How to Uninstall VirtualBox on Mac [Quick Removal Guide]

VirtualBox is a free and open-source program that allows you to run other operating systems on your Mac, such as Windows, Linux, Android, and more. Whatever your reason for wanting to uninstall it from your Mac, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll learn 3 ways to completely uninstall VirtualBox from your Mac.

Let's get started.

Is It Safe to Delete VirtualBox from Mac?

The answer is YES. Removing VirtualBox will not cause any harm to your current macOS. Instead, it frees up a lot of space on your Mac, keeping your Mac running fast.

If you're having trouble with your VirtualBox and need to reinstall it, or you no longer need it and want to remove it, here's how to completely uninstall it on your Mac.

How to Uninstall VirtualBox on Mac Using Terminal

VirtualBox comes with an uninstaller that lets you completely remove VirtualBox from your Mac with just a few clicks.

Here are the steps.

1. Quit VirtualBox.
2. Find the VirtualBox installer in your Download folder. (If you can't find it, download it from VirtualBox's official site.)
3. Double-click the .dmg file of VirtualBox and you will find a file named VirtualBox-Uninstall.tool.

   

4. Double-click it, then follow the on-screen instructions to open your Security & Privacy Preferences page.

   

5. Unlock the padlock and click the Open Anyway button next to the message that "VirtualBox-Uninstall.tool" was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer.
6. Click the Open button in the new window to start running the uninstall VirtualBox command in the terminal.

   

7. Enter Yes in the terminal.
8. If required, enter your password and press Return to complete the uninstall process.

How to Completely Uninstall VirtualBox on Mac Using BuhoCleaner

You can also use a third-party app uninstaller like BuhoCleaner to quickly remove VirtualBox from your Mac.

BuhoCleaner is a simple and easy-to-use app remover. It helps you remove unwanted apps without leaving any traces. With its Leftover Removal feature, you can quickly scan and delete the files left behind by uninstalled apps.

Here's how to uninstall VirtualBox with BuhoCleaner.

1. Download, install, and launch BuhoCleaner.
2. Click App Uninstall.
3. Find VirtualBox on the results page, check the box next to it, and click the Remove button.

   

How to Manually Uninstall VirtualBox on Mac Using Finder

If you want to manually delete VirtualBox from your Mac, the Finder is here to help.

1. Quit VirtualBox.
2. Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar.
3. Locate the VirtualBox icon and move it to the Trash.

   

4. Click the Go menu in Finder and select the Go to Folder option.
5. Go to the following file path to find and delete the related files of VirtualBox.
   • ~/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

     

6. Empty your Trash.

Bonus: How to Uninstall a VirtualBox Virtual Machine on Mac

The methods above will only remove VirtualBox. The virtual machines you installed are still on your drive. If you no longer need them, follow the steps below to remove them from your Mac.

1. Click the Go menu in Finder and select Go to Folder.
2. Type: ~/VirtualBox VMs in the blank box, then press Return to go to the folder.
3. Select the virtual machines you do not need and delete them.

You can also use VirtualBox to manage your virtual machines. But only if you haven't uninstalled it on your Mac.

Here are the steps.

1. Open your VirtualBox.
2. Select the virtual machine you want to remove.
3. Right-click on it and select Remove. (If the virtual machine is running, power it off first.)
4. To just remove it from VirtualBox, click the Remove only button.
5. To remove the virtual machine and all its files, click Delete all files.

Conclusion

Now that you have 3 methods to completely uninstall VirtualBox on Mac, go ahead and choose one of your preferred ways to remove VirtualBox to free up space.

As you can see, using BuhoCleaner to remove VirtualBox is the easiest way. Actually, BuhoCleaner is beyond an app remover. It's also a handy Mac cleaner that keeps your Mac running as fast as new. Why not go ahead and try it yourself?