Finder. There, you simply select the app, then right-click and select ‘delete.’ In either Finder or Launchpad, you can drag app icons to the trash bin to delete the apps.
(If you’re on an older version of macOS – or OS X, for the much older versions – and managing apps via iTunes, the process is similar. Select the app, right-click, and select ‘Move to Trash.’)
Remove apps with the Finder
Remember when we told you deleting and uninstalling weren’t the same? Deleting is the first step in the process; Apple wants you to do more work!
The completely uninstall an app, follow the instructions for deleting an app above. Then head to your library folder from Finder:
- Open Finder
- Select ‘Go’ from menu
- Hold down ‘option’ key on keyboard; you should see a new option for ‘Library’
- While holding down the option key, select ‘Library’
A word of caution before you proceed: DO NOT delete files if you’re not sure what they do. Apple hides the Library for a reason: most people shouldn’t go poking through it and deleting files haphazardly. If you don’t know what a file or folder is for, leave it alone.
Library houses files and folders apps need to operate. Sometimes these files or folders are for updating an app, or managing a Safari extension. Again, Library isn’t a toy. Tread lightly!
When you find a file or folder you know doesn’t belong – and is associated with the app you deleted – you can also delete the file by right-clicking and selecting ‘Move to Trash,’ or dragging it to the trash bin.
Deleting these files completes the deletion of an app. It’s possible those files were doing things necessary for the app that you no longer want, like calling a server or tracking keystrokes. Without the app, those types of features are just spyware.
When you’re done deleting apps and associated files, go ahead and empty your trash bin.
If you’re thinking ‘wow, that all seems sort of scary,’ you’re not wrong. Even seasoned pros get nervous when digging into a computer’s Library file system. There is a better way to uninstall programs from Mac, though!
Uninstall Mac apps and delete left behind files
If the idea of deleting apps and digging into secret libraries on your Mac to remove associated files is daunting, we have a better solution.
CleanMyMacX is a best Mac utility that helps manage your apps and files, in addition to a ton of other features. For now, we’ll focus on app management.
In the CleanMyMacX menu is an ‘Applications’ section on the left pane. It has three options: Uninstaller, Updater, and Extensions. Updater lets you manage updates for apps you want to keep, and saves you the trouble of digging through the App Store just to update an app.
Extensions helps you manage Safari browser extensions, Spotlight plugins, Internet Plugins, and Preference Panes. It’s the simplest and most straightforward way to manage the add-ons some apps demand, which aren’t always caught when deleting or uninstalling an app. When you find an extension you don’t want, just select it and click the ‘Remove’ button at the bottom of the window.
To uninstall apps on Mac, go to the ‘Uninstaller’ option with CleanMyMacX. Here you’ll see apps in a variety of categories. There’s the ‘all’ category for – you guessed it – all of the apps on your Mac. There’s also a section named ‘unused,’ which shows you which apps you’re not really using often.
The ‘Leftovers’ section makes Apple’s ‘Library’ look silly. In CleanMyMacX, Leftovers automatically finds the files associates with apps you no longer have. Hovering over the file in a list brings up the ‘Show’ option, which gives you precise info on exactly what app the file is associated with. No more fumbling through Library and guessing!
There’s also a section for 32-bit apps (remember, we talked about that!) which shows every app that’s no longer supported for macOS. If you really enjoy the app, we suggest reaching out to the developer to see if they will be making it a 64-bit app. If not, go ahead and delete it; it just won’t work on your Mac.
When you’re ready to uninstall programs from your Mac, select the app in any menu you see it in and click ‘Uninstall’ at the bottom of the screen. It’s that easy!
Conclusion
The main goal when uninstalling an app from macOS is to get rid of it completely: files, folders, the app – everything. We’ll also note that if you plan on never using the app or service again, it’s best to request the app developer remove your profile entirely. The method for this varies, but the app or service’s website should have the answer you need.
It takes a long time to delete an app the Apple way, and it’s just not worth it. Digging through the Library is scary stuff, and one wrong move can have a ripple effect on your entire system. No thanks!
We prefer CleanMyMacX, which takes care of the heavy lifting of deleting an app, then removing associated files to completely uninstall it. With a few clicks, you completely rid yourself of an app you don’t want.
For mobile users, there’s also AnyTrans, available for iOS and Android. AnyTrans is a macOS app that lets you manage backups, apps on your device, and account or cloud content in a much cleaner interface than Apple or Google provide. It’s easy to use, and available for both Android and iOS.
Best of all, AnyTrans as well as CleanMyMacX are available free as part of a seven day trial of Setapp. In addition to these apps, you get access to dozens of other handy macOS apps!
Setapp lives on Mac and iOS. Please come back from another device.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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How to remove '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' from Mac computers
What is '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.'?
'* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' is a message that can appear within a pop-up window on MacOS Catalina operating systems. In other cases, these pop-ups contain a message stating, '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Bin.'. In any case, they are displayed when adware, browser hijackers, or unwanted applications are present on the system. People generally see these pop-ups when unwanted apps were installed prior to updating their operating systems to Catalina.
