Folder "Mac OS Install Data" occupying 5% of Macbook Air M1 disk space

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Folder "Mac OS Install Data" occupying 5% of Macbook Air M1 disk space

I have a Macbook Air M1 with the generously sized 245GB HD (aka 256GB version).

While trying to free up some space, I noticed a huge folder named "Mac OS Install Data" 11.8GB in size.

The folder is a of a special type: when I ask DaisyDisk (app that shows free space and the size) to open the folder in the Finder, it shows this

but I cannot find the folder in the Terminal.

In the past other users asked about the consequences of its deletion and received a variety of answers:

yes, it is safe to delete it, here: can i delete the Mac OS X Install Data fo… - Apple Community and https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/trashing-macos-install-data-library-updates-folders.2100835/
no, it is not safe to delete it, here: How do i remove macOS Install data - Apple Community

These questions were old and got different answers. So I thought I could ask again. I have two questions:

can I delete that folder?
where is it exactly located and how can I find it with the Terminal?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 23, 2024 1:05 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 24, 2024 5:05 PM in response to LordThistle

I don't know how you managed to have "macOS Install Data" on the root of your drive with an M1 Mac. macOS beginning with macOS 10.15, moves anything non-Apple from the root of the drive to a "Recovered Items" folder within the "/Users/Shared" folder. The root of the drive is now a read-only signed & sealed volume so only the Apple system files & folders should be located there. I'm not sure you will be able to delete the "/macOS Install Data" folder, but you can try since it is not needed....it is a leftover from having downloaded a macOS installer sometime before using macOS 10.15 where Apple for some reason split the full installer during the download which unfortunately was quite common & very annoying.

Edit: Here is the information regarding the new drive layout starting with macOS 10.15+:

About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina or later - Apple Support

Signed system volume security in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 2

LordThistle Author

Level 1

78 points

Mar 24, 2024 10:15 PM in response to HWTech

Thank you for your answer. I see the layout you talk about.

I did not do anything strange, actually I have always updated the system via System Settings. My MBA is managed by my organisation, may be that is the cause.

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Answer 3

Mar 25, 2024 6:30 AM in response to LordThistle

If this laptop is being managed, then have their IT staff look into it to assist you. I really have no clue how that folder could still exist on the root of the drive (or the "MobileSoftwareUpdate") even with it being managed, nor how it can be removed, but the IT staff should have more information about it since they are configuring the laptop.

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Answer 4

LordThistle Author

Level 1

78 points

Mar 23, 2024 1:06 PM in response to LordThistle

Screenshot of DaisyDisk

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