10 Things You DON’T Need To Install On Your Mac 

The most honest and authentic MAC channel out there. Thanks.

Great video. As a coder and developer, I definitely agree the average user does not need Homebrew. While I use it extensively, not knowing what your doing can cause some serious problems. I suspect most mac users will never need to use a terminal, or know what it is.

Default apps are great for other reasons - tight integration & syncing across all devices!

You are the best. Rock solid advice. I use your help almost everyday. Thank you.

Hi Gary, I have watched several of your Mac videos to get started with my new Mac. I have always wanted to switch over from the PC to a Mac and it is a bit different - especially how the file manipulation and memory is arranged. Your videos have helped make my transition easier and more efficient. Thanks Again for your efforts.

Iv'e been using Macbooks for 10 years. I fully agree with every thing you say in this video. Except apple mail, it crashes & freezes my machine on rare occasions, so does the app store automatically opening when I did not specifically try to open it. All in all great video but Apple mail?? not sure!

Being quite new to Mac, I was worried about security/anti-viruses etc. There are plenty of channels out there telling me to install certain anti-malware apps (that they probably get paid for recommending), when I don't even need them. Great honest advice, thanks.

Got a new MacBook Pro in 2019 and the place I purchased it put a Malware application on it. Didn’t even ask me if I wanted it. Something seemed to interfere with software updates and upgrades. It took me a bit, but finally figured out how to get that malware application off my computer and I no longer have problems with updates . . except that they are slow. I also really like the reminders app on my iPhone and use it all the time fir appointments, grocery lists etc, instead of third party apps or calendars. Thanks for posting. Your videos are helpful. 👩‍💻

I don’t agree with the Window Manager because I am so used with the Workflow of Window snapping (I am using Magnet). But even though I don’t agree, I am glad that video exists because not everyone needs it and you can save a lot of money sometimes! And speaking for everyone, being a honest Person giving tips is always welcome!

10 years ago I left Windows where so many things were needed like virus protectors etc. I have found that I literally had to talk myself into NOT doing many things I did in Windows. We became conditioned into it by Windows. I have had 10 years of totally trouble free computing on my Macs and IOS devices. I use iCloud and my Apple ecosystem just hums along. I leave all the tricky stuff to Apple. I just keep OSs up to date and forget it. The leap is to understand that Apple has all the apps and functionality for most users installed and that it is all efficiently integrated and takes up way less space. Apple designers and software guys are really smart and they know every wrinkle there is and have it covered. I recently subscribed to your channel and love it and just about everything you have said I have found by experience. I think I will do some Patreon. Your material is clear, concise and without being an actor. That has value to me. Thanks.

As a longtime (30 years) Mac user, I will say your list is a good one. However, I think certain small productivity apps are worth looking into: 1) a clipboard manager because your Mac remembering only one copied or cut item at a time is just ridiculous; 2) a simple encryption tool like Scrambler; and 3) a screenshot tool. I have also created multiple desktops, each with a frequently-used app assigned exclusively to it (and yeah, Apple broke my heart when it blew up Spaces).

Rewatched this, and Gary, you are a breath of fresh air. There are so many "tech bloggers" today, who push a 10-25 apps in a single video, (that you must absolutely have). More than likely, getting a pay-check for every single one of those, explaining how "I use it every day", and probably have opened them once, to make the video. Thank you, for your had work. I keep my mac clean. Aside from MS Office, Canary mail & PDF Expert, everything else is stock, i keep it as clean as possible, without adding anything else, thanks to you, i didn't pay for another renewal for antivirus software. Hell, i even recently made my CV in Pages. :) Once again, thank you, and you will always have a sub from me.

I had Bitdefender for Mac for two years it never found anything. I finally realized I don’t need it. This video is such a relief. I just use Mac & IOS stock apps because I know they going to be there long term and not close down like a lot of third party apps. I had Windows & Android for long time and definitely had to use third party apps just to make this work right etc it was exhausting and time consuming. I am glad to be in the Apple ecosystem.

As a sysadmin I completely agree, not everybody NEEDS those app, and as you say some MAY NEED them. Personnaly for instance I like to use EasyFind for a research on network shared volumes where spotlight is sometimes lazy.

