How to delete other user's Library files?

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Level 1

8 points

How to delete other user's Library files?

I recently changed the name of the user folder on my computer, which wiped the documents folder, or so I thought. I just figured out that the System was taking up A LOT of space (200+GB) according to System Information. I found the files using OmniDesk Sweeper--turns out the old user folder still existed and was taking up 300+GB on my HDD. I moved the entire old user folder to the trash and was able to delete maybe 100GB, but it says the Library folder and "VoiceTrigger" for the old user folder are currently in use and cannot be deleted.

For clarity, this is not my current Library folder. I want these files gone to free up half my HDD. How do I delete them?

MacBook Pro 15”, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 10, 2020 2:42 PM

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Answer 1

Sharhari

Level 5

6,303 points

Jun 11, 2020 12:45 AM in response to rikkiatia

Let's make sure the Library is not referring to the old one.

Please go to Finder > Go > Go to Folder… or ⇧⌘G and type the below path.

~/Library/

Now check the parent folder should be your current user name.

Did you follow the below method to rename your account? If not please let us know the steps you followed.

https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT201548

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Answer 2

rikkiatia Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2020 12:19 PM in response to Sharhari

When I follow that path to the Library folder it is indeed under the correct parent folder name.

I didn't follow those instructions in so much as I didn't change the name of the user while in another administrative user. I changed the name of the user folder while logged in as that user. There has only ever been one administrator user on the computer. Would it work to create a second user administrator and completely delete the first one?

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Answer 3

Sharhari

Level 5

6,303 points

Jun 13, 2020 10:35 PM in response to rikkiatia

You should back up your important data before proceeding.

If you have only one administrator user, then which user library are you trying to delete. (See Note)

It doesn't make sense to delete your own user library.

Yes, Creating another administrator and you can delete the first one.

Regarding Library : http://kb.mit.edu/confluence/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=3908373

Note: The Library folder is a portion of the operating system. Every user directory has its own Library folder. Each user can customize applications and the operating system to their liking and not interfere with other user's customizations.

There are actually three locations on the hard drive where Library folders exist. Each location governs a different part of the operating system.

/System/Library is the location for the core parts of the operating system needed by your Mac to function.

/Library is the location for the parts of the operating system that apply to ALL users and applications running on the Mac like fonts and system wide application preferences.

/Users/<user home directory>/Library is the location for all the user specific parts of the operating system like preferences, favorites, recent items, etc.

In macOS 10.8 and higher, the /Users/<user home directory>/Library is a hidden folder. This means you will not see it by default.

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How to delete other user's Library files?

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