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.
They are either the apps that do not come from App Store, or the pre-installed and required by Mac. If the apps are the latter, then you cannot remove them. If the apps are the former, then just move the next part to remove them easily. How to Delete an App Icons via Finder (That Launchpad Won’t Delete). For any other app/file which are locked, try to unlock it by unchecking the 'locked' box in 'Get Info' first. If the box is greyed out, run the following in Terminal: cd /Applications sudo chflags noschg 'Karabiner-Elements.app' Then delete it by right click 'Move to Trash'.
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? https://girenew910.weebly.com/blog/mac-best-mouse-apps.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
Vcredist download windows 10. Change permissions to empty the Trash. This method makes use of the Terminal using the command 'chflags'.
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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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.
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:
With this method, you'll have to quit all apps one by one.
Using the Apple menu:
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. Office home student mac download.
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. 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.
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. Compressor for os x 10.8.
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. 'Why so?' You ask.
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.
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.
As a Mac user, you must have heard of similar cases from friends. Ask yourself what they did differently and try to follow their footsteps.
When memory fails you, and you can't remember what to do, call the right people. Google hangouts standalone app mac. Reach out to online experts who can assist.
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. 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.
What's Wrong with Mac
Mac OS X is, without a doubt, a great operating system. However, it seems to be a bit complicated for new users to understand in the beginning. Regular tasks such as uninstalling an application are also prone to complications. In this article, we will show you various methods for removing apps on a Mac. You can also delete the built-in apps from the system with the help of other software. On the other hand, you can get rid of regular apps by following a simple set of steps.
Unlike Windows, OS X lacks a dedicated app uninstaller. We think Apple needs to take a cue from Microsoft on this at least. A dedicated app removal function could save us all a lot of time. Having said that, there are still a lot of simpler ways to get rid of unwanted apps on OS X and we have listed them all.
One of the simplest ways is through the applications window, while the other methods include Launchpad and third-party applications like AppCleaner.
Removing Mac Apps natively
The easiest way to get rig of Mac apps is through the Application menu. Here is the step by step guide:
Or You can perform the same task by opening the Launchpad. Here is how you can do that:
The steps above are the easiest ones that you can follow to remove any app from Mac OS X. However, these actions do not assure complete removal of the app as most of the apps tend to leave cache files on the system. For total elimination of the app along with its junk files (associated files and folders), you need to delete it through third-party programs like AppCleaner.
Uninstalling Mac Apps Using Extra Tools (for Junk Files/Cache)
One of the most unsettling issues on OS X is that when uninstalling apps, a lot of unwanted files get left behind. For finishing the unfinished business of junk file, we need to welcome the third-party apps like AppCleaner into the scene.
How to permanently remove Max applications using AppCleaner
If you do not want to use third-party apps to remove Cache from your Mac, you can also use the “Library” function. This feature is available in Finder. Here is how you can use it:
Uninstalling Apps Like Flash, MacKeeperWhat Apps Can I Delete
There are many apps on our Mac that we want to delete but cannot remove due to system-imposed limitations. Thankfully, there is always a back door that you can use to achieve your goal. One of the usual suspects that we can always pick for security holes is Java. Removing Java will not affect your system in any manner. Even if it does for a particular app, then you can always install it again.
Uninstall Java from OS X
Uninstall Flash Player on a Mac
Apps like Adobe Flash Player need special assistance to be removed from a Mac. Go to this link and install Flash Player Uninstaller for your OS X version. To know what version your Mac is running – Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “About this Mac” It will show the version name and number of the Operating System. Install the “Flash Player uninstaller https://gplusheavenly848.weebly.com/jason-aldean-albums-download-free.html. ” accordingly.
Removing Third-party apps like MacKeeper and Microsoft Office
To delete MacKeeper application, go this link and get done with your requisite. Similarly, for removing Microsoft Office – head to this link.
How Do I Delete An AppDeleting Mac Optimizer
ConclusionHelp Me Delete Apps
We hope these methods help you in getting rid of unwanted apps on OS X. Let us know your views through the comment section below.
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