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I am trying to delete my photos library from my computer as I've just saved it on an external hard drive to save space on my actual hard drive. But, when I attempt to move the old photo library to the trash the process bar says "Moving 'Photos Library' to 'Trash'", but the file never is moved to the trash. How can I remove this folder from my computer so I can actually free up the space?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.12
Have you changed the external library to be the system library?
If not the old library is probably being accesssed by system background processess preventing it from being deleted.
But before you do -
Is the external drive correctly set up for using with a photos library?
It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives)
It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine.
It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.
It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar.
It must also not be a network drive (a direct connection is required - eg USB or Thunderbolt).
File sharing services such as iCloud Drive, Drop box, Onedrive etc are not compatible with Photos libraries.
It stands to reason that if you want any sort of reasonable performance it should be a fast drive with a fast connection.
See
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517
Have you changed the external library to be the system library?
If not the old library is probably being accesssed by system background processess preventing it from being deleted.
But before you do -
Is the external drive correctly set up for using with a photos library?
It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives)
It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine.
It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.
It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar.
It must also not be a network drive (a direct connection is required - eg USB or Thunderbolt).
File sharing services such as iCloud Drive, Drop box, Onedrive etc are not compatible with Photos libraries.
It stands to reason that if you want any sort of reasonable performance it should be a fast drive with a fast connection.
See
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517
I'm no expert ... just wondering ... Photos may need to always keep a Photos Library folder ready for new photos you import.
Perhaps you could select all the photos inside the folder, and send them to the trash ... in one go, or in batches that you select ?
Alternatively, inside the library folder, you could put all photos in a New Folder and try sending that folder to the Trash.
Hope this helps you.
File won't go to trash
