How to Delete Apps from Launchpad that Won’t Delete
Navigating Launchpad on your Mac should be a breeze, but sometimes, stubborn apps resist getting deleted. Isn’t it? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete items from Launchpad that won’t delete easily.
Even the most stubborn apps can’t resist these techniques for removing apps from Launchpad.
Whether it’s a glitch or a persistent software issue, follow these steps to tidy up your Launchpad hassle-free.
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Why Apps Won’t Delete From Launchpad on macOS?
Here are some common reasons why apps might refuse to delete from Launchpad on macOS:
- Incomplete Installations: Apps might stick around due to incomplete installation processes, leaving behind remnants that prevent apps from getting deleted.
- Permissions or Restrictions: Limited user permissions or system restrictions could hinder the process of deleting certain apps.
- Corrupted App Data: If app data becomes corrupted, it might hinder the uninstallation process.
- Glitches or Bugs: Occasionally, technical glitches or bugs within the operating system can cause apps to not get deleted.
- File System Errors: Issues within the file system or storage could impede the process of removing certain applications.
- Conflict with Other Software: Conflicts between apps or with other software might prevent certain applications from getting deleted.
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How to Remove Apps from Launchpad on Mac?
You can use any of the below-listed methods to delete items from Launchpad that won’t easily leave the desktop.
Method 1: Restart Your Mac
The simplest initial troubleshooting step is to restart your Mac. A system reboot essentially provides a fresh start, clearing out any glitches that could be preventing apps from being removed from the Launchpad properly.
To restart your Mac, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen. Select “Restart”.
Step 2: Click “Restart” to confirm
Give your Mac a few minutes to go through the reboot process. Then check Launchpad again to see if the stubborn app can now be deleted normally. This resets things behind the scenes and may do the trick.
Method 2: Check for Background Activity
If an app remains open or runs in the background, uninstalling attempts may fail, often accompanied by error messages indicating its active status.
At times, applications run discreetly, escaping user notice. Using Activity Monitor helps identify active processes and swiftly close them on your Mac. Follow these steps to remove apps from Launchpad:
Step 1: Access Activity Monitor via Finder > Applications > Utilities.
Step 2: Navigate to the CPU tab, listing all active applications and processes on your Mac.
Step 3: Locate the troublesome app that resists deletion within this list. Click on it and utilize the top X button to promptly terminate its operation.
After following these steps, try to delete items from Launchpad and check if the issue persists.
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Method 3: Use an App Uninstaller
If the standard methods fail to remove stubborn apps from Launchpad, seeking alternative solutions becomes essential. Cleanup My System, a versatile Mac utility, offers a reliable method to tackle this issue. By using its comprehensive app uninstallation feature, we can efficiently address the persistence of apps that resist deletion through conventional means.
Here are the steps to use the Cleanup My System tool on your Mac to remove apps from Launchpad:
Step 1: Visit the App Store to download and install Cleanup My System on your Mac. Open Cleanup My System from your Applications folder or wherever it’s installed on your Mac.
Step 2: Look for the feature within Cleanup My System that allows you to uninstall applications. This tool typically provides a list of installed apps.
Step 3: Identify the app that’s causing issues in Launchpad. Cleanup My System should display a list of installed apps. Click on the specific app you want to remove and follow the prompts or instructions provided by Cleanup My System
Step 4: After uninstallation, Cleanup My System might offer a scan or clean-up process to remove residual files associated with the deleted app, ensuring a thorough cleanup.
And that’s it! Make sure you’ve backed up essential data before removing any applications, as such utilities have the potential to delete files irreversibly.
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Method 4: Check for macOS Updates
Verifying whether your macOS is up-to-date can be a crucial step in troubleshooting issues with stubborn apps refusing to get deleted on Launchpad. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen. Choose “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Look for the “Software Update” option within the System Preferences window.
Step 3: Click on “Check for Updates.” Your Mac will search for any available macOS updates.
Step 4: If updates are available, follow the prompts to download and install them on your system.
Once the updates are installed, it’s a good practice to restart your Mac to ensure all changes take effect.
Keeping your macOS updated not only brings new features and improvements but also addresses potential bugs and issues that might interfere with apps getting deleted in Launchpad.
Method 5: Check for Malware
When dealing with persistent issues with apps not getting deleted in Launchpad, considering the presence of malware is a prudent step. Start by ensuring your system settings prioritize security by allowing downloads only from trusted sources.
Additionally, employing robust malware removal tools can help. These tools conduct thorough scans to detect and eliminate any malicious software that might be causing interference.
Remember to review browser extensions and downloaded files, as they can also be potential sources of malware, further ensuring a clean and secure environment for seamless app deletion from Launchpad.
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This wraps up our guide on how to remove apps from Launchpad. Encountering apps that refuse to delete from Launchpad can be a frustrating experience on macOS. However, exploring various troubleshooting methods can often resolve these issues efficiently.
From checking for background activities and utilizing app uninstallers to ensuring system updates and scanning for malware, there’s a range of steps one can take to overcome these hurdles.
Whether it’s through system updates, security checks, or the use of specialized tools, such as Cleanup My System or reliable antivirus software, keeping your system clean & optimized ensures a better user experience and hassle-free management of apps within Launchpad.
Do you know any other tips and tactics to delete stubborn apps from Launchpad? If yes, feel free to share your suggestions in the comments section below!