How to delete the installation date of an application in macOS?
Hello! Could you please tell me how to delete the installation date of an application in macOS? To view the installation date, you need to follow this path: System Report → Software → Installations
In macOS, there is no direct way to remove or change the installation date of an application, as this information is stored in system files and displayed in the system report. However, you can hide or modify the displayed information by editing system files or using third-party utilities, though such actions may compromise system integrity and lead to unstable operation.
Contents
- Understanding System Report in macOS
- Why You Can’t Simply Remove the Installation Date
- Alternative Methods to Solve the Problem
- Potential Risks and Consequences
- Recommended Actions
Understanding System Report in macOS
The System Report in macOS provides detailed information about all installed applications and their properties, including installation dates. To find this information:
- Open the (Apple) menu in the top-left corner of the screen
- Select “About This Mac” → “System Report”
- In the left panel, navigate to the “Software” section
- Select “Installations”
Here you will see a list of all installed applications along with their installation dates. This information is extracted from system data and serves for system administration and diagnostics.
Note: Installation dates are typically stored in system databases and macOS cache files.
Why You Can’t Simply Remove the Installation Date
The reasons why removing the installation date is a complex task:
System Data Protection
- macOS uses protected system databases to track installations
- These files have write restrictions to prevent accidental changes
- The system constantly verifies the integrity of this data
Dependency on Multiple System Components
- Installation dates are stored in multiple locations:
/Library/Preferences/com.apple.installd.plist- Installer database in
/var/db/receipts/ - Cache files in
/private/var/db/dslocal/
System Integrity
- Modifying this data can interfere with system updates
- Some applications use installation dates for license verification
- The system may mark modified files as corrupted
Important: Attempts to directly edit system files without specialized knowledge can lead to unstable system operation.
Alternative Methods to Solve the Problem
If you want to hide or modify installation information, there are several approaches:
1. Creating a Virtual Machine or Test Environment
# Creating a temporary environment for testing
# (Requires configured Homebrew)
brew install --cask virtualbox
Benefits:
- Works with an isolated system
- Doesn’t affect the main macOS installation
- Allows testing applications without traces in the main system
2. Using Application Containers
Some applications support portable versions:
- Use .dmg files instead of installation
- Run applications from a folder without modifying system data
- Use tools like CleanMyMac for virtual cleanup
3. Editing System Files (For Experienced Users Only)
Warning: This method requires elevated privileges and may compromise system functionality!
# Changing permissions for system files
sudo chflags -R noschg /Library/Preferences/com.apple.installd.plist
# Editing the plist file
plutil -convert xml1 /Library/Preferences/com.apple.installd.plist
It’s recommended to create backups before making changes:
sudo cp /Library/Preferences/com.apple.installd.plist ~/Desktop/backup.plist
Potential Risks and Consequences
Any attempts to modify system data can lead to:
System Update Issues
- The system may not detect installed updates
- Possible software version conflicts
- Some applications may stop working correctly
Data Security
- Compromising system file integrity
- Risk of voiding hardware warranty
- Problems with encryption and data protection
Legal Aspects
- Violation of license agreements for some applications
- Issues with software manufacturer technical support
- Possible copyright violations
Recommended Actions
If you’re concerned about the display of application installation information, the following approaches are safer:
1. Configuring System Privacy
# Disabling diagnostic data collection
sudo defaults write /Library/Application\ Support/com.apple.TD/Discovery/DiscoveryConfiguration.plist EnableAnalytics -bool NO
2. Using Tools to Clean History
- AppCleaner - Safe application removal
- CleanMyMac - Comprehensive system cleanup
- Malwarebytes - Protection against malicious software
3. Regular System Updates
# Checking for updates via terminal
softwareupdate --list
softwareupdate --install --all
4. Creating Backups
Regular backups with Time Machine will protect your data in case of system problems:
# Setting up automatic backups
sudo tmutil setdestination /Volumes/BackupDrive
sudo tmutil enable
Conclusion
- Direct removal of installation dates in macOS is impossible without violating system files and potentially damaging the operating system
- Safe alternatives include using virtual machines, portable applications, and containers
- Editing system files is strongly discouraged as it can lead to unstable system operation
- Privacy configuration through system parameters is a safer approach to controlling displayed information
- Regular backups will help prevent data loss in case of system problems
If you’re concerned about privacy or managing information about installed applications, it’s recommended to use legal methods for data protection and privacy settings rather than attempting to directly modify system files.