How do I remove a virtual disc called 'update' from my MacBook?

I think I have a virus on my MacBook which has put a virtual disc on it called update. How do I get rid of it?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Virtual disc called update

Posted on Jan 9, 2026 5:20 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 11, 2026 12:07 PM

An Etrecheck report will show the existence of "Update." Is that where you saw it?



It is part of Apple APFS that Apple introduced in macOS 10.15 Catalina, designed to make the file structure of Apple storage more secure.


Apple info here: Role of Apple File System - Apple Support


You don't remove it. It's needed.


If you ran Etrecheck because of a problem, please post the report. That's how EtreCheck was intended to be used. It will not reveal any personal or secure information.


Please see this excellent user tip on how to post long text reports like EtreCheck's into a forum response:


How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community


Please post the entire report. What seems insignificant to a new Etrecheck user can speak volumes to those of us who have reviewed thousands of those reports.  



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2026 12:07 PM in response to Grimfool

An Etrecheck report will show the existence of "Update." Is that where you saw it?



It is part of Apple APFS that Apple introduced in macOS 10.15 Catalina, designed to make the file structure of Apple storage more secure.


Apple info here: Role of Apple File System - Apple Support


You don't remove it. It's needed.


If you ran Etrecheck because of a problem, please post the report. That's how EtreCheck was intended to be used. It will not reveal any personal or secure information.


Please see this excellent user tip on how to post long text reports like EtreCheck's into a forum response:


How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community


Please post the entire report. What seems insignificant to a new Etrecheck user can speak volumes to those of us who have reviewed thousands of those reports.  



Jan 9, 2026 6:18 AM in response to Grimfool

Where are you seeing this virtual disk exactly?


Mac Virus are exceptionally rare these days.


Does it appear in the Disk Utility app?


Are you seeing it on the desktop?


Can you not drag it to the trash?


Did one of your apps recently get updated maybe and use the update package to update? Some updates may mount a a drive image for the update.


Provide more details and context and someone may be able to help.

How do I remove a virtual disc called 'update' from my MacBook?

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