Managing apps on a Mac is usually simple, but many users still run into problems when apps refuse to uninstall, updates fail, or leftover files keep taking up storage space. The process also changes depending on where the app came from. Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store behave differently from apps installed through websites, DMG files, or third-party installers.
This guide covers every major method to install, update, uninstall, and reinstall apps on macOS. It also includes newer macOS behaviors, security prompts, and cleanup methods that many basic tutorials skip.
Apple’s latest macOS versions continue to improve app security through Gatekeeper and notarization checks, especially for apps downloaded outside the App Store.
How to Install Apps From the Mac App Store
The Mac App Store remains the safest and easiest way to install apps because Apple reviews apps before they are published. It also handles updates automatically if enabled.
Install Apps From the App Store
You can install apps in just a few clicks.
- Open the App Store from the Dock or Spotlight Search.
- Use the search bar to find the app you want.
- Click the app listing.
- Select Get or the price button if it is a paid app.
- Enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID if prompted.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
Once installed, the app appears in Launchpad and the Applications folder.
How to Update Apps From the Mac App Store
Keeping apps updated is important because updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility improvements for newer macOS releases.
Apple allows both manual and automatic updates.
Update Apps Manually
- Open the App Store.
- Click Updates in the sidebar.
- Review available updates.
- Click Update beside an individual app or choose Update All.
Turn On Automatic Updates
- Open the App Store.
- Click App Store in the menu bar.
- Choose Settings.
- Enable Automatic Updates.
This helps your Mac stay current without manual checks.
How to Uninstall Apps From the Mac App Store
Apps installed from the App Store are usually easier to remove.
Remove Apps Using Launchpad
- Open Launchpad from the Dock.
- Find the app you want to remove.
- Click and hold the app icon until the icons begin shaking.
- Click the X or Delete button.
- Confirm by clicking Delete.
If an app does not show a delete button, it likely came from outside the App Store or is part of macOS itself.
Apple also prevents users from deleting many built-in macOS apps such as Safari, Music, Maps, and Notes.
How to Reinstall Mac App Store Apps
If you accidentally delete an app or move to a new Mac, reinstalling previously downloaded apps is straightforward.
Reinstall Purchased Apps
- Open the App Store.
- Click your profile name in the lower-left corner.
- Browse your purchased apps list.
- Click the cloud download icon beside the app.
You can also search directly for the app again. Previously downloaded apps usually display a cloud icon instead of a Get button.
How to Install Apps From Websites or Other Sources
A large number of Mac apps are still distributed outside the App Store. Popular tools like Google Chrome, Discord, Blender, and many developer utilities use direct downloads.
Install Apps Using DMG or PKG Files
- Download the app from the developer’s official website.
- Open the downloaded DMG or PKG file from the Downloads folder.
- Drag the app into the Applications folder if prompted.
- Launch the app from Applications.
Some apps use full installers with guided setup screens instead of drag-and-drop installation.
macOS may show a warning if the app comes from an unidentified developer. Newer versions of macOS require extra approval for unsigned apps.
Open Apps From Unidentified Developers
- Try opening the app normally.
- If blocked, open System Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to the security warning section.
- Click Open Anyway.
Only do this for apps from trusted developers.
How to Update Apps Installed Outside the App Store
Non-App Store apps usually update differently.
Some apps update automatically in the background, while others require manual downloads.
Common Update Methods
- Built-in updater inside the app
- Downloading the latest version from the official website
- Third-party update managers
- Developer launcher apps
Apps like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Slack, and Spotify typically update themselves automatically.
How to Uninstall Apps Installed Outside the App Store
This is where many Mac users get confused because deleting the app itself does not always remove leftover files.
Method 1: Remove Apps Using Finder
This is the standard uninstall method.
- Open Finder.
- Go to the Applications folder.
- Locate the app.
- Drag the app to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash.
Apple officially recommends this approach for most apps.
How to Remove Leftover Files
Some apps leave behind caches, settings files, logs, and support folders.
Remove Associated Files Manually
Steps
- Open Finder.
- Click Go in the menu bar.
- Select Go to Folder.
- Visit these locations one at a time:
~/Library/Application Support/~/Library/Caches/~/Library/Preferences/
- Look for folders matching the app name or developer.
- Move related files to the Trash.
Be careful not to remove files related to other apps or macOS itself.
How to Use Dedicated Uninstallers
Some apps include their own uninstall utility.
This is common with antivirus software, Adobe apps, VPN tools, and virtualization software.
Steps
- Open the app folder inside Applications.
- Look for an uninstaller tool.
- Run the uninstaller.
- Follow the instructions.
This often removes system extensions and login items more cleanly than manual deletion.
How to Use Third-Party Mac Uninstallers
Third-party uninstallers can save time by automatically finding leftover files.
Popular Mac Uninstaller Apps
- AppCleaner
- CleanMyMac X
- Uninstaller Sensei
- AppZapper
These apps scan for support files, caches, and hidden folders after removing the main app.
Even Apple-focused security researchers often recommend cleanup tools for stubborn apps because leftover files are common on macOS.
FAQs
Why can’t I uninstall some apps on my Mac?
Some apps are required by macOS and cannot be removed. Others may still be running in the background.
How do I force quit an app before uninstalling it?
Right-click the app in the Dock and select Quit, or open Activity Monitor and force quit it manually.
Is dragging apps to Trash enough?
Not always. Many apps leave behind support files, preferences, and cache data.
Can uninstalling apps improve Mac performance?
Yes. Removing unused apps and leftover files can free storage space and reduce background processes.
Is the Mac App Store safer than downloading apps online?
Generally yes, because Apple reviews App Store apps before approval. However, trusted developer websites are also widely used.
Summary
- Use the Mac App Store for the safest installation experience.
- Keep apps updated to improve security and compatibility.
- Launchpad works best for uninstalling App Store apps.
- Finder is the standard method for removing third-party apps.
- Some apps include dedicated uninstallers.
- Leftover files may remain after deleting apps.
- Third-party uninstall tools can simplify cleanup.
- Always download apps from trusted sources.
Conclusion
Learning how to install, update, and uninstall apps properly can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly your Mac runs. Many users only drag apps to the Trash and assume everything is removed, but modern macOS apps often leave behind support files, login items, and cached data.
Using the right uninstall method, keeping apps updated, and downloading software from trusted sources helps maintain both performance and security. Whether you rely on the Mac App Store or install apps directly from the web, understanding these app management tools gives you far more control over your Mac.
Launchpad is gone,` now in Spotlight.