Hello Gary, I believe you are right 'in some way' ... When you say most people it depends of the 'most'. Sure that if you use your computer only to search the Web and send mails, you are right, but even if you are not a power user, there are software that can change your life. I use my Mac all day long and I cannot live without TEXTSNIPER, POPCLIP and FIND ANY FILE, sure they are not must have but nice to have and once you used them you can't do without them. Mac OSX does not provide equivalent functions (so far). I LOVE your videos and learned a lot from them.

Yeah I just stick to the stock apps on the Mac: Safari, Spotlight, Calendar, Notes, Reminders. I use Gmail in the Safari browser. No Uninstaller, no "Clean My Mac", no anti virus, no menu bar customization thingy. Heck I don't even use screensavers or wallpapers on my desktop, I just use Solid Colors. The only third party app I use is BetterTouchTool which covers a ton of things all in one app because I do have customized gestures and key commands for certain apps that I use, plus it does have a handy windows customization feature that I actually do find useful in the way I work.

Great video Gary, well said! I have watched numerous videos and fell into the trap of installing a LOT of apps "Mac Pro's" said you absolutely must have to be more productive and ended up never using them, they were just cluttering up my OS. After restoring my MacBook Pro to factory OS for a clean install of Monterey I've only installed three additional apps and able to do everything I need to do efficiently.

Hi Gary. I like your videos very much. Just want to be sure, you do NOT recommend the utility CleanMyMac? Thanks for posting all the tips and education!

haha I am the guy with a ton of stuff in the menu bar and hence the need to manage it, but not everyone is like this. On the other hand, I could use window manage tool and used to install it but I never used it. Like you, I manage the windows by hand. Excellent, concise and well scripted video! this is why I send every new-to-mac person to your website. Your videos can make a person power user without installing hardly any third party apps

I've been watching this dudes videos now to understand where I am with learning Mac again after a brief hiatus. But this time, I'm here to stay a Mac user and master it. This guy is the dude who's going to teach me❤

This is so helpful! I got convinced by a different youtuber to install a certain infamous malware app. It slowed my Mac down to a crawl. Trying to uninstall it was a chore and even after the uninstall it persisted in leaving an icon in the task bar. Never again! Just listen to Macmost.

Perfectly crafted video. Well said Gary. 90% of the RU-vidrs are creators / graphics designers / art directors. Apps they recommend so called can't live without kind of apps are completely inappropriate for the 90% of the people. You are really great and broke the shiny-app syndrome.

I'm a new Mac user from the Windows world. Most of this advice would be good for Windows users also

Window manager is a must-have, and Bartender for menu bar icons too since Apple increased the size of the spacing! I can only see half of my icons, quitting them makes them unusable, which is a horrible advice

I really love your Mac videos Gary, always full of usefull content, the part I like the most is the way you explain it, clear and easy! Thank you! You are the best!

Thank you for this much needed post. I purchased CleanmyMac X from MacPaw and recently I was alerted that there was a questionable, possibly spyware component in that software. I deleted the software and all problems disappeared

Another great video Gary, and you are right a lot of people especially those coming from a Windows world tend to think they need this or that tool to use their Mac to the fullest. I know for a long time in my earlier days I would jump right to downloading and installing apps and then later asking myself why? Sometimes leaving an app installed and then later realizing that I never use it or needed it in the first place, then I spend some time removing / uninstalling said app. I know two apps that I thought I needed 1) Malwarebytes and 2) Clean my Mac. when Apple mentioned that they had the three tools you mentioned in your post that when I got rid of Malwarebytes. And then when I began having system issues, I realized that Clean my Mac was the issue. Once I got rid of both of those apps I did a clean install of macOS and I have been problem free for a long time now.

Very truly pointed out; I have been a Mac user since 2009, where I find Gary Rosenzweig videos, talks exceptionally good in making you understand Mac-Concepts with a touch of simplicity and generosity. It is so amazing the way he response to your mail as I know it is an extremely difficult task to reply to each and every mail on a daily basic. Till today none of my email with GR has never gone answered. Garry I really admire you as your are super-user of Apple product line-up and a big thanks for helping me for a decade.

