Quit the app; Restart the Mac normally. Restart the Mac in Safe Mode, delete startup items that might be the problem, then restart normally. And see if it shows what app or system component. As a result, you can delete apps from iTunes on iPhone, PC and Mac successfully. Whether you want to remove apps individually or entirely, you can always find the best solution here. At last but not least, remember to backup important data every time you want to clean up your digital device. Difficult to delete Mac apps But there are some applications which don't play so nicely by these rules. Examples we've seen include Adobe and Microsoft applications for the Mac, and nagware/semi. Applications folder in Finder shows all your Mac apps and you can quickly manage your apps in this folder, no matter the apps are downloaded from App Store or websites. If you can’t find the application folder on Mac, it may cause you inconveniences, for example, deleting apps.
Wouldn't you love to rid of some or all files on your Mac forever. Be it for storage space or reselling it. Perhaps your Mac is too old to take the next operating system version, or you’ve stored a lot of data on it, and you’re worried that it could be hijacked if stolen.
The last thing you want is to see that your data was leaked by some hacker, leaving you vulnerable and without a clue of what to do next.
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The good news is you can permanently delete files from your Mac using several methods that we’ll show you in this guide.
Can My Files Be Retrieved Once I Delete Them
The short answer is yes.
Data recovery technology has made it possible to recover files and restore them, which means someone else can retrieve any files you delete from a hard drive.
Most new Macs come with the solid state drives (flash storage) or Fusion Drives for some iMacs, instead of the old spinning hard disk drives. That is a critical factor when it comes to securely delete files on your Mac because you won’t have to do so if it comes with an SSD.
If you have an older Mac, it probably has a regular HDD, but the newer models with the SSDs allow you to use the standard method of moving files and emptying the trash to erase files, compared to securely erasing the files.
Unlike HDDs, where secure file deletion works, it doesn’t with the SSDs because overwriting a file only creates a new one in a new location but doesn’t overwrite the old file’s contents.
Thankfully though, there are different methods you can use to permanently delete files on your Mac, whether it has the old HDDs or the SSDs.
Note: You can check the storage on your Mac by clicking the Apple logo at the upper left side of the screen, and then going to About This Mac>Storage. Under the disk icon, you'll see whether your Mac has a spinning HDD or an SSD. Move Files to Trash
This is a tried and true method of deleting files on your Mac by dragging it to the trash. You can also use the Move to Trash feature by right-clicking the file and selecting the option. From here, you can go ahead and empty the trash.
Delete Immediately is a feature introduced by Apple with OS X (macOS) 10.11 El Capitan that bypasses the trash when you delete a file. It’s much faster than Move to Trash as you simply highlight your files and then use the Option-Command-Delete shortcut.
Alternatively, you can go to Finder’s File menu and hold down Option key to change the Move to Trash option to Delete Immediately. You’ll be asked to confirm the deletion, just as you would when using Move to Trash option.
If you want to skip the empty trash confirmation, go to your keyboard and press the shortcut Command-Option-Shift-Delete. That will bypass the dialog window to confirm the deletion and empty the trash instantly.
If that is too difficult for you to remember or cumbersome, change Finder preferences setting to kill the confirmation. Go to Menu>Preferences and uncheck the Show warning before emptying the Trash box under Advanced tab.
Secure Empty Trash
How to factory reset mac using command apps. This is another simple solution to deleting your files permanently from your Mac. It ensures that the items are deleted forever by writing random data over them multiple times.
The feature came with Mac OS X 10.3 Panther. It overwrites data seven times to increase security.
To use this feature, click Finder menu and select Secure Empty Trash just below Empty Trash.
Use a Third-Party App
If deleting your files by emptying the trash doesn’t help, you can get a third party application to force the trash to empty. There are many such apps available like Permanent Eraser or Clean My Mac, which can help you empty your trash completely and permanently.
Use Mac Terminal
Mac’s Terminal is a command line tool that allows you to complete tedious tasks such as file deletion easily in just a few seconds. The program uses Unix commands to perform several functions easily and quickly without the operating system interfering with its processes. It’s efficient and powerful as it helps you remove files with ease, permanently.
However, if you haven't used the command line, Terminal can be dangerous too. Before getting into it, familiarize yourself with some basic Terminal commands, because any wrong command you enter can cause damage to your system, and you could easily delete files faster than you’d have time to stop the process.
The precision of every character, including capitalization and spaces, is important when using terminal commands.
To get started, take the steps below:
Step 1: Open Finder and click Applications>Utilities>Terminal.
Step 2: In the new window, a command prompt with the $ (dollar sign) will appear. The command line you’ll see is ComputerName:CurrentDirectory ~Username$ and the word Bash at the top, which is the Terminal language in a Mac.
Step 3: Type your command and press the Return key after each command to execute it, or copy and paste the command into the terminal window. Type rm and space, and then drag and drop the file(s) you want to get rid of permanently into the Terminal window. Press Enter to remove it forever.
