Users often find that certain files will not delete from their external drives. This article provides a clear overview of the best methods to resolve these permission and connection issues effectively.
Sometimes deleting files on a Mac is not as simple as dragging them to the Trash. Certain files resist normal deletion, and understanding why can help you decide when a force delete on Mac is needed. Some files are locked or read-only, either by accident or by the system, to prevent accidental removal. Others may be corrupted, which can stop them from being deleted and even affect nearby files. macOS also includes security features, like System Integrity Protection (SIP), that protect important system files from being removed. Additionally, some documents are protected by system permissions, and files in the Trash can occasionally get stuck, refusing to be emptied.
Files can also fail to delete due to common issues such as being currently in use, permission restrictions, bugs in Finder, or macOS corruption. When a file cannot be removed through normal methods, a force delete becomes necessary. Methods like emptying the Trash completely or using Terminal commands can permanently remove stubborn files, but they should be used carefully, as they affect all items in the Trash rather than just one.
If you cannot delete files from an NTFS external hard drive on your Mac, it’s because macOS only allows read-only access to NTFS by default. PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac lets your Mac fully read and write to NTFS drives, enabling you to delete, rename, copy, and move files like on a Mac-formatted disk.
The tool works with HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards, supporting NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. It’s compatible with macOS 12 and later on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. After a quick setup to grant disk access, you can manage files safely and easily on Windows-formatted drives.
Before we start, you need to configure Security Policy in iOS Recovery Mode.
Step 1. Run PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac and connect your external hard drive.
Step 2. Connected removable and external hard drives will show up and be mounted automatically.
Step 3. Select the drive you want to operate and click "Open".
Step 4. Now you can copy files on your Mac and use Paste Item to add them to the drive.
Step 5. Files on the external hard drive can also be copied, deleted, or renamed.
Step 6. When you’re done, click "Eject" to safely unplug the external hard drive from your Mac.
If you can’t delete files on your Mac desktop, the file may be set to read-only. In this case, you can change its permission from Read-Only to Read & Write. A read-only file can be opened, but it cannot be edited or deleted. Once you switch the permission to read and write, the file should delete normally.
Step 1. Launch a new Finder window. Press Command-I to display the Get Info window.
Step 2. At the bottom of the window, click the arrow next to Sharing & Permissions to display permissions.
Step 3. Click on the Privilege menu next to your username and choose Read & Write. Save the change and close the Get Info window.
If you get an error saying a file is currently in use and can’t be deleted, it usually means an app is accessing that file. To remove it, you’ll need to force quit the app that’s using it. If you’re unsure which app is causing the issue, closing all open apps is the easiest option.
Step 1. Press Option + Command + Esc together on your keyboard. You can also open the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select Force Quit.
Step 2. In the Force Quit window, choose the app that may be using the file, then click Force Quit.
Repeat these steps to close any other apps running in the background. If Finder becomes unresponsive, select Finder in the Force Quit window and click Relaunch. Once the apps are closed, try deleting the file again.
In conclusion, understanding how to delete files that won’t delete on a Mac starts with knowing what is blocking the file, such as permissions, system protection, or external drive limits. For files cannot be deleted in NTFS external hard drives, tools like PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac make the process much easier by giving your Mac full access to manage files. With the right solution, you can safely remove stubborn files and keep your Mac organized and running smoothly.
🧐 How to delete apps which cannot be deleted on a Mac?
If an app cannot be deleted, it may still be running or protected by the system. First, quit the app completely using Force Quit. Then open the Applications folder and move the app to the Trash. If it still won’t delete, check permissions or use a trusted app uninstaller to remove all related files safely.
🧐 How to force delete locked files on a Mac?
Locked files cannot be deleted until they are unlocked. Right-click the file, choose Get Info, and uncheck the Locked option. After that, try deleting the file again. If needed, make sure your user account has Read & Write permission.
🧐 How do I delete undeletable files?
Undeletable files are often in use, read-only, or protected by permissions. Try closing all running apps, adjusting file permissions, and emptying the Trash. If the file is on an NTFS external drive, using a tool like PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac can help enable full access so the file can be deleted.
🧐 How do I delete a corrupt file that cannot be deleted?
Corrupt files may not respond to normal delete actions. Restart your Mac and try deleting the file again. If that fails, move it to the Trash and empty the Trash. As a last option, using Terminal commands can remove the file, but this should be done carefully.
🧐 How do I delete a file so that it cannot be recovered?
To permanently delete a file, empty the Trash after deleting it. For extra security, you can use disk cleaning or file shredding tools that overwrite the data. This makes recovery very difficult and helps protect sensitive information.