Deleting Files On Macbook Pro

The Delete key opn Mac does and doesn't act the same way as the Backspace and Delete keys on a PC. Normally hitting Delete on a Mac will work as a Backspace key. To Forward Delete, normal action of the Delete key on a PC, you have to hold down the fn key and then hit the Delete key. To Delete a File or something once selected sometimes the Mac Delete keys Deletes it and at other times it does nothing other then give you a Chime/Sound no matter what other key you hold down. This is the case with deleting files in Finder. As in Windows the delete key actually deletes whatever is selected all the time.

  1. Deleting Temporary Files On Macbook Pro
  2. Delete Files Off Macbook Pro

Click the Review Files button, then choose any of the file categories in the sidebar, such as Applications, Documents, GarageBand, iOS Files, iTunes, or Trash. Some categories allow you delete files directly. (If you purchased the file from the Mac App Store, iBooks Store, or iTunes Store, you might be able to download it again.) Other categories show the total storage space used by the files in each app. The delete key is at the top right 2nd button down. The Delete key opn Mac does and doesn't act the same way as the Backspace and Delete keys on a PC. Normally hitting Delete on a Mac will work as a Backspace key. To Forward Delete, normal action of the Delete key on a PC, you have to hold down the fn key and then hit the Delete key.


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At any time, you can get rid of files, folders, and other items that you no longer need. You start by dragging items to the Trash in the Dock, but the items aren’t deleted until you empty the Trash.

Note: If you turned off Time Machine or haven’t backed up your files recently, you may want to store a backup copy on a storage device, just in case you change your mind and want the item later.

Delete an item from your Mac or iCloud Drive

  • On your Mac, drag the item to the Trash in the Dock or select the item, then press Command-Delete. If an item is locked, click Continue to confirm you want to move the locked item to the Trash.

If an item is locked, you need to confirm you want to move it to the Trash, or unlock the item before putting it in the Trash. To unlock the item first, select it, choose File > Get Info (or press Command-I), then deselect the Locked checkbox. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you may need to click the lock icon , then enter an administrator name and password.

Empty the Trash

  1. On your Mac, click the Trash icon in the Dock.

  2. In the window that appears, do one of the following:

    • Empty one item from the Trash: Control-click the item you want to delete, then choose Delete Immediately.

      In the warning message that appears, click Delete.

    • Empty all of the Trash: Click the Empty button in the upper-right corner of the Finder window. You can also click the Finder icon in the Dock, then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

      In the warning message that appears, click Empty Trash.

Items that you move to the Trash from your Mac remain until you empty the Trash. You can choose to automatically empty the Trash in Finder preferences.

Delete file key on macbook pro

Items that you move to the Trash from iCloud Drive are automatically emptied from the Trash after 30 days, regardless of Finder preferences. You can choose to empty the Trash sooner than 30 days.

Deleting Temporary Files On Macbook Pro

WARNING: Any items emptied from the Trash are no longer available.

Prevent the Trash warning message from appearing

To prevent the Trash warning message from appearing, do one of the following:

  • Once: Press the Option key when you click Empty or choose Empty Trash.

  • Always: Turn off the warning in the Advanced pane of Finder preferences. In the Finder , choose Finder > Preferences, click Advanced, then deselect “Show warning before emptying the Trash.”

If you change your mind before emptying the Trash

Delete Files Off Macbook Pro

  1. On your Mac, click the Trash icon in the Dock.

  2. Drag the item out of the Trash, or select the item, then choose File > Put Back.

Remove items from the Trash automatically after 30 days

  1. In the Finder on your Mac, choose Finder > Preferences, then click Advanced.

  2. Select “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days.”

Note: Items deleted from your Mac are permanently deleted. You may be able to recover items deleted from iCloud on iCloud.com.

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