How to Uninstall Chrome Apps and Extensions on Windows and Mac

Today, most web browsers either integrate or support the “mini-applications” component. Google Chrome takes this to the next level with Progressive Web Apps. Several developers opt for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) which install their app’s web wrapper (also known as Chrome apps) on your PC or desktop. The problem arises when you want to remove these apps on your device. You cannot use the standard methods to uninstall Chrome apps on your Windows or Mac.

Besides Chrome apps, Google Chrome and other Chromium browsers also allow you to install extensions from the Chrome App Store. While these extensions can be useful in certain situations, you should keep track of which extensions are installed as a large number of unused extensions can slow browser performance.

In this article, we will explain how to uninstall Chrome apps and extensions on Windows and Mac.

Uninstall Chrome Extensions

As I mentioned earlier, you can install as many extensions from the Chrome Web Store. But a user shouldn’t go too far as some sketchy extensions can steal confidential browsing data. After a while, it is always advisable to check the list of installed extensions on Google Chrome browser and remove unnecessary ones.

Google Chrome is identical on Windows and Mac. The steps to remove the extension on the Chrome browser are the same on both platforms.

Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your Windows or Mac device.

2nd step: Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and go to Settings.

Step 3: You will find the extension in the left sidebar. Tap on it.

Step 4: This will open a separate extension menu in a new tab. Here you will see all the extensions installed on your browser.

Step 5: Two options are available to you. You can deactivate the extension or remove it from the browser.

If you need the extension for further use, you can disable the extension from the menu. It will hide the extension from the browser menu bar but remains accessible from the extension menu.

Tap the Remove option to completely remove the extension from the browser.

You can also right-click (or use the two-finger click if you’re using the trackpad) on the extension in the Chrome menu bar and select Remove from Chrome.

Uninstall Chrome apps

On sites like Twitter and Spotify, you’ll find the “+” icon in the address bar. When you press it, the browser offers to install the PWA (Progressive Web App) on your Windows or Mac. The only problem is, you can’t treat and delete them like traditional apps.

You can remove Chrome apps from the browser itself. Follow the steps below to remove Chrome apps.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome browser on Windows or Mac.

2nd step: Go to the Chrome apps section of the browser. Navigate to chrome: // apps in the address bar and it will open the Chrome apps screen.

Step 3: Here you will see all installed Chrome apps. Right-click on an app and select the “Remove from Chrome” option.

Mac and Windows also offer other ways to remove Chrome apps without using Google Chrome browser.

Remove Chrome apps from the apps menu

You can uninstall the app directly from the app itself. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Chrome app on your Windows device (in the screenshot below I opened the Twitter app).

2nd step: Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.

Step 3: Select the Uninstall Twitter option.

The problem with this method is that you have to open every app you want to uninstall on Windows or Mac. Wouldn’t it be great if you could delete Chrome apps without opening the app or browser? Fortunately, macOS lets you uninstall Chrome apps from a dedicated folder.

On Mac

Follow the steps below to find and remove Chrome apps on Mac.

Step 1: Open Spotlight Search using the Command + Space keyboard shortcut.

2nd step: Type Chrome Apps and open the Chrome Apps folder.

Step 3: Here you will see all installed Chrome apps. Right click on the app icon and select Move to Trash.

The process will remove the Chrome app from the Mac.

The ability to offer their website as a PWA (Progressive Web App) makes sense to developers. They don’t need to manage various platforms, and the team can add functionality and eliminate these annoying bugs quickly and efficiently. You will need to be familiar with the uninstall process.

Keep your browsing experience clean

Using the tips above, you can remove Chrome extensions and Chrome app from your Windows and Mac. Chrome apps have a bright future, and I just see other companies following Twitter and Spotify’s lead.