- At this point, OS X will move the app to the Trash, but if you change your mind, you can simply drag the app back to the Applications folder. To delete the app forever, click and hold the Trash.
- But some stubborn Mac software can be tricky to delete. Here's how to uninstall Mac apps for good - a process that will help to make space on a Mac and could speed it up too.
Mac OS X is, without a doubt, a great operating system. However, it seems to be a bit complicated for new users to understand in the beginning. Regular tasks such as uninstalling an application are also prone to complications. In this article, we will show you various methods for removing apps on a Mac. You can also delete the built-in apps from the system with the help of other software. On the other hand, you can get rid of regular apps by following a simple set of steps.
Unlike Windows, OS X lacks a dedicated app uninstaller. Download mac app store windows. We think Apple needs to take a cue from Microsoft on this at least. A dedicated app removal function could save us all a lot of time. Having said that, there are still a lot of simpler ways to get rid of unwanted apps on OS X and we have listed them all.
One of the simplest ways is through the applications window, while the other methods include Launchpad and third-party applications like AppCleaner.
How to Completely Remove Apps & Software in Mac OS X by Manual Terminal Uninstall Jul 31, 2014 - 28 Comments Most apps in Mac OS X can be uninstalled easily by dragging them into the Trash from the /Applications/ folder, and many others come with accompanying uninstall applications that will clean house and completely remove the apps too.
Removing Mac Apps natively
The easiest way to get rig of Mac apps is through the Application menu. Here is the step by step guide:
![Delete Delete](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134066903/731268191.png)
- Go to Finder
- Click on the “Applications” option on the left menu
- Select the particular app that you want to delete
- Drag it to “Trash” or Select it and press ⌘+Delete on your keyboard
- Enter your Mac password to complete the process (if prompted)
- Go to Trash and Click “Empty” option in the top right corner for permanent removal
Or You can perform the same task by opening the Launchpad. Here is how you can do that:
- Go to Launchpad (usually on the F4 key)
- Drag and Drop the app to the Trash
- Select “Delete” when the program prompts – Are you sure you want to delete this app?
- Go to Trash and Click “Erase” option in the top right corner for permanent removal
The steps above are the easiest ones that you can follow to remove any app from Mac OS X. However, these actions do not assure complete removal of the app as most of the apps tend to leave cache files on the system. For total elimination of the app along with its junk files (associated files and folders), you need to delete it through third-party programs like AppCleaner.
Uninstalling Mac Apps Using Extra Tools (for Junk Files/Cache)
One of the most unsettling issues on OS X is that when uninstalling apps, a lot of unwanted files get left behind. For finishing the unfinished business of junk file, we need to welcome the third-party apps like AppCleaner into the scene.
How to permanently remove Max applications using AppCleaner
- Download “AppCleaner” by freemacsoft – download it directly (not the one from the App Store)
- Open the AppCleaner and click on confirm to grant access to the app
- Now open AppCleaner and select the app that you want to delete from the list on the left side
- Select all the boxes that appear on the right side
- Click on Remove Files
If you do not want to use third-party apps to remove Cache from your Mac, you can also use the “Library” function. This feature is available in Finder. Here is how you can use it:
- Open Finder
- Hold Alt/Option key on your keyboard
- Keep holding Option key and click on “Go” option on the address bar
- Click on “Library” option
- Select “Cache” folder
- Delete the folder of the app that is no longer in use
Uninstalling Apps Like Flash, MacKeeper
There are many apps on our Mac that we want to delete but cannot remove due to system-imposed limitations. Thankfully, there is always a back door that you can use to achieve your goal. One of the usual suspects that we can always pick for security holes is Java. Removing Java will not affect your system in any manner. Even if it does for a particular app, then you can always install it again.
Uninstall Java from OS X
- Open Terminal on your Mac (Press⌘+space and type Terminal)
- Now copy-paste this command (below) to remove Java and hit enter
- Enter your password to approve the action by pressing enter after you’re finished (sometimes nothing will happen when you start typing your password. Don’t worry, it’s still working)
Uninstall Flash Player on a Mac
Apps like Adobe Flash Player need special assistance to be removed from a Mac. Go to this link and install Flash Player Uninstaller for your OS X version. To know what version your Mac is running – Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “About this Mac” It will show the version name and number of the Operating System. Install the “Flash Player uninstaller” accordingly.
- Open the Uninstaller
- Click on “Uninstall” to begin the process
- Go to Terminal and paste these commands (below) for total clean-up
Removing Third-party apps like MacKeeper and Microsoft Office
To delete MacKeeper application, go this link and get done with your requisite. Similarly, for removing Microsoft Office – head to this link.
Deleting Mac Optimizer
- Open Mac Optimizer on your Mac
- Click on the Help menu in the top left corner and select “Uninstall” from the list of options
- Select Uninstall option in the prompt window to complete the task
Conclusion
We hope these methods help you in getting rid of unwanted apps on OS X. Let us know your views through the comment section below.
What is LaunchSystem
According to security experts, LaunchSystem is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that belongs to the Adware category . Adware’s basic purpose is to show advertisements. These ads are often displayed as advertising links, unclosable windows or push notifications. Clicks on the advertisements produce a monetary payoff for the software developers. Adware can work like Spyware, since it sends personal data such as searches and trends to advertisers.
Does adware steal your personal information? Adware can have spyware and keyloggers built into the program, leading to greater damage to your MAC and possible invasion of your confidential data.