Great and much needed video, Gary. I'll wager most who install 3rd party software also suffer from "Just-In-Case-itis". Sighed heavily upon seeing your Inbox and how light it is. Unlike mine which is holding 102 messages.

I agree most for the mail App. I tried many different approaches, and came back, because the more sophisticated solutions don't support POP, and I need it. The only other mail client I would suggest is Thunderbird, because it allows to interchange mail on different systems.

I rarely use a third party app, but I do use open source Bitwarden as another backup password manager, although I use the key chain, and they work well together.

Thank you Gary. How about file compressing apps?

I've converted recently to being a full fledged Apple girl with my latest MacBook Pro 2019 being the last piece of the puzzle. The only thing I do have, which you suggest not to do, is I have Malwarebytes. Would it be advisable to delete that app? Loving Mac vs Windows! 😀

I think that people that are new to Macs and OSX would do well to have an uninstaller as they are more likely to be hunting around for apps to meet their needs and in the process create a big mess which will be felt a few years down the track. If you’ve been in the eco system for awhile and know what works and what doesn’t, an uninstaller becomes a moot point.

So right. One other issue with all these added apps: how future proof are they, i.e. will they always be updated? Especially with 3rd party apps that store important info. I'd rather rely on the bunch Apple delivers and delivers well. One app is vital: the one that is able to decode really old docs like made with Macwrite or Wordperfect.

Just switched to mac yesterday. And yes, from my viewpoint from linux and windows, mac os is the simplest form of operating system, i just need to install some dev app like postman and docker, but thats it, no need anything to do basic home computer thing.

I have most of the tools types you mention in your video. And I use their functionality. But I would agree with you. There are no MUST have apps to install. And the average user can get by with the standard mac software. Thanks for the video. Well done.

I am planning to learn coding and programming. I have used Windows so many years, now planning buy MacBook and I really find your videos amazing excellent.

Great video. I have been a Mac user for 10+ years and always found the native apps to be perfectly sufficient, but have always wondered if perhaps I’m missing out on something. However, I’ve always questioned why I should pay for third-party app when the standard app does everything I want it to do. You give confidence that I am on the right path

The first app/extension I add to any new system is iStat menus. If I suspect something not quite right, one glance at the menu bar lets me know if something going on, and then take appropriate measures. I've been around Macs for a long time now, since Sys 5, and I find it increasingly hard to keep up with all the new bells & whistles. Found your channel the other day, and it is helping this old dog to keep more up to date with all those new bells & whistles, thanks.

I really liked this video. I Used to install to much extras but nowadays there is not much left. Earlier today for example, I ditched viscosity and changed to the native Mac VPN client. There is however one program i am very fond of, and that's Alfred. Like the way search results are presented. God job with this video!

05:31 Mail App. Here I have my opinion. Microsoft Outlook has lots of functions I need, which Mail App doesn't have.

Do you recommend "Clean my Mac" software? I think this is the software that is slowing me down and taking lots of memory.

I like #3 -- the uninstaller. You wouldn't need an uninstaller if you didn't install the crap you shouldn't install in the first place :-) I disagree about the anti-malware software. I have Sophos Home running, and while it doesn't happen very often, occasionally it finds something in email I've received. While I've never had something installed on my Mac that way, it helps ensure it. Other mail apps -- agree with you most of the time. However, I do have extra mail apps that I use. I use a different tool for different accounts, which is less convenient, but there are times I wouldn't want mail that should go out via one email address to go out on another. That's pretty specific, though, and I'd agree the standard Mail app will satisfy most people. And who in the world recommends Homebrew for new users? I *am* a coder, and I use it all the time, but I would never install it for the non-techie people whose machines I manage. Ridiculous.

Gary - I have just reviewed this again after now having switched over to the Mac about two years ago. As an average consumer user of the PC, I find your comments in this Vlog to be bang-on! However, has anything in this regard changed for the Mac OS or personal computing world that you would now recommend that we with supplement with a third-party app?