Macos Uninstall Program
Apps that cause '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' and similar pop-ups are installed through the set-ups of unwanted apps. These are usually promoted through untrustworthy, deceptive web pages. Some examples of these unwanted apps include Mac Cleanup Pro, Smart Mac Booster, and Advanced Mac Cleaner. People who install them are often tricked into installing other unwanted apps, which also cause the aforementioned pop-ups. In many cases, the set-ups of unwanted apps are used to distribute adware, browser hijackers, and other unwanted software. Therefore, apps that display pop-ups such as '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' might serve ads, gather various information, and so on. We advise you to remove all apps of this type installed on computers/systems or browsers immediately. There is a high probability that there will be some remnants (unwanted files) even if you remove these apps manually. Therefore, perform a full system scan and delete any detected files using a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite (e.g., Combo Cleaner).
Name | '* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.' pop-up. |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available. |
Examples of apps that are mentioned in the pop-ups are APMHelper, FocusReportingService, HIPRADE, Helperamc, Helpermcp, MapsAndDirections-1668307, ProntoApp, Smbstrhlpr, Source.app, WebSocketServerApp, hlpradc, maftask, and spchlpr. If any of these apps are installed on MacOS Catalina, remove them with reputable antivirus software such as Combo Cleaner immediately. Instructions are provided below.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases, potentially unwanted apps can be downloaded from their individual web pages, however, most people download and install them through intrusive ads that they have intentionally or unintentionally clicked, or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. Developers use this method to trick people into unwanted downloads/installations. I.e., they include unwanted apps in download or installations set-ups of other software and hide related information in 'Custom', 'Advanced', and other similar settings. People who leave the settings unchecked and unchanged often agree by default with additional download/installation of unwanted apps.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not to use third party downloader/installer tools, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial websites, or other similar download sources. The safest way to download programs and files is to use official and trustworthy websites/sources and direct download links. Check all settings available in any download/installation setup and dismiss offers to download/install additionally-included apps. It is not safe to click ads that are displayed on dubious web pages (relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on). To prevent the browser from opening untrustworthy sites or showing ads, uninstall all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons that are installed, and also apply this to programs of this type installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Examples of messages displayed in these pop-up windows:
Example 1:
'app_name' will damage your computer.
You should move it to the Trash.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Report malware to Apple to protect other users
Example 2:
'app_name' will damage your computer.
You should move it to the Bin.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Report malware to Apple to protect other users
Examples of pop-ups displayed when these rogue apps are present:
IMPORTANT NOTE! Most of these rogue applications are hidden deep in the system and do not appear in any list of installed software. Therefore, the removal process might be complicated. Taking the aforementioned Smbstrhlpr app as an example:
The main list of files that are associated with Smbstrhlpr, which should be removed from the operating system, includes:
- ~/Library/Application Support/smbstr/smbstrhlpr
- ~/Library/Application Support/smbstr/smbstruninstall
- ~/Library/Application Support/smbstr/com.smbstrhlpr.smbstrhlpr.plist
- ~/Library/Application Support/smbstr/com.smbstruninstall.smbstruninstall.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.smbstrhlpr.smbstrhlpr.plist
Simply deleting these files will not work, since deleting this application without firstly terminating its associated process is impossible. The problem is that the process is automatically re-started immediately it is terminated. Therefore, to remove this application, you must perform the following steps:
1) Navigate to the '~/Library/Application Support/smbstr/' directory, right-click on the 'smbstrhlpr' application, and select 'Show Package Contents':
2) Navigate to the 'Contents/MacOS' directory and delete the 'smbstrhlpr' application:
3) Once the previous steps are performed, the process associated with the Smbstrhlpr application will no longer be automatically re-started and you will be able to easily terminate it and remove the remaining application files:
Note that Smbstrhlpr is only one of many examples - files of other apps will be stored in different locations. Yet it is almost certain that they will be stored somewhere in the '~/Library/Application Support/' directory. For instance, Helperamc's files are stored in '~/Library/Application Support/amc/', Helpermcp's files are stored in '~/Library/Application Support/mcp/', and so forth. Therefore, users who encounter these pop-ups should closely study the entire '~/Library/Application Support/' directory and search for sub-directories with dubious names. If found, perform the aforementioned steps (right-click the executable and select 'Show Package Contents', navigate to the 'Contents/MacOS' directory, and delete the executable within, etc.) Additionally, we strongly advise you to scan the system with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite (especially if you have not found any suspect files) such as Combo Cleaner and eliminate all detected threats. In doing so, you will ensure that the system is clean and no longer contains files that might cause damage.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove applications causing '* Will Damage Your Computer. You Should Move It To The Trash.' pop-up messages using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove '* will damage your computer. you should move it to the bin.' pop-up related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
'* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Bin.' pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove '* will damage your computer. you should move it to the bin.' pop-up related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences...'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove '* will damage your computer. you should move it to the bin.' pop-up related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash Settings
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove '* will damage your computer. you should move it to the bin.' pop-up related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
![Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash](/uploads/1/2/6/8/126860775/323701383.jpg)
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Uninstall Macos Apps Drag To Trash Delete
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.