How to Uninstall CCleaner on Mac

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

CCleanerMacUninstallationSoftwareAppleCleanupRemovalProgramsApplicationsSystem

When you decide to uninstall an application like CCleaner from your Mac, it is important to follow a systematic method to ensure that all of its components are completely removed. In this comprehensive guide, we will go through the step-by-step process of uninstalling CCleaner on your Mac. This guide will ensure that you can safely remove the software without leaving any residual files behind while maintaining the optimal performance of your Mac.

Introduction

CCleaner is a utility program designed to clean up unnecessary files and optimize the computer. Developed by Piriform, it helps users free up space by deleting temporary files, caches, cookies, and other unnecessary data. However, over time, if it no longer suits your needs, if you are switching to another utility software, or if it is causing conflicts or performance issues on your Mac, you may feel the need to uninstall CCleaner.

Uninstalling software on a Mac is generally more straightforward than on other operating systems. However, ensuring that every part of an application is removed requires a little more effort and attention to detail.

Why uninstall CCleaner?

Before we dive into the uninstallation process, let's look at a few reasons why you might want to uninstall CCleaner from your Mac:

• Performance issues: Sometimes, running CCleaner can decrease system performance or cause unexpected behavior, leading to the decision to remove it.
• Switching tools: You may have found another cleaning utility that better suits your needs, making it necessary to remove CCleaner.
• Minimal usage: If you no longer use CCleaner frequently, it may be advisable to uninstall it to free up space.
• Alternative methods: You may prefer the built-in macOS utilities or manual file management techniques.

Preparation stages

Before you uninstall CCleaner, take the following preparatory steps:

1. Quit CCleaner: Make sure CCleaner is not running. If it is, right-click its icon in the Dock and choose the option to quit the application.
2. Backup important data: Although this is not directly related to uninstallation, it is a good practice to back up your important data. Time Machine or another backup solution can ensure that your files are safe.
3. Disconnect from the Internet: This isn't mandatory, but it can help stop any automatic updates or processes that might interfere with the uninstallation.

Uninstallation guide

The process of uninstalling CCleaner can be divided into several steps in order to completely remove it from your system.

Step 1: Manual deletion from Applications folder

The first step is to manually remove the CCleaner application from your Mac's Applications folder.

1. Open Finder application. You can do this by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
2. In Finder's sidebar, click Applications.
3. Locate the CCleaner application in the Applications folder.
4. Right-click on CCleaner and select Move to Trash from the context menu.
5. To permanently delete, right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select Empty Trash. Alternatively, open the Trash and delete CCleaner manually.

Step 2: Deleting supporting files

Apps often leave support files and preferences stored in your Library folder. These files cannot be easily deleted by dragging-and-dropping them to the Trash. Here's how to find and delete them:

1. In the Finder, click Go in the menu bar and choose Go to Folder...
2. Type ~/Library and press Enter to open the Library folder.
3. Find any files or folders related to CCleaner in the following directories:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/Caches/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Logs/
4. Drag all found files or folders related to CCleaner to the Trash.

Step 3: Deleting system files

Sometimes, software like CCleaner can install files outside of your user library. You can also delete:

1. Click Go in the Finder menu bar and choose Go to Folder...
2. Type /Library and press Enter to access the system-wide Library folder.
3. Look for any components related to CCleaner, and move these files to the Trash as before. See specifically:
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/Caches/
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/

Step 4: Clearing residual files using the Terminal (optional)

For more advanced users, you can use the Terminal to ensure that no CCleaner files remain. This step is completely optional and requires caution.

Launch the Terminal, which can be found in your Applications > Utilities folder, and use a command like the following to search for residual files:

sudo find / -iname "*CCleaner*"

Review the list carefully and manually delete or modify entries as needed. It's important to make sure you're deleting the correct files, as Terminal doesn't have an undo option.

Step 5: Third-party uninstaller (optional)

If you prefer to use software to help simplify the process, there are several third-party uninstallers available for Mac. These applications can automatically find and remove all of a program's associated files:

• AppCleaner: A free application that completely removes apps including all associated files.
• CleanMyMac X: A popular tool that offers features to help you optimize your Mac by cleaning up various types of junk.

However, make sure that the third-party tool you choose is reliable to avoid potential risks associated with the use of inadequate system maintenance software.

Conclusion

Uninstalling CCleaner from your Mac involves several steps to ensure that you completely remove the application and its associated files. By following this guide, you should be able to successfully clean CCleaner components from your system. Remember, completely uninstalling the software helps maintain system efficiency and avoid unnecessary performance degradation caused by leftover files.

It's also important to be aware of changes that are made to the system and always make sure any changes are reasonable to avoid disrupting your Mac's functionality. Once CCleaner is completely uninstalled, your Mac will continue to run smoothly, and you'll have freed up some valuable storage space.

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