Install and Uninstall Programs
How to install and remove software on your computer using built-in tools, app stores, and package managers on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Whether you need to install new software or clean up programs you no longer use, the process differs by operating system. Follow the steps below for your platform.
Installing programs:
- From the App Store: Open the App Store app, search for the program, and click Get or the price button, then Install
- From a .dmg file: Double-click the downloaded
.dmgfile, then drag the application icon to the Applications folder in the window that appears - From a .pkg installer: Double-click the
.pkgfile and follow the installation wizard - Using Homebrew (command line): Run
brew install --cask app-namein Terminal
If macOS blocks the app with "cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer," go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.
Uninstalling programs:
- Open Finder and go to the Applications folder
- Drag the application to the Trash (or right-click and select Move to Trash)
- Empty the Trash to free up disk space
- Some apps include a dedicated uninstaller in their folder - use it if available
For a thorough removal, also check ~/Library/Application Support/, ~/Library/Preferences/, and ~/Library/Caches/ for leftover files.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if uninstalling a program does not fully remove it?▾
Some programs leave behind configuration files, caches, or registry entries. On Mac, apps like AppCleaner can find leftover files. On Windows, the built-in uninstaller handles most cleanup, but third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller can do a deeper clean if needed.
Is it safe to delete an application folder manually?▾
On Mac, dragging an app from the Applications folder to the Trash usually works fine for simple apps. On Windows, do not delete program folders manually because this can leave behind registry entries and system references. Always use the proper uninstall method.
How do I uninstall programs that do not appear in the list?▾
Some programs, especially small utilities, may not register themselves with the system uninstaller. Check if the program has its own uninstall option in its menu. Otherwise, you can usually safely delete the application file directly on Mac, or look for an uninstall.exe in the program's folder on Windows.
Related Guides
Free Up Disk Space
How to find what is using your storage and reclaim space by clearing temp files, caches, and large files. Covers built-in cleanup tools on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Right-Click and Context Menus
What right-clicking does, how to do it on different devices, and what the menu options mean. Covers trackpads, touchscreens, and customizing context menus.
App Permissions
How to manage what apps can access on your device, including camera, microphone, location, and notifications. Review and revoke permissions on any platform.
Undo and Recover
How to undo mistakes, redo actions, and recover deleted files on any computer. Covers keyboard shortcuts, version history, trash recovery, and backups.
Storage Full — What to Do When Your Disk Is Almost Full
How to free up space fast when your computer says storage is full, and figure out what is taking up all the room. Quick fixes for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Touchpad Gestures and Settings
How to configure trackpad sensitivity, gestures, tap-to-click, and other touchpad settings. Customize scrolling, multi-finger actions, and palm rejection.