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Removing Time Machine Backups

I used to backup my iMac to an external drive. I have now sold the iMac but how do I remove the no longer needed backups to give much-wanted space on my Hardrive. I tried changing permissions but still unable to delete the Backup files. Is there a simple solution? Maybe I should just reformat the Hardrive but this is a last resort as I have many other files stored on it.

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 25, 2023 4:29 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 25, 2023 6:18 PM

Graham_e wrote:

I used to backup my iMac to an external drive. I have now sold the iMac but how do I remove the no longer needed backups to give much-wanted space on my Hardrive. I tried changing permissions but still unable to delete the Backup files. Is there a simple solution? Maybe I should just reformat the Hardrive but this is a last resort as I have many other files stored on it.


reformat the drive as new


Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support


Move your "other" file you want to keep off the drive.


TM likes to have its own dedicated drive.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 25, 2023 6:18 PM in response to Graham_e

Graham_e wrote:

I used to backup my iMac to an external drive. I have now sold the iMac but how do I remove the no longer needed backups to give much-wanted space on my Hardrive. I tried changing permissions but still unable to delete the Backup files. Is there a simple solution? Maybe I should just reformat the Hardrive but this is a last resort as I have many other files stored on it.


reformat the drive as new


Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support


Move your "other" file you want to keep off the drive.


TM likes to have its own dedicated drive.

Removing Time Machine Backups

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