Installing a software or app is extremely easy and so does uninstalling the software when you don't need them anymore? Many times, for some unknown reason, a Mac system denies to remove some data. If this is happening with you then the first thing you could try is to restart the computer and then try to remove it again, but still failed! Then what should you do?

On the other hand, there are many stubborn software that won't get uninstalled whatsoever. You will continuously get errors, warning and unknown issues when uninstalling them. These are usually infected with viruses or the developers don't intend to let you uninstall them. This could be really very intimidating especially when they are slowing down your computer. In this article, we will show you few simple tricks to remove unwanted apps or softwares that won't delete on Mac.

Delete the Service folder from C: ProgramData Microsoft Windows Defender Scans History Service, then restart your computer. This detection of remediated threats constantly showing up as detections is a bug. 3 Click/tap on the Allow an app through Controlled folder access link. (see screenshot below) 4 Click/tap on Yes when prompted by UAC to approve. 5 Click/tap on Add an allowed app, and click/tap on Browse all apps (build 17704 and later). (see screenshot below) Starting with Windows 10 build 17704, when an app is blocked, it will appear in a.

Part 1. How to Delete Apps in the Finder on Mac Manually (the Hard Way)

Unlike Windows computers, Mac works a little distinctly. All the programs and apps are stored in the Application directory. The app and software configuration settings are saved in the Library/Preferences folder and any other additional supporting data are saved in the /Library/Application_Support folder. In order to remove the Apps in Mac, you only have to open the application folder and drag the app to the Bin or Trash Can. This is rather easy if the program is uninstalled simply.

However, if the application still denies to uninstall and stays on the Mac then we need to get another solution below.

Delete the Preferences

If you can't delete the app by using the above method then the reason could be that the preferences folder of that app still exists. Let's go and delete that first.

Step 1. Open Finder then click on the Go option from the dropdown menu.

Force to Delete a File That Cannot Be Deleted Windows 10. Files cannot be deleted if the file is open in an application. Usually, you could receive the information when you can't delete a file like a picture showing below. To force Windows 10 to delete a file, you can follow the steps below: Step 1. Remove the write protection and try again.' I don't want to do anything else crazy yet, such as reformatting my storage device, or factory resetting, thus why I'm asking for troubleshooting first. Even when I tap 'show hidden files' on my tablet, the write-protected mp4 file is not still visible on the tablet; it is only viewable when I go to. Use the Finder to delete an app Cannot Remove Protected Apps Macbook Pro. 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.

Step 2. When the menu pops down, simple press the Option key and keep holding it.

Step 3. You will now see the Library option right between the Computer and Home options. Click on it and the folder should open.

Protected

NOTE The final necessary thing to do after uninstalling a program is to empty the trash can or Bin. Dragging and dropping a software shortcut icon to the Bin will actually do nothing. It is only erasing the shortcut, this won't uninstall the program. It is still laying somewhere in your computer however, if you empty the trash then the application is truly removed.

However, there's also a chance that the software files must have stored in the computer somehow, which happens quite often. So, if you are not able to remove Apps by yourself then it's better to take help from an automatic Mac program remover like CleanGeeker in Part 2..

Part 2: Completely Remove Unwanted Apps that Won't Delete on Mac (Easy Way)

When any app is fishy enough not to get deleted from a Launchpad or Finder then you will have to use some sort of force to delete that. TunesBro CleanGeeker is one of the most powerful Mac app remover that helps to remove any app or software as well as the trace from the Mac without destroying your system. Unlike other App removers, CleanGeeker can deeply scan and remove multiple apps at once, including corresponding files and preferences. It also has other miscellaneous functions as well like cleaning junk files, clearing app caches and finding + deleting duplicate items from the computer like music, documents, pictures, videos, etc. To summarize, CleanGeeker is used to optimize and organize your Mac so that it remains clean and fast as a thunder.

CleanGeeker - Force to Delete Apps on Mac, Easy and Safe!
  • Locate all the installed apps on your Mac and shows them in a list.
  • Deeply scan and remove apps along with its remaining files like caches, or junk files.
  • Force to remove unwanted app that won’t uninstalled, easy and safe! Never destroy your system.
  • Optimize and improve your Mac’s space and performance.

