Google Drive for Desktop is a powerful tool that allows Mac users to store and access their files in the cloud. However, there may come a time when you no longer need or want this application on your computer. Whether you’re switching to a different cloud storage service or simply need to free up space on your hard drive, uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop will remove all of your synced files from your computer. If you want to keep these files, make sure to create a backup before proceeding with the uninstallation process. Once you’re ready to proceed, follow these step-by-step instructions to uninstall Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac.
Step 1: Quit Google Drive for Desktop
The first step in the uninstallation process is to quit the Google Drive for Desktop application. To do this, simply click on the Google Drive icon in your menu bar, then select “Quit Google Drive” from the drop-down menu. If the Google Drive icon is not visible in your menu bar, you can also quit the application by opening the Google Drive folder in your Applications folder and double-clicking on the “Quit Google Drive” icon.
Step 2: Remove Google Drive for Desktop from the Applications folder
Once you have quit Google Drive for Desktop, navigate to the Applications folder on your Mac. To do this, click on the Finder icon in your dock, then select “Applications” from the sidebar. In the Applications folder, locate the Google Drive for Desktop application and drag it to the Trash. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Google Drive for Desktop icon and select “Move to Trash” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Delete Google Drive for Desktop preferences
In addition to removing the Google Drive for Desktop application from your computer, it’s also important to delete its preferences files. To do this, click on the Finder icon in your dock, then select “Go” from the menu bar and choose “Go to Folder.” In the “Go to the folder” dialog box, type “~/Library/Preferences/” and click “Go.” Locate the preferences files that begin with “com.google” or “GoogleDrive” and drag them to the Trash.
Step 4: Empty the Trash
Once you have completed the previous steps, you can empty the Trash to permanently delete Google Drive for Desktop and its associated files from your Mac. To do this, right-click on the Trash icon in your dock and select “Empty Trash” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can click on the Finder icon in your dock, select “Empty Trash” from the menu bar, and then click “Empty Trash” in the confirmation dialog that appears.
By following these simple steps, you can easily uninstall Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac and free up valuable storage space on your computer. Remember to create a backup of your synced files if you want to keep them, and always empty the Trash to ensure that all associated files are permanently deleted. Happy uninstalling!
Why Uninstall Google Drive for Desktop Mac?
There could be several reasons why you may want to uninstall Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac. Here are a few common scenarios:
- You no longer use Google Drive and want to free up space on your Mac.
- You prefer using other cloud storage services or tools for file syncing and collaboration.
- You are experiencing technical issues with Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac.
- You want to switch to a different version or update of Google Drive for Desktop.
- You want to remove any potential privacy concerns associated with Google Drive for Desktop.
- You want to streamline your applications and remove unnecessary software from your Mac.
Whatever the reason may be, uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac can be a simple process if you follow the right steps. In the following sections, we will guide you through the uninstallation process to help you remove Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac effectively.
Benefits of Uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac
Uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac can provide several benefits for users who no longer wish to use the application. Here are some advantages of uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac:
1. Free up storage space
By uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac, you can free up storage space on your computer. This is especially useful if your hard drive is running low on space and you need to make room for other files and applications.
2. Improve system performance
Removing Google Drive for Desktop Mac can help improve the performance of your Mac. Running fewer background processes and services can result in a faster and more responsive system.
3. Reduce reliance on cloud storage
Uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac means you no longer have to depend on cloud storage for your files and documents. This can be advantageous for users who prefer managing their files locally or using alternative cloud storage services.
4. Increase privacy and security
By uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac, you can potentially enhance your privacy and security. Removing the application eliminates the risk of unauthorized access to your Google Drive files and reduces the potential for data breaches or cyber attacks.
| Benefits of Uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop Mac |
|---|
| Free up storage space |
| Improve system performance |
| Reduce reliance on cloud storage |
| Increase privacy and security |
Step 1: Quit Google Drive for Desktop
Before uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac, it is essential to quit the application. Follow these steps to quit Google Drive for Desktop:
- Go to the menu bar at the top of your screen.
- Click on the Google Drive for Desktop icon, which looks like a cloud.
- A drop-down menu will appear.
- Click on the “Quit Google Drive” option.
Once you have successfully quit Google Drive for Desktop, you can proceed to the next step of the uninstallation process.
How to Quit Google Drive for Desktop Mac
If you have been using Google Drive for Desktop Mac and no longer need it or want to switch to a different cloud storage service, you may want to quit Google Drive for Desktop Mac. Quitting the application will stop it from syncing files and using system resources.
