How to Clean Up Third Party Apps on macOS Sierra

5 September 2023 0

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How to clean up third part apps on macos sierra

If you’re a Mac user, chances are you have accumulated a lot of third party apps over time. While these apps provide additional functionality and features, they can also take up valuable storage space and slow down your Mac. It’s important to regularly clean up your Mac by removing unnecessary third party apps.

But cleaning up third party apps on MacOS Sierra can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you through the process. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to properly clean up your Mac and optimize its performance.

First, we will show you how to identify the third party apps that are installed on your Mac. We will then guide you on how to uninstall these apps using the built-in uninstaller or third party uninstaller tools. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to identify and remove any leftover files and preferences associated with the uninstalled apps.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to efficiently clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra, freeing up valuable storage space and improving the overall performance of your Mac.

Uninstalling Unnecessary Apps

If your Mac is cluttered with unnecessary apps that are taking up valuable space and potentially slowing down your system, it’s time to clean up your third-party apps. Follow these steps to uninstall unnecessary apps on macOS Sierra:

Click on the “Finder” icon in the Dock.
In the menu bar, click on “Go” and select “Applications” from the drop-down menu. This will open up the Applications folder.
In the Applications folder, browse through the list of installed apps and identify the apps that you want to uninstall.
Drag and drop the app you want to uninstall to the Trash icon located in the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
Once you have moved the app to the Trash, right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash”. This will permanently delete the app from your Mac.

Note: Some apps may require you to enter your administrator password before they can be moved to the Trash. This is typically the case for apps that are installed via the Mac App Store or apps that have system-level permissions.

It’s important to note that simply moving an app to the Trash does not completely remove it from your system. There may still be some residual files left behind. To ensure a complete uninstallation, you can use a third-party uninstaller app or manually search for and delete any remaining files associated with the uninstalled app.

By regularly uninstalling unnecessary apps, you can free up disk space, improve system performance, and keep your Mac running smoothly.

Cleaning Up App Preferences

When cleaning up third-party apps on MacOS Sierra, it’s important to not only remove the application itself but also its associated preferences. These preferences are often stored in a hidden folder within your user library, and can take up significant amounts of disk space if left untouched.

To clean up app preferences, follow these steps:

Open Finder and click on the “Go” menu in the menu bar.
Hold down the “Option” key on your keyboard to reveal the “Library” option in the dropdown menu, and click on it.
In the Library folder, navigate to the “Preferences” subfolder.
Look for any preference files related to the third-party app you want to remove. These files are typically named with the format “com.company.appname.plist” or “appname.plist”.
Select the preference file(s) and move them to the trash. You may be prompted to provide your administrator password.

It’s worth noting that not all third-party apps create preference files. In such cases, you may not find any associated files in the Preferences folder. However, it’s always a good idea to check, as removing these files can help ensure a thorough cleanup.

Once you’ve removed the app itself and its preferences, you can proceed to empty the trash to permanently delete the files from your system.

Cleaning up app preferences is an essential step in fully removing third-party apps from your MacOS Sierra system. By following these steps, you can ensure that no traces of the app or its preferences are left behind, freeing up valuable disk space and reducing clutter.

Removing App Remnants

After uninstalling a third-party app, it’s important to make sure that all remnants of the app are completely removed from your macOS Sierra system. This will help to avoid any potential conflicts or issues that may arise from leftover files or settings.

1. Check for App Remnants

Open Finder and click on the “Go” menu in the menu bar.
Select “Go to Folder” and type in “~/Library/” to access your user library folder.
In the library folder, look for any folders or files related to the app you uninstalled. These may be located in the “Application Support”, “Caches”, or “Preferences” folders.
Delete any remaining app files or folders that you find in these locations.

2. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

If you’re not comfortable manually searching for and deleting app remnants, you can opt to use a third-party uninstaller tool. These tools are designed to thoroughly remove all traces of an app, including any associated files or settings.

Some popular third-party uninstaller tools for macOS Sierra include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and MacKeeper. These tools can help streamline the app removal process and ensure that no remnants are left behind.

3. Restart your Mac

Once you’ve completed the removal of app remnants, it’s a good idea to restart your Mac. This will help to ensure that any changes or updates related to the app removal take effect.

By following these steps to remove app remnants, you can ensure a clean and efficient macOS Sierra system. It’s important to regularly clean up third-party apps to free up disk space and maintain optimal performance.

What should I do if I accidentally delete a third party app on MacOS Sierra?

If you accidentally delete a third party app on MacOS Sierra, you can restore it from a backup if you have one. Alternatively, you can download and reinstall the app from the developer’s website or the Mac App Store. Make sure to note any registration or activation details for the app before deleting it, as you may need them to reinstall and reactivate the app.

Is there a way to remove all third party apps at once on MacOS Sierra?

No, there is no built-in feature in MacOS Sierra that allows you to remove all third party apps at once. You will need to manually select and remove each app individually.

Can I clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra without deleting them?

No, if you want to clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra, you will need to delete them. However, you can always keep a backup of the applications before deleting them, so that you can restore them if needed in the future.

Are there any third party apps that are necessary for MacOS Sierra to function properly?

No, MacOS Sierra comes with all the necessary built-in apps and functionalities to function properly. Third party apps are usually additional applications that users install for specific purposes, but they are not essential for the basic functioning of the operating system.

What should I do if I cannot delete a third party app on MacOS Sierra?

If you cannot delete a third party app on MacOS Sierra, it may be because the app is currently in use or has certain permissions that prevent it from being deleted. In such cases, you can try quitting the app or restarting your Mac to see if that helps. If the issue persists, you can check the developer’s website or contact their support for assistance.

Is it safe to delete third party apps on MacOS Sierra?

Yes, it is generally safe to delete third party apps on MacOS Sierra. However, it is important to be cautious and make sure you are deleting the right applications. You should also make sure to backup any important data or settings associated with the apps before deleting them, as they may be lost once the apps are removed.

Can I reinstall a third party app after deleting it on MacOS Sierra?

Yes, you can reinstall a third party app after deleting it on MacOS Sierra. You can download the app from the developer’s website or the Mac App Store, and follow the installation instructions provided. Note that you may need to pay again or enter any relevant license or activation details if the app is not free or if you have already used up your licenses.

How can I clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra?

To clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Applications folder on your Mac.
2. Locate the third party app you want to remove.
3. Drag the app to the trash bin on your dock.
4. Empty the trash bin to completely remove the app.

Is it necessary to clean up third party apps on MacOS Sierra?

Cleaning up third party apps on MacOS Sierra is not necessary, but it can help improve the performance and free up space on your Mac. It also helps to remove any unnecessary or unwanted apps, reducing clutter on your system.

Are there any risks involved in cleaning up third party apps on MacOS Sierra?

There are generally no risks involved in cleaning up third party apps on MacOS Sierra. However, it is always a good idea to double-check and make sure you are removing the correct app before deleting it. It’s also recommended to back up any important files or data before performing any major changes to your system.

Can I reinstall a third-party app after cleaning it up on MacOS Sierra?

Yes, you can reinstall a third-party app after cleaning it up on MacOS Sierra. Simply visit the app’s official website or the Mac App Store, download the app again, and follow the installation instructions.

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How to Clean Up Third Party Apps on macOS Sierra