Did you know that if you simply delete files and folders from your computer, they can still stay on your hard drive without you knowing? In many occasions, these deleted data can be easily recovered with meager attempt because most computers only erases the links to the information so that they no longer visible to you but the real data still remains on the computer. So, gaining access to these deleted files is very simple.
Apps are not stored in iCloud. The cloud icon just means you can download it again, but the download actually comes directly from the app store. There is no way to remove previously purchased apps from that list however. They don't take up space in your iCloud in any case, and are just links to the apps in the store for convenience. Use Uninstaller Files to Remove Mac Apps. There are some Mac app developers, they provide uninstaller files to uninstall the apps from Mac completely. These uninstaller apps will perform the job pretty clean and fast. These apps will delete the Mac apps and clean all the cache files when going through the uninstallation process. Here's how: Open a Finder window by selecting File New Finder Window in the Apple menu bar or by clicking the Finder icon on the. Click Applications in the left panel of the Finder window to view the installed applications on your computer. Click on the Application that you want to uninstall. How to Access Delete Immediately from Mac Finder. You can also access the Delete Immediately option and skip the Trash by using the File menu in the Mac file system: Select the file(s) or folder(s) you wish to instantly and permanently delete then hold the OPTION key as you access the “File” menu from the Finder.
Of course, it most cases a basic delete will work just fine where privacy and security is not an issue. But you obviously does not want anyone else gain access to your bank statements, credit card information, private pictures or medical records. For private and confidential data, you must make sure that both the data and the links are removed from the computer so that they can never be recovered. To permanently erase a file, you will have to use an external third party software that offers to delete files permanently and wipe your Mac clean.
In this guide, we will introduce two ways to help you wipe a file. One is the in-built basic delete key and another is use SafeWiper Data Wipe Mac to erase a file permanently from your computer that cannot be received using any data recovery software.
Part 1. How to Delete A File Using Default Deletion Feature
This method is only helpful if the file you are deleting is not that important. In that case, use the following steps to delete the file.
Step 1. Right-click on the file and from the options, click on 'Delete'. Alternatively, you can left click on the file that you want to delete once and then press the 'Delete' key on the keyboard.
Step 2. Click on 'Yes' to confirm.
Step 3. Open recycle bin and empty the trash can.
That’s it. The file should disappear from the computer.
Cons:
1. Should be only used in personal computers.
2. Files are not permanently deleted as these deleted files can be easily recovered using any data recovery tool.
3. Only delete files with low security threats.
4. Not recommended, if you are deleting important and private files like medical records, bank and credit card statements and other confidential documents.
Part 2. How to Completely Erase Files on Mac/Windows
Data Wipe is an easy to use program developed by SafeWiper that is used to erase everything on hard drive permanently. The data deletion occurred by this tool is irreversible meaning these deleted information cannot be recovered. It is best to use if you are trying to sell or giveaway your computer to a complete stranger. Let us briefly explain its main advantages so that you can understand the benefits of this tool.
Safewiper for Disk - Permanently Wipe Your Data
Step 1 Install Program on PC and Add Files to Program
Firstly, you should download SafeWiper for Disk on your computer and install the program on the desired location by reading the set up wizard manual. The installation process is basic and same as installing any other software. After installation, follow these steps to erase a file permanently from your hard disk.
To delete selected files and folders, click on 'Erase Files/Folders' from the left sidebar of the software screen.
Step 4 Choose Wiping Algorithm
Here we recommend you select the wiping method, different method used the different wiping algorithms to erase your files on Mac or Windows. It provides four wiping method for your different needs. More complex the algorithm is, more time it will take.
Step 5 Start Deleting Files from Computer (Mac/Windows)
After selecting all files, click on 'Erase Now' from the bottom mid of the software interface. The tool will automatically start wiping all the selected files from the hard disk. Kindly be patient while the data are deleted from the computer. It may take several minutes to finish the task depending on how much data you are deleting.
That's all. You may now check the computer and folders to discover that all the files are deleted. And to make sure they are all deleted permanently, you may use any data recovery program and scan the entire computer to find out that no data can be restored or recovered after deleting them using SafeWiper for Disk.
Note: Realize that the data deleted using this software is permanent and there's no going back after this. So, make sure to generate a full back up before using this software.
Summary:
Wiping sensitive files from computer should be taken seriously since these files contains all secret and confidential information that you don't want to share with anyone. If someone gain access to these files then your entire privacy and security will be compromised. Knowing how dangerous this issue can get, wiping them permanently from computer is absolute necessity and make the delete data unrecoverable.