Step 1: Close the Google Drive for Desktop App
To start, you need to close the Google Drive for Desktop app. Go to the menu bar on your Mac and click on the Google Drive for Desktop icon. From the drop-down menu, click on “Quit Google Drive for Desktop”. This will close the application and prevent it from running in the background.
Step 2: Remove Google Drive for Desktop from the Login Items
By default, Google Drive for Desktop is set to run automatically when you start your Mac. To prevent this, you need to remove it from the login items. Open System Preferences on your Mac and navigate to “Users & Groups”. Select your user account and go to the “Login Items” tab. Locate Google Drive for Desktop in the list and click on the “-” button to remove it from the login items.
Step 3: Delete Google Drive for Desktop Application
To completely uninstall Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac, you need to delete the application. Open Finder and go to the “Applications” folder. Look for Google Drive for Desktop and drag it to the Trash. Alternatively, you can right-click on the application and select “Move to Trash”. Once the application is in the Trash, right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the application from your Mac.
With these steps, you have successfully quit Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac. Remember that quitting the application will stop it from syncing files, but your files will still be available in your Google Drive account online.
Step 2: Uninstall Google Drive for Desktop Mac
To uninstall Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac, follow the steps below:
1. Quit the Google Drive for Desktop application:
Click on the Google Drive for Desktop icon in the top menu bar, and then click on “Quit Google Drive”.
Note: If you don’t see the Google Drive for Desktop icon in the top menu bar, it means the application is not running.
2. Open the Applications folder:
Click on the “Finder” icon in the dock, and then click on “Applications” in the sidebar.
3. Find the Google Drive for Desktop application:
In the Applications folder, look for “Google Drive” or “Backup and Sync” and drag it to the Trash. You may be asked to enter your administrator password.
4. Remove Google Drive for Desktop files:
In the Finder, click on “Go” in the top menu, and then click on “Go to Folder”.
Type “~/Library/Application Support/Google” and click on “Go”.
Delete the “Drive” or “Backup and Sync” folder.
5. Remove Google Drive for Desktop preferences:
In the Finder, click on “Go” in the top menu, and then click on “Go to Folder”.
Type “~/Library/Preferences” and click on “Go”.
Delete the “com.google.GoogleDrive.plist” file.
6. Empty the Trash:
Right-click on the Trash icon in the dock and select “Empty Trash”. Confirm the action when prompted.
That’s it! Google Drive for Desktop has been successfully uninstalled from your Mac.
How to Uninstall Google Drive for Desktop Mac
If you are looking to uninstall Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac, follow these easy steps to completely remove the application and all its associated files from your computer.
Step 1: Quit Google Drive for Desktop
Before uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop, make sure to close the application and any associated processes. To do this, simply click on the Google Drive for Desktop icon in the menu bar, and then select “Quit Google Drive”.
Step 2: Delete Google Drive for Desktop Application
To delete the Google Drive for Desktop application itself, locate it in your Applications folder. You can access this folder by clicking on the “Go” menu in the Finder and selecting “Applications”. Once you’re in the Applications folder, find the Google Drive for Desktop application and drag it to the Trash.
Step 3: Remove Google Drive for Desktop Files
Although you have deleted the application itself, there might still be some residual files left on your system. To remove these files, follow these steps:
| File Location | Action |
|---|---|
| /Library/Application Support/Google/Drive | Delete the “Drive” folder |
| ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Drive | Delete the “Drive” folder |
| ~/Library/Caches/com.google.GoogleDrive | Delete the “com.google.GoogleDrive” folder |
| ~/Library/Preferences/com.google.GoogleDrive.plist | Delete the “com.google.GoogleDrive.plist” file |
| ~/Library/Saved Application State/com.google.GoogleDrive.savedState | Delete the “com.google.GoogleDrive.savedState” folder |
Step 4: Empty Trash
Once you have deleted all the Google Drive for Desktop files, don’t forget to empty your Trash. To do this, right-click on the Trash icon in your dock and select “Empty Trash”.
That’s it! You have successfully uninstalled Google Drive for Desktop from your Mac.
Will uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop delete my files?
No, uninstalling Google Drive for Desktop will not delete your files. When you uninstall the app, it simply removes the app and its associated features from your Mac. Your files will still be accessible through the Google Drive website or other devices connected to your Google Drive account. If you want to remove your files from your Mac as well, you can manually delete them from the Google Drive folder on your Mac or choose to delete them from the Google Drive website.
