Uninstalling software is a common task, but when it comes to complex applications like VirtualBox on Mac, a strategic approach is essential. This guide walks you through the steps of effectively uninstalling VirtualBox, ensuring a clean removal without lingering files.
Whether freeing up disk space or troubleshooting issues, mastering the process of uninstalling VirtualBox from your Mac ensures a smooth transition and avoids potential conflicts. Follow the detailed steps outlined in this guide to bid farewell to VirtualBox on your Mac with confidence and precision.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a software to run virtual machines on different platforms. One can use VirtualBox on Mac to run Windows, Linux etc and as it will give you an environment to run the applications and operating system with ease.
How to Uninstall VirtualBox on Mac
Manual Methods
You can uninstall VirtualBox on Mac manually either by using Finder or from Launchpad. Both are very similar in operation but different by steps, and neither of them removes all the supporting files of VirtualBox. Thats why you need to do it separately by locating each file and folders of VirtualBox and deleting them.
Here we have shown you how to uninstall VirtualBox on Mac using Finder method and later how to remove supporting files manually.
Method 1 : Uninstall VirtualBox using Finder
1. Go to Finder on your Mac, Click on the ‘Applications’ tab on the left sidebar.
2. From the list of applications, Scroll down and Select VirtualBox.
3. To Uninstall VirtualBox, You can either drag the VirtualBox app icon to Trash on the Dock or Right-Click on the VirtualBox app and Select ‘Move to Trash’ option.
4. This will only remove the VirtualBox app but all its supporting files will still remain on your Mac hard drive.
How to remove supporting files of VirtualBox on Mac –
1. Launch Go To Finder on your Mac by pressing Shift + Command + G keys simultaneously on the keyboard.
2. Enter the following into the dialog box : ‘~/Library/’ and Press ‘Return’ Key or Click on ‘Ok’ button.
3. Here identify all the supporting files of VirtualBox from below given sub folders and delete all files and folders.
- ~/Library/VirtualBox
- ~/Library/Preferences/org.VirtualBox.app.VirtualBox.plist
- ~/Library/Saved Application State/org.VirtualBox.app.VirtualBox.SavedState
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/org.virtualbox.vboxwebsrv.plist
- ~/Library/Saved Application State/org.VirtualBox.app.VirtualBox.SavedState
4. When done deleting all supporting files and folders, make sure to Empty the Trash to completely delete everything.
Automatic Methods
If you are looking for an easier method, go with a third party app uninstaller to remove the VirtualBox from Mac.
Method 2 : Uninstall VirtualBox using MacBooster
1. Download and install MacBooster 8 from the below button.
2. Select the ‘Uninstaller’ module from the left sidebar menu options.
3. Locate and Select VirtualBox from the list of apps, and also Select preferences files along with Supporting files shown on the list to remove.
4. Finally Click on the ‘Uninstall’ button at the bottom to completely remove VirtualBox from your Mac.
MacBooster is efficient enough to delete the associated files for VirtualBox from your Mac as well. This can be used as a faster solution when looking forward to uninstalling apps on Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Q1. How do I completely uninstall VirtualBox?
You can completely uninstall VirtualBox from your Mac either by manually or using a third-party app uninstaller like MacBooster. Follow both the methods as given above and pick the right one according to your preference.
Q2. How do I uninstall and reinstall VirtualBox on my Mac?
You can uninstall VirtualBox from your Mac manually by using VirtualBox uninstaller tool or simply drag n drop it to Trash.
To reinstall VirtualBox onto your Mac, you need to download the installer file from VirtualBox official website and run the file to install it.
Q3. Does uninstalling VirtualBox remove virtual machines?
No, just by uninstalling VirtualBox from your Mac will not remove all the Virtual Machines you had created. You need to separately delete all the VirtualBox Virtual Machines from your Mac.
Go through the above given steps to remove VirtualBox Virtual Machines from your Mac.
Q4. Why do I need to uninstall VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is an excellent tool to run a virtual machine on your Mac, but it is not perfect. There are other better tools similar to VirtualBox like Parallels or VMware Fusion or VirtualBox is giving issues with network and other functionality. Then it is better to uninstall VirtualBox to rectify issues related to it.
Conclusion
Successfully uninstalling VirtualBox from your Mac requires attention to detail and adherence to specific steps. By following the comprehensive guide provided, you can ensure a thorough removal of VirtualBox, minimizing the chances of leftover files or system conflicts.
Taking the time to uninstall VirtualBox properly contributes to a streamlined and efficient system, whether you’re resolving issues, reclaiming disk space, or preparing for a fresh installation. Bid farewell to VirtualBox on your Mac with confidence, knowing you’ve navigated the uninstallation process effectively and left no traces behind.
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