Launch agents and daemons on a Mac: what they are and how to remove leftovers
What files in LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons do, how to spot leftovers from deleted apps, and how to remove them safely.
What is a launch agent on a Mac?
A small plist file that tells launchd to start a program at login for your user. Launch daemons are the same idea for the whole system, started at boot.
Where are launch agents stored?
ls ~/Library/LaunchAgents /Library/LaunchAgents /Library/LaunchDaemonsApple's own live in /System/Library and are not to be touched.
How do I remove a leftover launch agent?
Turn it off in Login Items & Extensions if it is listed, or move the plist for an app you deleted to the Trash and restart. Free Mac's uninstaller finds these files together with the app's other leftovers.
To stop apps you still use from starting, see login items.
Common questions
Is it safe to delete launch agents on Mac?
Yes for apps you removed. Leave Apple's in /System/Library alone.
What does launchd do on Mac?
It starts and manages background programs; launch agents and daemons are its instructions.