Step 1Download and Install App Remover Tool on Your Mac

Download the App remover and install it normally on your Mac. Launch the program and enter the license code to activate the software. On the main user interface, you will be able to see multiple options on the screen. Just click on 'Uninstaller' from the mid left sidebar.

Step 2Scan All Apps that Installed On Your Mac

Let the program search all the apps installed in your computer. It may take few minutes.

Step 2 Found and Remove Unwanted Applications on Mac

Once the scanning is done, you should be able to look on all the apps that has been installed in the system. Choose the app that you want to remove and select the 'Delete' button once.

There's no software or apps that cannot be removed with CleanGeeker and that's why it's now a must have tool for everyone. Moreover, it helps to speed up your computer unbelievably fast and run it like it used to when you first bought it.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps

Part 3: Delete Apps Downloaded from Mac App Store

One of the best alternative to delete any app is by simply deleting it from the sales page from the App Store. Once you have done that, you will no longer be able to download it form there anymore. But, the app will remain active in the iTunes account which is associated with that. So, if you wish to download or update it later from the iTunes then you will be able to do that. But the important thing is: Once you delete any app which you have downloaded from Apple App Store, you won’t be able to recover that app or find the SKU to install it again.


So, if you want to delete any app from App Store without actually removing it then follow these steps –

Step 1. Open the Launchpad from the Dock section. At this point you should be familiar with it if not then just find the Rocket icon.

Step 2. After the Launchpad is opened, it will replace the existing Windows with the apps that are provided by default in alphabetic order. You can obviously do many things using this tool but at this moment we are just erasing the unwanted apps.

Step 3. Just like any iPhone or Android phone, click and hold on the app that you want to delete until it starts dancing. Next, click on the 'X' mark with your mouse or touchscreen.

Step 4. Now, confirm that you want to delete by clicking on the 'Delete' button once and the system will get rid of it instantly.

Done! Keep in mind, that you should not worry about accidentally delete the apps that you want to keep in Mac. You’re allowed to obviously re-install any app that you have deleted before without paying any extra. Simply go to the app store and it’s done.

Oct 15, 2018 15:31:43 / Posted by Candie Kates to Mac Solution

Related Articles & Tips

Summary :

If you run a program, Windows 10 may give you a pop-up window saying “Windows protected your PC”. This message may appear when you are in a browser. The former is the warning given by Microsoft and the latter is a tech support scam. In this post, you can know how to disable the SmartScreen protection and remove the scam, as well as data protection offered by MiniTool Software.

Quick Navigation :

Now, let’s see two cases on the “Windows protected your PC” pop-up window.

Case 1: Windows SmartScreen Protection Popup on Desktop Screen

In Windows 10, there are some built-in security features designed to protect your PC from a number of malicious apps and criminal websites. Among these features, the Windows Defender SmartScreen feature is representative.

It is enabled by default and runs in the background to prevent you from running certain apps that are unrecognized by the Windows software database or known to be malicious. This could be a good protective measure for your PC.

Usually, you will receive a popup if you attempt to run or install an application that Windows doesn’t recognize. The warning is “Windows protected your PC. Windows SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting…”

However, this warning sometimes is annoying. For example, you know this app is secure, obtained from a trustworthy source and won’t damage your system. Besides, it seems to show an only option – Don’t run. What should you do? Now, let’s go to the following part.

Things to Do When “Windows Protected Your PC” Appears in Windows 10

Allow App to Bypass the Windows Defender SmartScreen Message

Apps

When receiving the above warning screen, please make sure the app is absolutely safe. To know some new information and options, you can click the More info link that is displayed beneath the warning message.

In the pop-up window, you can know the app name and publisher. You may note that the publisher is unknown. Don’t panic since not every developer registers with Microsoft and the absence of this field information doesn’t imply the application is risky.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps

Of course, you can check again carefully and make sure the app comes from the correct source. Then, click the Run anyway button to bypass the Windows Defender SmartScreen warning and continue using the app.

