Show Open Apps Mac

Use Launchpad to delete an app

Launchpad offers a convenient way to delete apps that were downloaded from the App Store.

Hold Command and tap Tab to display the app switcher, which lists open apps in order of recent usage. The app switcher stays open as long as Command remains held. The second app in the list (the one used prior to what you’re currently using) is selected by default. Release Command and you switch to that app. The simplest way to launch an app from the keyboard is to use Spotlight.

  1. To open Launchpad, click it in the Dock or open it from your Applications folder. You can also pinch closed with your thumb and three fingers on your trackpad.
  2. If you don't see the app in Launchpad, type its name in the search field at the top of the screen. Or swipe right or left with two fingers on your trackpad to show the next or previous page.
  3. Press and hold the Option (⌥) key, or click and hold any app until the apps jiggle.
  4. Click next to the app that you want to delete, then click Delete to confirm. The app is deleted immediately. Apps that don't show either didn't come from the App Store or are required by your Mac. To delete an app that didn't come from the App Store, use the Finder instead.


Deleting an app doesn't cancel any subscription you may have purchased with that app. Learn how to cancel subscriptions for apps that were downloaded from the App Store.

Use the Finder to delete an app

  1. Locate the app in the Finder. Most apps are in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or use Spotlight to find the app, then press and hold the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking the app in Spotlight.
  2. Drag the app to the Trash, or select the app and choose File > Move to Trash.
  3. If you're asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac. This is probably the name and password you use to log in to your Mac.
  4. To delete the app, choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Learn more

To use an app again after deleting it, either reinstall it or restore it from a backup.

  • To reinstall apps that were installed as part of macOS, reinstall macOS. This applies to apps such as Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
  • You can also redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books that were installed from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books.

Learn how to delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Learn what to do if the Dock contains an icon with a question mark.

Applications folder gone from Mac and want know how to get it back? Read this post to get easy methods to restore missing Application folder to Finder or Dock.

Mac Tips & Issue Fixes

Mac Related Tips
Mac Problems & Fixes
Mac Clean Tips

“I accidentally lost my applications folder from Finder sidebar as well as the icon on the dock. And I can’t find the Applications folder on Mac now. I’m running macOS Sierra on my MacBook Pro. Is there anyone who knows how to get it back? Thank you!”

—— A Question from Apple Communities

Applications folder in Finder shows all your Mac apps and you can quickly manage your apps in this folder, no matter the apps are downloaded from App Store or websites. If you can’t find the application folder on Mac, it may cause you inconveniences, for example, deleting apps. So how to get the lost Applications folder back on MacBook/Mac mini/iMac? Keep reading on this post to get the answers.

1. How to Restore Missing Application Folder in Finder

If you inadvertently remove your Applications folder from Finder sidebar, you can get it back with following steps:

Step 1. Go to Finder Menu > Click Preference.

How to Get Applications Folder Back to Finder Sidebar – Step 1

Step 2. Choose Sidebar tab and re-check Applications.

How to Get Applications Folder Back to Finder Sidebar – Step 2

Also Read:

Show Open Apps Mac

2. How to Add Applications Folder to Dock

After restoring the Application folder in Finder, you can add it to Dock to quickly access Applications on Mac.

Step 1. Open Finder.

Step 2. Right-click the Applications icon in the sidebar and choose Add to Dock.

Step 3. Then you can right-click on the folder on the Dock to set how you would like it displayed, i.e. Fan, List, Grid, etc.

The Bottom Line

Apps For Mac

That’s all for how to getting missing applications folder back on Mac. If you find this post helpful, please share this post to help more people. By the way, if you want to have some useful apps, click here to get 18 useful apps for Mac.

Also Read:

Show Open Apps Mac

Product-related questions? Contact Our Support Team to Get Quick Solution >