[ How To ] Install, Update, and Uninstall Apps on Mac

Choose from thousands of apps for OS X that you can download and install on your Mac. You can easily update apps and, if you no longer want an app, remove it.

Install apps

To install apps from a disc, insert the disc into your computer’s optical drive (or an optical drive connected to your computer).

To install apps downloaded from the Internet, double-click the disk image or package file (looks like an open box). If the provided installer doesn’t open automatically, open it, then follow the onscreen instructions.

If you get a warning dialog about installing an app from an unidentified developer, see Open an app from an unidentified developer.

Update apps

To manually check for app updates, choose Apple menu > App Store, then click Updates.

Uninstall apps

You can uninstall apps you got from the App Store, from other websites, or from discs. You can’t uninstall apps that are part of OS X, such as Safari and Mail.

Apps downloaded from the App Store: Click the Launchpad icon  in the Dock, hold down an app’s icon until all the icons begin to jiggle, then click an app’s delete button . If you later want the app, you can reinstall it from the App Store.

If an icon doesn’t have a delete button, it can’t be uninstalled in Launchpad. For more information about Launchpad, see Use Launchpad to view and open apps.

Apps that have an uninstaller: In the Finder sidebar, click Applications. If an app is inside a folder, it might have an Uninstaller. Open the app’s folder. If you see Uninstall App or App Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.

Apps that don’t have an uninstaller: In the Finder sidebar, click Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock), then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

If you change your mind before emptying the Trash, select the app in the Trash, then choose File > Put Back.

WARNING:   When you empty the Trash, the app is permanently removed from your Mac. If you have any files that you created with the app, you may not be able to open them.