Are you tired of seeing the Brother Control Center icon on your Mac’s menu bar, taking up valuable space and causing clutter? Or perhaps you’ve grown frustrated with its constant notifications and reminders? Whatever the reason, removing Brother Control Center from your Mac can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Fear not, dear reader, for this comprehensive guide is here to walk you through the process, step by step.
What is Brother Control Center?
Before we dive into the removal process, let’s quickly discuss what Brother Control Center is and why it’s on your Mac in the first place. Brother Control Center is a software application developed by Brother Industries, a renowned manufacturer of printers, scanners, and other printing devices. The application is designed to help users manage and control their Brother printers and scanners, allowing them to print, scan, and fax documents with ease.
When you install a Brother printer or scanner on your Mac, the Control Center software is bundled with the device’s drivers and installed automatically. While it can be a useful tool for managing your printing needs, some users may find it unnecessary or annoying, especially if they rarely use their Brother device.
Why Remove Brother Control Center?
So, why would you want to remove Brother Control Center from your Mac? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Free up space: The Brother Control Center application can take up a significant amount of disk space, especially if you have multiple devices connected to your Mac. Removing it can help free up valuable storage space for more important files and applications.
- Reduce clutter: If you’re not using your Brother printer or scanner frequently, the Control Center icon can be a constant reminder of unused hardware. Removing it can help declutter your menu bar and overall desktop experience.
- Eliminate notifications: Brother Control Center can be notorious for sending frequent notifications and reminders, which can be distracting and annoying. Removing it can help reduce the number of notifications you receive.
The Removal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the what and why, let’s dive into the removal process. Please note that these steps are applicable to Macs running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later.
Method 1: Uninstalling via the Applications Folder
The first method involves uninstalling Brother Control Center via the Applications folder. Here’s how:
- Click on the Finder icon in the Dock to open a new Finder window.
- Click on the Applications folder in the left-hand sidebar.
- Scroll down and locate the Brother Control Center application.
- Right-click (or control-click) on the application and select Move to Trash.
- Enter your administrator password to confirm the uninstallation.
Method 2: Using the Brother Uninstaller
The second method involves using the Brother Uninstaller tool, which can be downloaded from the Brother website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Brother website and navigate to the Support section.
- Click on the Downloads** tab and select your Mac’s operating system.
- Click on the Uninstall Tool** download link.
- Run the uninstaller tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select the Brother Control Center application and click Uninstall.
Method 3: Manually Deleting Files and Folders
The third method involves manually deleting the Brother Control Center files and folders. Please note that this method requires some technical expertise and should only be attempted by advanced users.
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
- Type the following command to navigate to the Applications folder:
cd /Applications - Type the following command to delete the Brother Control Center application:
rm -rf Brother\ Control\ Center.app - Type the following command to delete the associated files and folders:
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Brother/Control\ Center - Type the following command to delete the preference files:
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.brother CONTROL_CENTER.plist
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the removal process, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them:
- Error messages: If you encounter error messages during the uninstallation process, try restarting your Mac and attempting the uninstallation again.
- Incomplete uninstallation: If the uninstallation process is incomplete, try using the Brother Uninstaller tool or manually deleting the files and folders as described above.
- Leftover files and folders: If you notice leftover files and folders after uninstallation, try using a third-party cleaning tool to remove them.
Conclusion
Removing Brother Control Center from your Mac can be a straightforward process, but it does require some technical know-how. By following the step-by-step guides outlined above, you should be able to successfully uninstall the application and free up space on your Mac. Remember to be cautious when manually deleting files and folders, as this can potentially cause system issues. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting Apple Support or a technical expert for guidance.
In the words of the great physicist, Albert Einstein, “Any fool can make things more complex. It takes a genius to make things simple.” By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to simplifying your Mac experience and saying goodbye to Brother Control Center for good.
What is Brother Control Center and why do I need to remove it?
Brother Control Center is a software application that comes pre-installed on Brother printers and allows users to manage their printing tasks efficiently. However, it can sometimes cause issues with your Mac’s performance, leading to slow speeds, crashes, and conflicts with other software. Removing Brother Control Center can help resolve these problems and free up space on your device.
By uninstalling Brother Control Center, you can also get rid of any unnecessary files and folders that are taking up space on your Mac. This can be especially helpful if you’re running low on storage or experiencing performance issues. Additionally, removing the software can help prevent any potential security risks or vulnerabilities that may be associated with it.
Is it safe to remove Brother Control Center from my Mac?
Yes, it is generally safe to remove Brother Control Center from your Mac, as long as you follow the correct uninstallation process. The software is not a critical component of your operating system, and removing it will not affect your Mac’s ability to function normally. However, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your important files and data before uninstalling any software to ensure that you don’t lose any important information.
It’s also worth noting that Brother Control Center may have installed other software components or drivers on your Mac, so be sure to remove those as well to ensure a complete uninstallation. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively remove Brother Control Center from your Mac.
Will removing Brother Control Center affect my printer’s performance?
Removing Brother Control Center will not affect your printer’s performance, as it is a software application that runs on your Mac, not on the printer itself. Your printer will continue to function normally, and you will still be able to print documents and images without any issues. However, you may need to reinstall any necessary printer drivers or software to ensure that your printer continues to work properly with your Mac.
If you’re concerned about losing printer functionality, you can simply reinstall the necessary drivers or software from the Brother website or from the printer’s installation disc. This will ensure that your printer continues to work seamlessly with your Mac.
Can I reinstall Brother Control Center if I need it later?
Yes, you can reinstall Brother Control Center if you need it later. The software is available for download from the Brother website, and you can simply follow the installation instructions to reinstall it on your Mac. Keep in mind that you may need to reactivate or reauthorize the software using your printer’s serial number or other identifying information.
Before reinstalling, make sure to restart your Mac and ensure that any previous installations of Brother Control Center have been completely removed. This will prevent any conflicts or issues with the new installation.
What if I’m not comfortable uninstalling software myself?
If you’re not comfortable uninstalling software yourself, you can always seek the help of a professional or an IT expert. They can guide you through the process and ensure that Brother Control Center is removed safely and effectively. Alternatively, you can contact Brother’s customer support for assistance with uninstalling the software.
Additionally, many Mac repair services and authorized Apple Support providers offer software removal services, including uninstalling Brother Control Center. They can help you remove the software and ensure that your Mac is running smoothly and efficiently.
Will removing Brother Control Center free up space on my Mac?
Yes, removing Brother Control Center can help free up space on your Mac, depending on the size of the software and any associated files and folders. By uninstalling the software, you can reclaim space on your hard drive, which can be especially helpful if you’re running low on storage.
The amount of space you’ll free up will depend on the specific version of Brother Control Center you’re using and any associated files or drivers that are installed on your Mac. In general, you can expect to free up anywhere from a few megabytes to several hundred megabytes of space, depending on the complexity of the software installation.
What should I do if I encounter any issues during the uninstallation process?
If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, you can try restarting your Mac and trying again. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve any issues and allow the uninstallation process to complete successfully. If the problem persists, you can try seeking help from Brother’s customer support or contacting an IT expert for assistance.
Additionally, you can try using a third-party uninstaller tool to remove Brother Control Center, as these tools can often help resolve issues and ensure a complete uninstallation. Be sure to only use reputable and trusted uninstaller tools to avoid any potential risks or conflicts with your Mac’s operating system.