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How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

Lisa Kudrow
Release: 2025-03-01 09:38:14
Original
956 people have browsed it

Dealing with stubborn corrupted files on your Mac? This guide provides multiple solutions to reclaim valuable disk space. Whether the file refuses to delete normally or is causing system issues, we've got you covered.

First, let's define the problem: Corrupted files are damaged and unusable. Your Mac doesn't always alert you to their presence, so they can accumulate unnoticed.

Locating Corrupted Files:

Several methods exist for detecting these problematic files:

  1. Manually check each file for errors.
  2. Use Disk Utility to scan for file structure corruption.
  3. Boot your Mac into single-user mode (Command S) for a deeper system check.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

Deleting Corrupted Files:

Here are several techniques to remove those pesky files:

1. Quick Delete with Keyboard Shortcut:

The easiest method: Select the file(s), then press Option Command Delete. Confirm deletion in the pop-up window.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them? How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

2. Force Delete via Terminal:

For stubborn files, use the Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
  2. Type sudo rm -R (followed by a space), drag the file into the Terminal window, and press Enter. You'll need administrator privileges.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them? How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

3. Modify File Permissions:

Sometimes, permission issues prevent deletion.

  1. Select the file, choose "Get Info."
  2. In "Sharing & Permissions," change permissions from "Read only" to "Read & Write."

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them? How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

4. Secure Empty Trash:

For permanent removal, use Secure Empty Trash (hold Command while clicking the Trash icon, or via the Finder menu).

5. Safe Mode Deletion:

Restart your Mac in Safe Mode (Shift key during startup). Delete the files while in Safe Mode.

6. Guest Account Deletion:

Create a new guest account, move the file there, delete it from the guest account, then delete the guest account.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them? How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

7. Deleting from External Drives:

For files on external drives, simply select and delete (Command Delete) as usual.

How to Delete Corrupted Files on Mac? How to Find and Remove Them?

Keeping Your Mac Clean:

Regularly removing corrupted files maintains system performance and frees up space. Consider automated tools for easier management.

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