I use Home Brew because Mac doesn’t have a Package Manager App for the terminal, however most people don’t ever use the terminal at all or just seldom use it. I guess if you’re using the terminal often enough and want to install things, you’ll come to the conclusion on your own to install Home Brew.

imo the built in mail App is perfectly fine. as someone with multiple accounts and respond to alot of messages i have all my mail in one place and with hand off i can just start where i left off on my iphone or ipad

This video is so refreshing. I recently started to look at the so called "must apps" people say you need on macOS. I came to a similar conclusion to you with Windows Management Tools (Magnet), Spotlight replacements like Alfred, etc.

Managing menu bar icons is something you have to consider if you have a notch on your screen. If you don't use an app like Bartender then sometimes menu bar icons get hidden behind the notch.

I wanted to say thanks so so much, I was able to find a used MacBook pro 13 ( mid-2010, with high Sierra), called Apple and a professional app tech walked me through it the step and crashed my mac and told me to take it to the apple store for me a disabled vet that's 15 miles away don't drive 30$ cab one way ( no guarantees they would fix ) I wanted to say: "YOUR THE MAN" Not only did I save money, but several of your videos pulled me threw, Oh ! Did I mention my very first mac, still lost in the sauce but making progress RESEARCH PEOPLE RESEARCH ....THANK YOU , NOW I NEED TO LEARN HOEW TO USE THE DARN THING.

Gary - one of the underrated advice. This is so true... I been a personal Mac user for years- Lot of the other RU-vidrs advice us to get all of Gary mentioned & its very compelling but in reality this is very true and for common man we do not need any of those apps. I wish more people would watch your videos. Thank you Gary.

Gary: you are so knowledgeable and you give such great advice! How did you get so smart? You’re just amazing! Thanks for all that you do.

Gatekeeper is sort of a pain because Apple hides the third option under the System Preferences->Security & Privacy that you have to get at through the console command: sudo spctl --master-disable to allow execution of unrecognized Apps to Apple. There are several I use so it is a pain in the butt to have to disable gatekeeper whenever I run them. Why Apple just didn't keep that option viewable under the System Preferences as it was available under earlier OS versions is just Apple making you take an extra step when you go outside their closed system.

Thank goodness someone who keeps it real, I loathe what I call the "App Trap". Too many options make my brain hurt. I see all the apps, and it makes me miss the days of pen and paper, if you were lucky you had an adding that had the roll of paper with black and red ink. Doing ledgers was easier than sifting through app madness. Computers were meant to make things easier, not more complicated and complex.

Thanks for another solid video, Gary. I'm new to the Mac-OS-phere and prefer to use a windows management tool (Rectangle) to aid in the transition from MS Windows and its feature set. Glad to know I don't much need an anti-malware tool, though. Like you, I went through a lot of hoo-hah around e-mail clients before realizing that the native mail app was just fine (and hella fast, too).

I agree that you do not need them and they can be extensions on preference but i think homebrew is quite essentials only for devs or people who usually do tech stuff

I find the window management app SPECTACLE to be very useful for me... especially with an external monitor. To each their own, though!

The Mac comes with a good set of productivity tools right out of the box, so most users don’t really need to buy them. I also think that many users don’t need a photo or movie editor as they can use Photos or iMovie.

When someone tells me I gotta have something they have, I see that as a need for validation not a desire to actually help.

I wish I knew #4 and 5 when I first moved from Windows to Mac. I had so many issues in the beginning and not being well versed in the system coupled with clean my Mac caused me to reinstall MacOSlike three times in a couple of months since I ditched cmm I’ve done two clean installs and that’s when I got other Macs .

I find it fascinating that anyone would classify Homebrew as a "must have" application. I needed it to install an open-source numerical analysis program (Octave), but that kind of thing isn't even in the same time zone as the typical user.

Yeah, I tried malware protectors and VPNs that really screwed me around. That’s the paranoia that comes from using a Windows system at work and a Mac at home. I got off that bandwagon and life has been much simpler. Thanks for the tips.

3:04 I agree, but sometimes I delete apps and they just return... really, they just come back.