Disable Windows SmartScreen

Some of you may don’t like the protection features offered by Windows SmartScreen since they are not as excellent as expected. According to reports, it could slow down your system greatly and cannot offer any additional security possibly if you run a professional antivirus program. Additionally, Windows SmartScreen can collect your private data.

Of course, disabling the SmartScreen feature can avoid the “Windows protected your PC” warning in Windows 10.

Method 1: Disable Windows Defender SmartScreen Security Software

  1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Navigate to Windows Defender and click Open Windows Defender Security Center.
  3. Click the App & browser control section, scroll down, find Check apps and files and turn it off.

Now, you won’t receive the “Windows protected your PC” message when running an unrecognized app in Windows 10.

Method 2: Use Registry Editor to Disable Windows SmartScreen

If you are a home computer user, you can turn off SmartScreen via Registry Editor in Windows 10 to remove the message – Windows SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting.

Tip: Modifying registry keys is a dangerous operation since the incorrect operation could cause the system to be not bootable. So, back up your registry keys before you do.
  1. Input regedit.exe in the Windows 10’s search box and click the exact result to open Registry Editor.
  2. Head to the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsSystem.
  3. Double-click on EnableSmartScreen and set its value to 0 (disabled).
  4. Exit the tool and restart your computer.

Method 3: Use Group Policy to Disable SmartScreen

If you are a Pro user, you can turn off the feature to remove the “Windows protected your PC” message. Here is how to do it:

When you fail to launch or install an application, you may receive an error message “This Program is Blocked by Group Policy”. Here are the methods to fix it.

  1. Search for gpedit.msc in the search bar and click Edit group policy.
  2. Head to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
  3. Double-click Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen and set it to Disabled.
  4. Click OK to save the change.
Cannot Remove Protected Apps

Disable SmartScreen Filter in IE and Edge

Sometimes, the warning may appear in Internet Explorer (IE) or Microsoft Edge. To remove it, you should open IE, go to Settings > Safety and turn Windows Defender SmartScreen off. In Edge, go to Settings > View advanced settings > Privacy and services to turn off the toggle – Help protect me from malicious sites and downloads with Windows Defender SmartScreen.

Warning: Disabling Windows SmartScreen could let your computer be vulnerable, so it is best to not turn it off. Or you only do so if you encounter the SmartScreen protection while running an unknown app. To avoid data loss caused by a virus and ensure your data safe, we suggest backing up your important files with MiniTool ShadowMaker. This will be described in detail subsequently.

Case 2: Windows Protected Your PC Virus Scam

The above paragraphs show you the actual SmartScreen protection on the desktop screen in Windows 10. Actually, you may also receive the “Windows protected your PC” warning when using a browser. The warning is not real but only a tech support scam.

Usually, the warning message gives you a phone number and tricks you into a call for help. Then, scammers ask for payment to get a purported support service. As it is just a scam, the website doesn’t really know what is running on your computer. So, don’t call any listed phone number.

In fact, Microsoft never sends unsolicited email message giving phone calls to request personal information. Besides, errors from Microsoft also never include a phone number.

Tip: In addition to this scam, you may encounter another scam – Windows Defender Zeus Virus. For more information, refer to our previous article - Remove “Windows Defender Alert Zeus Virus” from Your PC Now!

When encountering this fake error message, you should try to remove it. Now, let’s go to see the following operations.

Steps to Remove “Windows Protected Your PC” Scam

Step 1: Close the Browser Tab

Firstly, you can try closing the browser tab based tech support scam. Usually, you couldn’t close it directly but you can do this via Task Manager.

Is Task Manager not responding in Windows 10/8/7? Now get the full solutions to fix Task Manager if you can’t open it.

  1. Right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
  2. Find your browser from the Processes tab and click End task after selecting it.
Tip: When opening your browser next time, do not open the latest opened page.

Step 2: Uninstall Malicious Programs from Windows 10

In your computer, some apps are installed without your consent; some are added to the add-ons of your browser or hidden in other installers. Perhaps malicious viruses are included, so you should remove these apps.

