17:17Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Digital Hygiene: App Uninstaller Feature Added to Kaspersky Premium for macOS
It helps get rid of duplicate applications and residual files left behind after programs are uninstalled.
Kaspersky has updated its “Kaspersky Premium” solution for macOS devices by adding the “App Uninstaller” feature. This feature frees up storage space by removing files left behind after programs are uninstalled, such as caches or cookies. This allows users to reclaim usable disk space and eliminate digital clutter from their laptops.
Challenges encountered during cleanup. According to a Kaspersky survey*, more than half of macOS users clear their browser history, cookies, cache, and temporary files (56%), as well as delete unnecessary files such as photos and videos (54%). However, less than half of respondents (44%) uninstall unused applications. But even if users move unnecessary programs to the Trash, residual files that can be difficult to detect remain on the device. In some cases, such as with web browsers, they may even take up more space than the application itself. In addition, some applications and their components may not appear at all in the standard macOS interface.
Another problem is that such files may contain sensitive data, including account tokens, saved passwords, activity logs, IP addresses, usernames, document fragments, images, correspondence, and shortcuts to personal folders. If the device is sold without being cleaned or attackers gain access to it, they may attempt to recover passwords, access the previous owner’s accounts, and steal personal data.
The new feature in “Kaspersky Premium” primarily addresses the problem of insufficient storage space. In other words, when an application is uninstalled, the feature detects removable residual files associated with it. This also applies to programs that were previously moved to the Trash. However, it does not remove files currently being used by other applications, such as shared components for the “Microsoft Office” suite. In addition, the “App Uninstaller” feature helps reduce the risk of sensitive data being leaked and exploited by attackers.
This feature can also remove duplicate applications, such as those accidentally copied or installed from multiple sources. Users can remove all duplicates at once or select the unnecessary ones. If necessary, files can be restored either from the Trash or from within the “Kaspersky Premium” application itself, provided it has not been closed.
“The amount of content stored on devices is constantly growing. Naturally, over time, the need arises to get rid of unwanted items. Relying on utility suites from various vendors is inconvenient and often dangerous. With the built-in ‘App Uninstaller’ feature in ‘Kaspersky Premium’ for macOS, users can safely remove unwanted files and programs from their device’s storage in just a few clicks, without installing additional software. ‘Kaspersky Premium’ helps not only ensure security but also maintain digital tidiness,” says Irina Ermilova, Kaspersky’s Vice President of Consumer Product Management.
Neglecting protection is dangerous. There is a widespread perception that macOS devices are well protected against cyberthreats, but modern threats are far more dangerous and wide-ranging than simple viruses. These may include ransomware, Trojans, spyware, and various types of online fraud. Kaspersky experts have encountered cases in which malware posed as legitimate device-cleaning programs such as “CleanMyMac,” “Mole,” or “CCleaner Pro.” It is therefore important to exercise caution when downloading any software.
Kaspersky experts also recommend that users:
- grant installed security software the permissions it needs to function properly;
- regularly update applications and the operating system to install security updates promptly and access new features;
- avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or messaging apps and exercise caution when downloading files;
- before selling your device or giving it to someone else, sign out of all accounts, delete sensitive data, and reset the device to its factory settings (factory reset).
* The survey titled “Digital Life: Trends, Risks, and Opportunities” was conducted in March 2026 by Kaspersky’s internal research center. The survey involved 7,200 respondents from 18 countries.