How does LaunchSystem get on your MAC
Adware may be spread through the use of trojan horses and other forms of malware, but most commonly, adware come as a part of some free software. Many developers of free programs include bundled apps in their installer. Sometimes it’s possible to avoid the setup of any adware: carefully read the Terms of Use and the Software license, choose only Manual, Custom or Advanced installation mode, disable all checkboxes before clicking Install or Next button while installing new free applications.
Threat Summary
Name | LaunchSystem, Launch System 1.0 app |
Type | adware software, PUP (potentially unwanted program), pop up ads, pop ups, popup virus |
Symptoms |
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Removal | LaunchSystem removal guide |
How to Remove LaunchSystem adware (removal steps)
The following few simple steps will help you to remove LaunchSystem ads from the Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari. Moreover, the step-by-step tutorial below will help you to remove malware, browser hijackers, PUPs and toolbars that your computer may be infected. Please do the guide step by step. If you need help or have any questions, then ask for our assistance or type a comment below. Read this manual carefully, bookmark it or open this page on your smartphone, because you may need to close your web browser or reboot your MAC OS.
To remove LaunchSystem, use the following steps:
Remove profiles created by LaunchSystem
LaunchSystem can install a configuration profile on the Mac system to block changes made to the browser settings. Therefore, you need to open system preferences, find and delete the profile installed by the adware.
Click Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.
In System Preferences, select Profiles. if there is no Profiles in the list of preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on the Mac computer. If there is Profiles in the list, then click on it, then select a profile associated with LaunchSystem.
To delete a malicious profile, click on the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen.
Uninstall LaunchSystem associated software by using the Finder
The next step in deleting PUPs, browser hijackers and adware by yourself is to go into the Finder, then Applications. Take a look at the list of software on your Mac computer and see if there are any dubious and unknown programs. If you see any, you need to remove it. Fine woodworking app for pc. Of course, before doing so, you can do an Web search to find details on the program. If it is a adware, browser hijacker and PUP, you will likely find information that says so.
- Open the Finder.
- Click “Applications”.
- It will show a list of all programs installed on the Apple Mac.
- Scroll through the all list, and delete dubious and unknown applications. Pay maximum attention to the program you installed last.
- Drag the questionable application from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Empty Trash.
![Appdelete Appdelete](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134066903/355340459.png)
Remove LaunchSystem related files and folders
Now you need to try to find LaunchSystem related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.
Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.
Check for LaunchSystem generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder
In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents
This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: com.machelper.plist, macsearch.plist, search.plist, LaunchSystem.plist and installapp.plist. Most often, browser hijackers, PUPs and adware software create several files with similar names.
Check for LaunchSystem generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder
In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support
This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folder. Move all suspicious folders to the Trash.
Check for LaunchSystem generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder
In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents
Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.
Check for LaunchSystem generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder
Mac App Delete Software Downloads
In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.installapp.plist, com.search.plist, com.LaunchSystem.plist, com.machelper.plist and com.macsearch.plist. In most cases, adware software, PUPs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names. What is a good mac app to make flyers printable.
Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
We advise using MalwareBytes Free. You can download and install MalwareBytes Free to search for and get rid of LaunchSystem related applications from your Mac. When installed and updated, the malware remover automatically identifies and removes all security threats present on the MAC OS.
Uninstall Software For Mac
Visit the page linked below to download the latest version of MalwareBytes Anti Malware for Mac OS.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware (Mac)
15869 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: September 10, 2020
15869 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: September 10, 2020
After downloading is done, close all windows on your MAC OS. Further, launch the saved file. Follow the prompts.
The MalwareBytes will automatically launch and you can see its main window as shown below.
Next, press the “Scan Now” button to find LaunchSystem . This task may take quite a while, so please be patient. While the MalwareBytes AntiMalware is checking, you can see how many objects it has identified either as being malicious software.
When finished, a list of all items detected is produced. In order to delete all items, simply click the “Quarantine” button.
The MalwareBytes will get rid of LaunchSystem adware software.
Remove LaunchSystem from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
If you’re still seeing LaunchSystem adware software that won’t go away, you might have malicious plugins installed on your internet browser. Check your web browser for unwanted extensions using the steps below.
Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox |
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You can also try to get rid of LaunchSystem adware by reset Chrome settings. |
If you are still experiencing issues with LaunchSystem removal, you need to reset Firefox browser. |
Safari | |
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How to stay safe online
If you browse the Web, you cannot avoid malvertising. But you can protect your web browser against it. Download and use an ad blocking program. AdGuard is an adblocker which can filter out a lot of of the malicious advertising, blocking dynamic scripts from loading harmful content.
Download AdGuard on your MAC system from the following link.
AdGuard for Mac download
2885 downloads
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: January 17, 2018
2885 downloads
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: January 17, 2018
After downloading is done, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.
Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial. Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick instructions that will assist you get to know AdGuard better.
Each time, when you run your computer, AdGuard will start automatically and stop undesired ads, block malicious and misleading webpages.
To sum up
Now your MAC OS should be free of the LaunchSystem adware. We suggest that you keep MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (to periodically scan your machine for new adwares and other malicious software) and AdGuard (to help you stop unwanted advertisements and malicious websites). Moreover, to prevent any adware, please stay clear of unknown and third party applications.
If you need more help with LaunchSystem related issues, go to here.
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