Digital devices go through a lot of upgrades and updates. But as they get older, the latest software versions might not be supported anymore. It might sound frustrating to users, but this is also a sign that it’s time to let go of unused and old apps that cause issues and occupy unnecessary space. This article will help you understand how to remove apps no longer compatible Mac and enhance the machine’s overall performance.
Detailed Discussion on Remove Apps No Longer Compatible Mac
Here are a few steps to remove apps from Mac you can no longer use or are no longer compatible with the latest operating system version:
1. Find Unused Apps or Apps That You No Longer Use
To start, go through your Mac apps by opening the “Applications” folder. Make a list of all the apps you don’t use anymore or are no longer compatible with the latest version of your operating system. You can find this information about compatibility by clicking on the Apple logo on the top left corner of the screen. Then click on “About This Mac,” then “System Report,” and finally “Applications.” Here, all the apps will be listed with their information, including whether or not they are running in 64-bit mode.
2. Uninstall the App by Dragging It to the Trash
Deleting old or unused apps from a Mac is easy. All you need to do is drag the app from the “Applications” folder to the “Trash.” You can also remove several apps by selecting them and dragging them together.
3. Check and Remove All Files App Associated with App
When you drag an app to the “Trash,” it only deletes the app’s main files and leaves behind other files associated with the app, such as preference files, caches, and more. These files could be taking up unnecessary space on your device. You can use a third-party uninstaller app, such as App Cleaner and Uninstaller, which can help you detect these files and remove them.
4. Clear Up Cache and Other Unnecessary Files
Apart from the app files, the temporary files, caches, and duplicates still residing on Mac can take up unwanted space. Removing these can optimize your system. Luckily, macOS has an inbuilt cleaner app for that, commonly known as “Optimize Storage.” Go to “System Preferences,” “Apple ID,” then “iCloud,” and click on “Manage.” Then select the data you want to delete and click on “Delete.”
Concluding Thoughts on Remove Apps No Longer Compatible Mac
A few simple steps are all it takes to remove apps from Mac that are no longer compatible with its latest version. It improves Mac’s performance by freeing up space and reducing its clutter. However, ensure to keep a backup of important files before deleting any app files. If you have any unused software lying around, it’s best to uninstall them to save space. Eliminating redundant apps is a good thing because it helps your computer work more efficiently and smoothly.
FAQs about Remove Apps No Longer Compatible Mac
1. Why does Apple stop supporting older apps?
Compatibility between the latest version of the operating system and older apps can become difficult once the hardware ages. Hence, Apple ends up discontinuing its support to maintain security and stability.
2. What is the difference between deleting and uninstalling an app on a Mac?
Deleting and uninstalling an app on a Mac are two different things. Deleting the app’s files just removes the executable parts, not its associated files. On the other hand, uninstalling also includes the removal of the associated files, making space on your Mac.
3. Do I need to restart my Mac after uninstalling an app?
A restart is not mandatory but always recommended as it helps in eliminating the app’s running processes from your system.