I would fully appreciate what you're saying about not needing to download third party apps for my mac, Gary, however, I just can not get to grips with Apples's Music app. I have tried redirecting it to where I store my music and it just ignores my directions. I feel sure it's not just paranoia but Apple do their best to get us to use their cloud for storing our files, music, Videos, photos etc and as a pensioner, I really can't afford a monthly subscription for the small amount of storage they are offering. Besides, if I want cloud storage, I can have as much as I like included in my Amazon Subscription. However, I prefer to keep my cds on an external Hard Drive and Apple's Music App just won't co-operate. So, in this scenario, please can you recommend a third party music app for my M1 24 inch desktop 2022 iMac.

At 6:39 I was surprised to learn that I don’t need a text expansion tool. I have been using TypeIt4Me for years. However, each string of text expanded by the Mac OS is automatically followed by a space. Is there a way to eliminate this space? I want the key “phot” to expand to “photograph” so I could append an “er” or “y” or “s” to it. I have a 2012 iMac running OS 10.12 Sierra. Thanks for any help.

Thank you for being for being so straightforward I'm new to Mac and your videos have been so helpful

Hey Gary, Just watched this video. I agree with you, and I also think as you mentioned it's a individual use case choice. Usually when I see program suggestions, I listen to what the person has to say, then see if I have a need for it. In this Video you mentioned, Homebrew, I happen to use it because I like Linux, and Unix environments. For me, Homebrew simply makes the mac more cross platform friendly by installing tools, or newer versions of tools, not included. As far as a spotlight replacement, I happen to have tried, and purchased Alfred, it has things spotlight doesn't, or it improves on areas where spotlight is weak. As a whole though these are unique cases, and the average user probably has no concept of this stuff, or has a reason to know, unless they want to learn. One last thing is mail, I use a different mail client because it has features such as being able to set a different sound, for each account,and can run totally in the background without taking a space in the dock. Great video and have a great day.

Hi, I have heard that the macbook pro running Catalina has a built in server that just needs to be activated. I am looking to install a server so I can ftp images from my camera to my macbook server. Could you please explain if this is possible and how I can do it, many thanks

I agree with what you say in this video, but regarding window management, I refuse to install a third party app to do this because I like to keep my OS vanilla, but I do so wish that feature was built into Mac OS. I use many different operating systems day to day and I do appreciate good window management tools, I hope Apple implements this some time in the future.

I do wish Macs came with window management tools already installed with the option to opt out. I’m sure they will in the future.

I did add bitdefender, too many years in network security but otherwise I haven't really added anything except Word and Excel. The email client is actually one of the most powerful around. I was away from MacOS for about 20 years and personally everything works so well together, I don't want to add anything else as many of the built in tools I wish I could have had on Windows or Linux! I recently found your channel and loving it, thank you for all the great videos!

Gary, could you elaborate a bit on why you do not recommend homebrew? And what --do-- you like about homebrew? I do some webdev and always managed without brew, but friends got me curious and I am curious what you more elaborated opinion is. Thank you for making all this content. I'll become a patreon now.

The first thing I did when I bought my Mac mini was try to find iTunes to download onto it LOL… It only took me a week to figure out that music app on my mini is iTunes.

Great video. After watching I checked and found 3 different cleaner apps installed on my Mac. I don't remember installing any of the and I never use them. I've removed all three.

Thanks. I have almost everything I need on the Mac, as you just stated. So far as todos are concerned, most will be happy with Notes and Reminders. For people who need GANNT charts or multilevel thinking, they have to resort to more sophisticated apps. I do miss the Windows “drag to top and sides” for full screen and side by side windows.

Thank you for this. Best advice, most importantly a sincere, honest advice based on your decades of experience as a mac user.

What a refreshing video! You are so right!

Recently subscribing after watching a few videos starting with the most common step 1 of "Understanding the File And Folder Structure of Your Mac", I have quite a few inquiries about topics stated on this video. Looking to get feedback on my problem solving, & to simply clean out my Mac, I am wondering if I could send send an email or just leave a list of questions in the Comments section of this video. About half of the subjects you brought up are things which I can say that I am guilty of. So to help give my Mac more than a simple spit shine, please notify me on my next step. Your info on all your videos have done more than just brought me to take action for myself, it has made me ponder what else I have missed over the 32 years which I have been working on Macs. So, looking forward to watching more of what you have taken you time to help others, I remain grateful!

