Step two: Remove unwanted apps, add-ons, malware and adware
Decimated your documents? Now pulverise some programs
Besides documents, you could be losing space to apps, plugins and other functional files that you no longer need. And then there’s malicious or annoying software you may have inadvertently added.
1 Delete tidy apps
Most Mac apps consist of a single file either in the main Applications folder (if installed for all user accounts) or the folder of the same name in your Home folder. Select the app in the Finder, press ç+∫ and it’s gone. Or open Launchpad from the Dock, click and hold on the app until the icons jiggle, then click the cross.
This applies to all apps from the Mac App Store, and many more. Any data left behind (such as preference or log files) is usually too small to be worth worrying about, but see ‘Temp files, preferences and caches’ on the opposite page.
2 Uninstall fussy apps
Third-party apps sometimes come with an installer, which may add more significant content elsewhere, so use the developer’s manager or uninstaller software to remove them; the same goes for third-party plugins, like music and video add-ons. Removing apps doesn’t affect files saved from them, but of course you won’t have the app to reopen the files. Some apps, including games, may incorporate save data that’s lost if you delete the app.
3 Maul malware
Malware is uncommon on Macs, partly thanks to the security features behind the scenes of macOS. It shouldn’t be possible for any software to run unless you agree to install it, entering your password in order to do so.
So the only way your Mac is likely to get ‘infected’ is if you’re tricked into
downloading and installing an app that pretends to be something else, such as an updater for Adobe Flash. Even then, macOS should warn you if it contains known malware.
Most unusual behaviour in macOS, such as slowdowns, has more innocent explanations. But if you think you may have installed malware, the most important thing not to do is go online, do a search and install any tools you see recommended to remove malware. These may also be malware! Instead, go to a reputable security software vendor, such as Bitdefender. Its free Virus Scanner for Mac (bitdefender.com/toolbox or the Mac App Store) will scan for known malware.