The Complete Guide to Installing, Updating, and Uninstalling Apps on Mac

Managing apps on a Mac is usually straightforward, but many users still encounter problems: apps refuse to uninstall, updates fail, or leftover files continue consuming storage space. The process also varies depending on where the app originated. Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store behave differently from those installed via websites, DMG files, or third‑party installers.

This guide covers every major method to install, update, uninstall, and reinstall apps on macOS. It also addresses newer macOS security behaviors, Gatekeeper prompts, and cleanup techniques that many basic tutorials overlook.

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 them before publication. It can also handle updates automatically.

Installation steps:

Open the App Store from the Dock or via Spotlight Search.
Search for the desired app.
Click the app listing, then select Get or the price button (for paid apps).
Authenticate with your Apple ID password or Touch ID.
Wait for the installation to finish. The app will appear in Launchpad and the Applications folder.

Updating App Store apps:

Manually: Open the App Store → click Updates in the sidebar → update individual apps or choose Update All.
Automatically: App Store → menu bar → Settings → enable Automatic Updates.

Uninstalling App Store apps:

Open Launchpad → click and hold the app icon until it jiggles → click the X (Delete) button → confirm.
Note: Built‑in macOS apps (Safari, Music, Maps, Notes) cannot be deleted.

Reinstalling previously purchased apps:

Open the App Store → click your profile picture → browse Purchased apps → click the cloud download icon.

How to Install Apps From Websites or Other Sources

Many popular Mac apps (Google Chrome, Discord, Blender, etc.) are distributed outside the App Store.

Using DMG or PKG files:

Download the app from the developer’s official website.
Open the downloaded .dmg or .pkg file from Downloads.
Drag the app into the Applications folder (for DMG files) or follow the installer prompts (for PKG files).
Launch the app from Applications.

Opening apps from unidentified developers:

Newer macOS versions may block unsigned apps. If you trust the source:
- Try to open the app normally.
- If blocked, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to the security warning → click Open Anyway.

How to Update Apps Installed Outside the App Store

Non‑App Store apps update differently. Common methods include:

Built‑in automatic updaters (Chrome, Slack, Spotify)
Manual download from the developer’s website
Third‑party update managers

How to Uninstall Apps Installed Outside the App Store

Deleting the app itself does not always remove leftover files. Use the methods below.

Standard uninstall (Finder):

Open Finder → Applications folder.
Locate the app → drag it to Trash.
Empty the Trash.

Removing leftover files manually:

Open Finder → click Go in the menu bar → Go to Folder.
Visit these locations and delete app‑specific folders:
- ~/Library/Application Support/
- ~/Library/Caches/
- ~/Library/Preferences/
Caution: Only remove folders clearly associated with the uninstalled app.

Using dedicated uninstallers:
Some apps (antivirus software, Adobe apps, VPNs) include their own uninstaller. Look for it inside the app’s folder in Applications.

Using third‑party uninstaller tools:
Popular options include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, Uninstaller Sensei, and AppZapper. These automatically find and remove leftover support files, caches, and hidden folders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I uninstall some apps?
Some are required by macOS (system apps). Others may still be running – quit them first.

How do I force quit an app before uninstalling?
Right‑click the app in the Dock and select Quit, or use Activity Monitor to force quit.

Is dragging an app 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 leftovers frees storage and reduces background processes.

Is the Mac App Store safer than downloading from the web?
Generally yes, because Apple reviews App Store apps. However, trusted developer websites are also widely used.

Summary

Use the Mac App Store for the safest installation and automatic updates.
Launchpad works best for uninstalling App Store apps.
Finder (drag to Trash) is the standard method for third‑party apps, but often leaves leftovers.
Some apps provide dedicated uninstallers for a cleaner removal.
Leftover files can be removed manually or with third‑party uninstaller tools.
Always download apps from trusted sources.

Conclusion

Learning to properly install, update, and uninstall apps can significantly improve how smoothly your Mac runs. Many users simply drag an app to the Trash and assume everything is gone, but modern macOS apps often leave behind caches, preferences, and login items. 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 directly from the web, understanding these app management tools gives you far greater control over your Mac.