Good job Gary, I have watched countless videos on MacOS, but none of them have explained things as clearly and simply as you have done. I truly appreciate your attention to detail and your ability to break down complex topics. Could you please consider making a detailed video on MacOS Ventura settings covering all of settings one by one ? I know you've posted videos about settings before, but they didn't cover everything, especially for someone like me who just purchased their first MacBook in 2023 with preinstalled Ventura and he doesn’t know anything about mac. Thank you so much for your amazing content! Keep up ❤

I just moved from Windows, and the two things I miss most are: 1) an app that clearly shows internet usage, 2) proper windows management.

The built-in anti-malware software does not catch some of the malware that malwarebytes finds.

You just saved me ££££ I was going to by some just can you recommend what I can do to manage 3 older macs 2 MacBook Pro’s and 6 iPhones ? I would appreciate the help ?

I will admit i do sometimes wish Mac OS had built in Window management features (like what Microsoft Windows has), but i just put up with having to occasionally resize windows manually And with email i just use the web interface for gmail (and i don't bother using the mail app as i have had problems with Gmail and third party apps in the past, probably due to me using 2 factor)

Wonderful video and channel. I do strongly disagree with #1 and recommend tools like Rectangle. One area PC's are superior at is window management. This is a strange omission from the Mac OS as Macs tend to be much more friendly when it comes to keyboard shortcuts. I do get and respect it's not for you. Anyway regardless I've learned so much from this channel!

Homebrew is immensely helpful for me. I find it so easy and enjoyable to use.

SOOO true about the spotlight thing. I've gotten called a number of names for not using Alfred, but I just don't have the need for it. I only spotlight calculator and google usually anyway.

Your videos are so helpful! I have been underutilizing my Mac. THANK YOU!!!

My recommends: Onyx, 1Password, and Little Snitch. Onyx gives the novice user a lot of terminal power. 1PW can store a lot more than just passwords and credit cards…it’s a good way to keep track of all that stuff. LS is great because you can load blocklists and prevent a lot of ad-based communication your Mac might do behind your back.

Until I watched this episode I have Norton 360, Norton VPN (part of N360) and MalwareBytes subscription. I have cancelled Norton 360 and Malwarebytes. I hope the MacOS on my MacBook Pro will protect it. I would like to find a VPN to use. I watch some shows in the UK and the VPN allows that.

Help! I have an old MacBook Pro with OS Catalina , and I have been seeing for some time that there is an update available but cannot get it to update.

I've heard so many power users decry the use of third-party apps for memory handling, yet keep finding myself in situations where my Mac slows down, my mouse's arrow begins floating, and typing takes forever. Then the only thing, aside from stopping everything & restarting my computer, that gets things moving again, is to use the "Memory Clean 3" app, which frees up memory & get rid of lots of cached files. If the Mac's own memory handling should be capable by itself, why doesn't it appear to act that way to me?

I like to come to the channel and see what else I may not know. Thank you for everything you are doing. Used to watch once in a blue but now I watch any chance I get.

Thank you thank you thank you. My personal prefs and tech work include a window mgmt tool, Gmail and Homebrew, but nobody *needs* them.

Thanks Gary those tips are very unique and sincere! For example I have my iMac 4k 2017 and since years I used CleanMyMac. Now I’ve uninstalled it after seeing your video and checking on the web you are right, lots of people don’t raccomand cleaning tools! Do you know if it’ll be better to re install macOS for me? Some say to do that after uninstall cleaning tools because the Mac can be corrupted

Great video as always Gary. One piece of advice is that you might want to add links to videos you have made that address these things since you have already done much of that hard work. I have LIBERALLY shared your video about managing windows on the Mac because I have found it so valuable. Keep up the great work and videos!

Gary another thing. I want to use Google docs cuz I’m writing a book. I forgot how to use it....got any vids on that? You’re the BEST teacher!!!!!

Thanks for your advice in this video. I completely agree with you.

Totally agree with except for the mail app...I had to install spark mail to be able to handle my yahoo mail as the default app have problems with sending emails from yahoo

Excellent advise. I really appreciate your well thought videos. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

It would be nice if Quicktime could be updated to work with any video files and if their screen recording feature would include audio by default. I always download VLC and OBS cause of this