1. Search for control panel in the search bar and then click the result.

2. In the Control Panel interface, view items by category and then choose Uninstall a program.

3. Scroll down the app list, find and right-click the malicious program and click Uninstall.

Step 3: Use Anti-Malware to Remove “Windows Protected Your PC” Adware

It is important to use an anti-malware or antivirus program to scan your system and remove malicious programs and viruses. On the market, Malwarebytes can be worthy of being recommended since it is able to destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss.

Malwarebytes may not open on Windows. You need to pay attention to this issue. You can read this post and get some useful solutions to fix this annoying issue.

Of course, you can try other programs, for example, HitmanPro, AdwCleaner, etc. to scan your computer for badware or remove adware from a computer.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings to Default

If you have tried the above operations, now you can consider resetting the browser settings to their default configuration to remove the “Windows protected your PC” tech support scam from your Windows 10 computer.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps Mac

Tip: This method will remove all extensions, add-ons, toolbars, and other customizations but will keep your bookmarks.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, click on the main menu, represented by three horizontal lines and click Settings.

2. Go to the Advanced link.

3. In the Reset and clean up section and click Restore settings to their original defaults.

4. To complete the reset process, click on the Reset Settings button.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the menu and choose Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. In the pop-up window, click Refresh Firefox to remove add-ons, customizations and restore the browser settings to defaults to remove “Windows protected your PC” fake error message.

Internet Explorer

1. Click the gear icon and choose Internet options.

2. Under the Advanced tab, click Reset.

3. In the pop-up window, check the Delete personal settings option and click Reset.

4. Click Close finally.

Now, after doing the above operations, your computer should be free of the “Windows protected your PC” fake error message.

Back up Your PC to Avoid Data Loss

Viruses, malware, malicious adware, spyware, etc are always ubiquitous. To keep your computer protected really, you should do some things, for example, run a powerful antivirus program or anti-malware, do not install an unrecognized program, don’t open unknown attachment or emails, back up your computer, etc.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps Mac

Computers are easily attacked by malicious software or viruses, causing data loss. So, the important thing you should do is to make a backup for your important files.

MiniTool ShadowMaker, a third-party free backup software, can be your good assistant since it is designed to back up your operating system, disks, partitions and files & folders within simple clicks. To back up your computer well, you can make an automatic backup. Besides, you can use it to perform a fast disaster recovery.

For file backup, you can also try file sync. Furthermore, this backup program allows you clone disk to another disk. Now, download MiniTool ShadowMaker Free Edition for free and install in on your computer to start file backup.

1. Run MiniTool ShadowMaker.

2. Go to the Backup tab, choose the backup files.

3. Decide which place you want to store the backup to.

4. Finally, click Back up Now to start the file backup at once.

Tip: If you want to sync files for backup, you can read our previous post - 2 Best File Synchronization Software in Windows 10/8/7.

Bottom Line

Have you got the warning “Windows protected your PC” in Windows 10? If yes, don’t panic and this post gives you two cases. Just do what you should do based on your actual situation by following the steps mentioned above. What’s more, we suggest backing up your files to avoid data loss since viruses and malicious programs are rampant.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps Mac

As for other suggestions or questions to this post or our software, you can let us know by leaving a comment below or sending an email to our support team: [email protected].

Windows Protected Your PC FAQ

How do I remove protected Windows from my computer?
To turn off “Windows protected your PC” on Windows 10, you can choose to disable SmartScreen via Windows Settings, Registry Editor and Local Group Policy Editor. If you encounter a scam with the same error message, close your web browser, uninstall a malicious program, use antivirus software, and reset your browser to default settings.

Cannot Remove Protected Apps

SmartScreen, also called Windows SmartScreen and Windows Defender SmartScreen, is an important component that helps protects systems from malicious programs downloaded from the Internet. It is included in many Microsoft products, including Windows operating systems (Windows 8 and later), Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, and Outlook.com.

Can't Delete Apps Mac

Three methods are offered for you:

  1. Change the setting of Windows Defender
  2. Use Registry Editor to disable Windows SmartScreen
  3. Edit Group Policy to Disable SmartScreen
  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender.
  2. After opening Windows Defender Security Center, click the App & browser control button.
  3. Click Off in these three sections - Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge and SmartScreen for Windows Store apps.