Note: You can also enter the file’s path into Terminal if you want to remove the file even faster without using drag and drop.Easily Delete Files for Good
Before you delete the files, make sure you have a backup of your data in case something goes awry. Of course, we would recommend you to get familiar with Terminal for it can be extremely powerful in erasing files while the interface may suffer a glitch or would be slow. Mac os x 8.5 download.
Next up:Want to delete your iCloud storage from your Mac and iPhone? Our next article shows you all the steps you need to take to clear out your storage.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Delete iCloud Storage from iPhone and MacAlso See#file deletion #imac
Did You Know
Thunderbolt 3 is a data and video transfer protocol and is developed by Intel.
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Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
'Agh! Why I can't delete a file?' is a common frustration with most Mac users. Usually, you find yourself having no clue on what to do next. Well, this article will guide you to your next and final step.
There are various reasons to delete a file. However, whatever reason you might have, your Mac might not agree with you.
Since the creation of on-screen technologies, terms such as 'delete', 'erase', and 'format' has been the go-to options in situations where somebody wanted to get rid of a file or application. Also, to safeguard a system in terms of freeing up space or easy removal of malware, the delete key has been beneficial.
However, in recent versions of operating systems, we have been unable in some cases to delete files from our computers. You have probably faced warnings such as 'folder in use, cannot delete.'
So, how to delete files that won't delete in Mac?
Well, we shall explain why you can't delete a file and also the solutions in the sections below:
Part 1. Why I Can't Delete File on Mac?
You have often wondered why you can't delete an app on Mac. The presence of a Trash bin on Mac has always made it easy to sort out what you don't need. However, this is not true.
There are underlying obstacles that can hinder you from clearing your system of specific files. At times these hindrances save us from deleting sensitive data, probably those required by the system to run.
However, the obstacles can, at times, go overboard. It is when you are unable to get rid of the average local files that you know are not useful to you and the system.
So why would the system or anything else keep you from doing so?
Well, some of the reasons include:
- Your Mac system locks the file: Mac locks sensitive system files that are a must for its operations. When deleted, their absence can cause your Mac OS to 'break.' It might not even be able to boot up.
- The file or folder is in use and can't be deleted: Mostly happens when a file, e.g., a word document is opened and is in use. It prevents the disruption of your ongoing work. You might have wanted to delete the data accidentally.
- An app has locked the file: When an application is developed such that its files cannot be tampered with, e.g., to prevent them from being edited or copied, they might be locked. It is thus a security measure for the program with regards to copyright restrictions.
- The file is not available: Sometimes files are visible but cannot be accessed for one reason or the other. These could be music, documents, or a folder. Usually, they are 'ghost files.' You can't delete such files because they are not there in the first place. It could be a thumbnail left behind.
- Presence of a Finder bug: A bug, in this case, is a glitch of some sort that prevents the system or an app from carrying out its normal operations.
Part 2. Can't Delete Files? Go to the Finder
Usually, the most natural solution to cannot delete files is by dragging them to the Trash. In case you'd want the data back, command + Z would automatically undo your action. To empty Trash, you can access Finder by either double-clicking the Trash icon on your dock or go to the top left section on your Mac and select 'Finder.'
From the Finder menu, you can click on Empty Trash. Also, from the Trash icon at your dock, you can right-click and select Empty Trash.
But that doesn't always work. An error 'file can't be deleted' may pop-up to alert you of this. In such a scenario, you can do the following:
Solution 1. Relaunch Finder
- Simultaneously press Command + Shift + Escape.
- On the menu that pops up select Relaunch
Make sure that the Finder loading is complete before you can start deleting.
Solution 2. Force quit Finder
There are several ways to force quit Finder. From the Apple logo at the top right.
![Not Not](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134120256/252808275.jpg)
- Click the Apple logo.
- From the menu, click on 'Force Quit Finder'.
It is the general way of doing it.
Solution 3. Secure Empty Trash
If you are familiar with the Terminal, you can use the 'killall' command to force quit Finder. After the successful deletion of a file, you may not be able to empty Trash as the file can't be deleted from the Trash.
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- Go to Finder on the top left.
- If Empty Trash didn't work for you, select secure Empty Trash under it.
You can also press command and right-click the Trash icon to secure empty Trash.
Part 3. Cannot Delete Files? Fixes Without Finder
Where the Finder method of deleting apps has not worked out for you, try the following:
Where the item is a folder, delete each file manually to isolate the single erroneous file. If all files get deleted such that the folder is empty, try Trashing it.
Change permissions to empty the Trash. This method makes use of the Terminal using the command 'chflags'.
- Go to Finder on the top left.
- If Empty Trash didn't work for you, select secure Empty Trash under it.
- Change the folder to that of the Trash. Type 'cd ~/.Trash' without the quotes.
- Change permissions by using 'chflags -R nouchg ' without the quotes.
The command line can also be used to forcibly empty the Trash using the command 'sudo rm -rf'. Beware, this command erases everything in the Trash without warning.
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- Open the Terminal as described above. Also, you can use the spotlight to search for Terminal
- In the Terminal, change to the Trash folder as described above.