There are many data deletion tools available on the internet but you may consider trying SafeWiper Data Wiping for Mac as it is free to use and does the job exactly as it is described. If you run into any trouble then make sure to contact the staff support to get dedicated assistant.
One of the most basic computer functions — deleting files and folders — is also one of the most essential. If you never get rid of anything, soon enough all those extra gigabytes will take a toll on your Mac’s processing power, RAM, and hard drive, not to mention your digital life will resemble a dreadful episode of Hoarders.
How To Permanently Delete Apps On Mac![]()
So deleting files is good and healthy. But how do you do that? Most people right-click on what they need gone and choose Move to Trash from the menu or use the File option in the menu bar. Others employ the ⌘ + Delete shortcut, which works across the system (even within dialog windows). Experts, however, often find themselves defaulting to the command line delete directory feature. Let’s see how and why you should learn it too.
How to remove directory with Terminal
Since macOS is a Unix-based system, nearly all system tasks you do every day with the help of its graphic interface can also be performed via the command line tool called Terminal.
Why delete file command line feature is important
With regards to delete file or delete folder command line functionality, Terminal lets you:
Note: The Mac command line delete file feature is final and irreversible. While it lets you avoid any error messages, it also removes the files completely, without any possibility of retrieving them later on.
Tip: Delete unneeded system files on Mac
Some files are hard to delete in a normal way because they sit deeply in system folders. These are such files as logs, broken downloads, caches, remains of old apps, etc. Still, deleting them could give your Mac an extra boost — that's because they are outdated and clutter your macOS.
To dig these files out, try a free version of CleanMyMac X. Among other things, this app has an impressive System Junk detector. When you download CleanMyMac X (this free version is notarized by Apple), you need to click on System Junk.
Just take a loot at the sheer amount of files it unearthed. To delete them, click on Clean. How to use delete file command line feature
Removing files from your Mac forever using Terminal is deceptively simple: just use the rm command followed by the name of the file. Here’s how it works in practice:
Now all the files you specified after rm are gone for good. Navigate directories in your Mac and repeat the process as many times as you want.
Surprised there was no confirmation before your files were deleted? Luckily there’s a way to add one as a safeguard for not deleting the wrong file by accident. Just use -i after the rm but before the first filename, like this: rm -i [filename.extension]. Terminal will then ask you whether you’re sure you want to delete the file. Reply y or yes followed by Enter and the file will be gone. This also works for multiple files, but you’ll have to confirm the removal of each one separately.
How to make command line delete directory
Surprisingly, you can’t delete a folder using the rm command because it has its own: rmdir.
Otherwise, rmdir works exactly the same as rm:
Sadly, you can’t use the -i hack when you’re deleting folders, so be extra careful!
How To Completely Delete An App From Macbook Pro
Another thing to keep in mind is that rmdir only deletes the directory, but can’t delete any files or folders located within that directory.
To delete a folder with everything in it, you need to use rm -r followed by the folder’s name. Using -i to create a warning here is possible and done like this: rm -ir [foldername].
When it’s too difficult to find a folder or file via Terminal, but you can detect them in Finder, simply drag and drop the file onto the Terminal window to generate its path.
Delete large and old folders using CleanMyMac X
As it happens with folders, they are easy to mess up and lose track of. That's why many apps provide an alternative interface for searching and deleting files which is more flexible than the Finder. For example, using CleanMyMac X (the app we've mentioned above) you can find massive folders that might have been evading you. You also can filter them by file type and other criteria.
The latest released version of this tool looks like this:
This app by developer MacPaw is available for a free download here. Using this app, files are removed for good, and as far as we know, it's irreversible.
Other ways to delete files and folders on Mac
The shortcut combination
We are sure you know how to drag to your files to the Trash. But here is an alternative way which deletes files at once, bypassing the Trash. There’s one less step involved (you don’t have to empty the bin). And you cannot reverse this action.
Select a file, and press [Option + ⌘ + Delete]
Delete hidden folders on Mac
Some folders on your Mac are made invisible to protect them from accidental deletion. They are system and support files you would ignore most of the time. But what if a folder seems empty but still takes up space? You can apply another shortcut combination to highlight these unseen objects. Then, you can delete them at your own risk. To highlight hidden folders: [Press Shift + ⌘ + . dot key] This best works if you open some system folder, like Library
Again, delete these folders only if you are sure what they are.
How To Permanent Delete Apps On Macbook Pro
That was how to remove files and folders on your Mac, shown in multiple ways. Want to know more? Explore our blog for a whole universe of Mac tips!
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