system preferences is busy

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Level 1

4 points

system preferences is busy

hey!! so I just got my MacBook Air less than a week ago, and I had created a separate login for my sister to use, but she then just got her own computer. I went in to setting, hit users and groups, and was attempting to delete her login. it was letting me, but now its been over 12 hours, and its still saying "deleting account.." I now can't close it because 'system preferences is busy" if there's anyway I can restart my computer without having to get into the main settings because like I said before, it won't let me get there. or if there is anyway I can make it finish. I even tried letting my MacBook die completely before I turned it on again, only to see its still there. somebody please help, I don't know what I did.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 13, 2020 2:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Siabh

Level 5

7,310 points

Aug 13, 2020 9:07 AM in response to cydneym4

At the bottom of your screen, on the dock, right click or secondary click (two-finger tap) the icon for System Preferences, to get the context menu
On the keyboard, hold the alt (option) key down
The last option on the Context Menu changes from Quit to Force Quit
Click on Force Quit

This should allow you to exit the System Preferences, and you should shut down and reboot.

Make sure you log in to your (Cydney) profile, and not your sister's. (Your sister's profile should not be running, when you attempt to delete her profile from your System Preferences User & Groups page)

Then try again to delete her account profile.

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,221 points

Aug 13, 2020 8:52 AM in response to cydneym4

Have you tried shutting down the computer using the power switch, waiting a couple of minutes, and then restarting?

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system preferences is busy

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