how do i delete backup files mac os high sierra

What’s a clean install? That means that the hard drive is erased completely and reformatted, which removes not only the current Mac operating system but all data, files, applications, you name it… Just think of it as a brand new computer having the operating system installed on it for the first time. One of the most popular options for securely deleting files on Mac is Permanent Eraser, which does exactly what it says – permanently erases your files without leaving a trace.Sometimes it’s a good idea to do a clean install of a new Mac operating system version. However, the company has removed it, meaning you’ll now need to use third-party software. Rinse and repeat for any other files you believe may be affecting your ability to empty the Bin.Īlso read: How to Add and Remove Kexts from macOS A Side-Note on Securely Emptying Your Mac’s BinĪpple used to have a feature that would allow you to “securely” empty your computer’s Bin. Ctrl + click the file you believe may be causing the problem. If you suspect that a particular file may be preventing you from emptying the Bin, you can forcefully delete this file while it’s inside:Ģ.

If the Bin only contains a handful of files, you may be able to check each of these files manually by Ctrl+ clicking each file, then selecting “Get Info.” If you discover a locked file, you can unlock it using the steps listed earlier in this article. You can do this by clicking on the magnifying glass in the top right of your toolbar before tying “terminal” in the search bar and clicking on “terminal.app.”

To force-delete a file, open your Mac’s Terminal. This technique can also delete files you wouldn’t normally be able to delete – and sometimes Apple has a very good reason for protecting certain files! Force-delete is a useful technique but should be used with caution. If you realize you’ve made a terrible mistake, there’s no way to recover the file. Just be aware that force-delete doesn’t send the file to the Bin – it permanently and immediately deletes the file in question. If all else fails, you can force-delete the file using a Terminal command. None of the Above Fixes Work? Try Force Delete Besides deleting files that won’t delete, you can also use this app to sweep away anything that’s taking up unnecessary space on your computer. One which you might be worth checking out is Cleaner One, which allows you to easily remove files you want to get rid of on your Mac.Īlternatively, you may want to consider WeClean Pro instead.

How do i delete backup files mac os high sierra