How to Uninstall Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages. It is characterized as being both a flexible and simple language that developers can use to tackle a variety of different problems. Python has established itself even outside of the IT-sphere and is part of analytics and data mining. Removing Python 3 from your computer, for whatever reason, can be achieved in just a couple of steps. The method differs depending on the operating system.

For Mac users, it is recommended to first quit the Python application and all related background processes. To make sure that there are no active processes, users can scroll through the list displayed in the Activity Monitor. Then, open Finder and go to your Applications folder. Navigate to Python and move it to the Trash. To make sure the application has been uninstalled completely, users may have to manually delete some residual files.

Go to Finder once more, but this time select the 'Go' menu and then 'Go to Folder.' Type ~/Library/ and click on 'Go.' Visit the following locations and delete the files:

~/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework
~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.sharedfilelist/com.apple.LSSharedFileList.ApplicationRecentDocuments/org.python.idle.sfl
~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.sharedfilelist/com.apple.LSSharedFileList.ApplicationRecentDocuments/org.python.pythonlauncher.sfl
~/Library/Saved Application State/org.python.IDLE.savedState
~/Library/Saved Application State/org.python.PythonLauncher.savedState
remove python mac

Now, go to your User's folder and delete the following Python service files:

~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-3.6.bom
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonFramework-3.6.bom
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonDocumentation-3.6.bom
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonApplications-3.6.bom
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonFramework-3.6.plist
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-3.6.plist
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonApplications-3.6.plist
~/private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonDocumentation-3.6.plist

Keep in mind that the Libary folder and the service files may be hidden by default.

On Windows, users can choose from several different methods for uninstalling Python 3. One of the easiest is to type control panel in the search box on the taskbar and then open the top result. Click on 'Uninstall a program' or choose 'Programs' and then 'Programs and Features.' Locate the Python version you wish to remove, right-click it, and choose Uninstall. Follow the instructions to complete the process.