- Type 'ls 'to get a list of files in the Trash.
- Remove the specific stubborn file by typing 'rm file.png,' where the data is the item of your choice.
Using the sudo command erases everything in the Trash. Thus, you should only use it if you know what you are doing. You can also do a workaround.
- Create a file or folder with the same name as the file that can't be deleted but in a separate location.
- Move this newly created file to the same location as the stubborn one and allow it to replace.
- The previous one automatically disappears. Now you can quickly delete the new one.
- Create a folder into which you then move the items you want to delete. The newly created folder will hopefully have permissions different from the previous one.
- Lastly, try to log in using an admin account. It will give you more power over your content.
If you accidentally deleted important files, just jump to Part 5 for the solutions or directly download Recoverit Data Recovery. It will help you recover all deleted files.
Part 4. Can't Delete File Because File Is in Use on Mac
When MacOS thinks the file you are trying to delete is in use by another process, emptying the Trash will not work. Therefore, the first thing to do is to quit all other programs to ensure no other application could use any of the files on your Mac.
To force quit apps on the dock:
- While pressing option on your keyboard, right-click on the app.
- On the menu that appears, click on force quit.
With this method, you'll have to quit all apps one by one.
Using the Apple menu:
- Click on the logo on the top left.
- On the drop-down menu, select Force Quit.
- On the next menu of available apps, select the app, you would want to quit and click on the Force Quit button.
After force quitting all apps, now try deleting the file or folder.
If force quitting all programs doesn't work for you, you can try restarting your Mac or even shutting it down then power it on.
Part 5. How to Retrieve Deleted Files on Mac
In the process of trying to delete one file, you can end up deleting several of them, and in extreme cases, you might get frustrated and accidentally format your drive.
However, that is not the end of the road. Wondershare offers you Recoverit Data Recovery Mac version 8.0. Mac os virtual machine image download. Recoverit data recovery software is a suitable comprehensive way to cater for recovery options irrespective of how data was lost.
The software has access to various storage devices including a corrupted Mac Hard drive, USB drive, iPod, SD card, etc. featuring compatibility with FAT 16/32, NTFS, and HFS+ file systems.
- A more organized main menu page: The main menu now displays drives that are both internal and external, including lost partitions.
- Enhanced precision: You can now choose the specific location on which to run a scan.
- Enhanced retrieval of files: Recoverit can now retrieve raw files from internal drives and other external devices that even the computer cannot recognize.
- Better preview of images: When scanning for images, recoverit data recovery software offers a sneak preview of images, videos, and documents in a larger window to enhance the experience.
- Allows for recovery of data from Drone camera and GoPro
- It's able to recover files from more than ten drives.
Far cry 1 windows 7 32 bit patch. So, how do you use Recoverit to recover lost files?
Step 1. Select a location where files are deleted
Launch the software and select the drive from where the data files are lost. If you don't know which drive to search, tap on the 'I can't find my partition' option and hit the Start button.
Step 2. Scan the selected location
Typically, the software will run an all-around scan and search for the lost and deleted files on the entire drive.
Step 3. Preview and recover deleted Mac files
When the scan completes, the files will be listed on the screen. The software will sort out the files according to format to make the search easier. You can select multiple files at a time and have a preview at them.
You also have the option of doing a deep scan of the files at the bottom.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134120256/861948141.jpg)
Part 6. Tips Against 'Can't Delete Files on Mac'
Some of the issues that you face with deleting files on your Mac and end up believing that they can't be deleted is false. Mac spoofing software free download. 'Why so?' You ask.
- 1. Settle your mind
First things, first, you needed to relax. Frustrations often lead to irrational behavior. When you feel like it's becoming impossible and you have done everything don't start throwing tantrums. Realize that some files can't be deleted for a reason or you probably are yet to find out.
- 2. Research online on various methods
To find out what kind of files you should or shouldn't get rid of, check on sites and articles such as this one. You can look at various methods of troubleshooting for an easy time.
- 3. Use past experiences
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As a Mac user, you must have heard of similar cases from friends. Mac tools egr cleaner. Ask yourself what they did differently and try to follow their footsteps.
- 4. Seek assistance
When memory fails you, and you can't remember what to do, call the right people. Reach out to online experts who can assist.
- 5. Be cautious
Finally, with all that you do, be cautious. While struggling to delete a file, you can quickly end up getting rid of something as important as a system file. https://renewgc722.weebly.com/blog/how-to-remove-protected-apps-in-mac. Double-check on stubborn files when clearing your Hard drive.
Conclusion
Clearing your system is as vital as deleting files and emptying the Trash on your Mac since, with everyday use, your device accumulates unnecessary files. So, when a file error such as 'file in use, cannot be deleted' pops up, be careful. Also, you should double-check the kind of files you install, especially third-party apps.
However, when you or anybody else is stuck on how to delete files that won't be deleted, direct them to check out this article. I am sure you have significantly benefited from it so, help others too. https://renewgc722.weebly.com/blog/lifehacker-mac-apps-2019.
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