Hi Gary! Do you know how to delete a file in the trash that says " ... The operation can’t be completed because the item is in use." I've tried using terminal and also changed permissions on the file but no dice. Apple Support is stumped too. My machine is currently running Big Sur 11.6 Thx!
I actually don't use the Trash most of the time. Instead, I created a folder called "Pre-Trash" on my external SSD, and most of the unneeded files go there. I watched your videos on how to make shortcut in Automator, so it's easy as throwing in the Trash using shortcut.
Thanks, Gary. In the past, with a disc drive mac, you could 'securely' delete a file but it is my understanding that with SD drives this is no longer possible (without scrubbing the entire drive), am I correct in this?
Deleting files on an outboard drive, such as a thumb drive, seems to put them in a trash folder on that drive that cannot be emptied independently. Is there any easy way to empty the trash on an external drive without emptying the trash on all mounted drives?
My Time Machine was filled. I needed / want to delete . I'm trying to delete multiple old files / dates from months ago but I CONTINUOUSLY getting a pop-up notice to SKIP, STOP or CONTINUE. I must constantly hit continue. How can I set this to 'Remember last selection/" OR Delete all my trash immediately? PS Delete immediately isn't working. Thanks!!!
Did you get a solution for this? I am having the exact same issue. It's been days and it is still deleting files from 1 folder and I have 10 other folders. HELP and Thanks!!!
Sometimes when i permanently delete/empty my trash the storage won’t lessen. i had to delete each file from the documents, any ways i could sort this out? ;(
Hi Gary, long time sub here. Thanks for your videos. I upgraded today do Monterrey, and up until today, pressing command + delete would send the file directly to the trash. Now I am getting an annoying confirmation message and did not find a way to get rid of it. Any ideas? Thanks a lot
Hi Gary, Thanks for the great video. I am unable to move the files to the trash they will not move I tried right clicking as well no trash option. I was able to move the icon but not the files. Can you please help me with another way to get rid of these files. Thank you Angela 🙂
What files do you mean, specifically? Perhaps you aren't selecting files but something else? Not sure what you are asking here as you say you were "able to move the icon but not the files" -- they are the same thing.
HI Gary, I'm having the same issue as another user. My Time Machine was filled. I needed / want to delete . I'm trying to delete multiple old files / dates from months ago but I CONTINUOUSLY getting a pop-up notice to SKIP, STOP or CONTINUE. I must constantly hit continue. It's been days and it is still deleting files from 1 folder and I have 10 other folders. HELP and Thanks!!!" OR Delete all my trash immediately? PS... Delete immediately isn't working. Thanks!!!
Hi Gary . I like your videos . 🥂I was watching because I’m trying to find a way to hook up my old MacBook Pro hard drive to my mid 2011 27 inch iMac to use some programs on it for my printer and to use it as storage that is faster than just the usb2 cable . Is there any cables or something that you can connect it with the mini dp or FireWire 800 so that it runs faster smoother and so that it doesn’t take hours to copy picture albums over to store . The dp would be better because it’s much faster . I don’t want to spend too much on it but it’s still useful and would be a shame to waste . If you can solve this for me I will donate to your patron . Cheers 🍻
The Trash is for files in the Finder. Trash in Mail is something different, yes. It is part of your email account and how it works depends somewhat on your email service.
Need to remember if files are deleted from Thumb Drives or External Drives in order to gain space on those specific drives. Space is not achieved until the files are permanently deleted from the Trash folder.
Hello Gary, I am having trouble emptying my trash folder. There is one empty folder that I can rename, but I am unable to delete it. After performing a clean install of macOS Sonoma, the folder reappeared in the trash. Whenever I try to delete it, I get an error message that says "The operation can't be completed because the item 'New Folder' is in use." Can you please help me with this issue? Thank you.
Thank you, Gary, for your prompt reply. I genuinely appreciate it. I was able to find the issue by referring to your other video, and I discovered that disconnecting my external SSD resolved the problem. So I should format the entire SSD to prevent the issue from recurring?@@macmost
@@hossaint2689 Ah, so it was a problem with files on the external drive. Hard to say what may fix it. If the drive is empty (besides that problem file) then sure, erase it. That's an easy way.
When’s the next update for Big Sur? I installed this two weeks ago it’s probably most buggiest OS I ever installed esthetic changes on the OS is good but it’s buggy. I’m surprised Apple put this out the way it is!! Another great video! Thank you sir!!
There is no schedule for updates. Apple is always testing the next update and issues it to the public when it is ready. What bugs are you experiencing? Have you tried to investigate to make sure it isn't a problem you can fix with a setting or option in the app you are using?
@@macmost No you really can’t fix it with a setting or options for example during start up the dock or tool bar won’t load for about a minute with my desk top screen showing, one time my mouse curser disappeared, another time it just shut down for no reason, A third party program will work one day then the next it will flag you and say you are not authorized to use this then it works the following day with out a problem, another time it just freezes up! That’s some of the issues!! Catalina was perfect on my computer never had any issues with it as same as the past OS’es
@@vincentsolomitajr4029 When you say "during start up" does that mean you are shutting down your Mac? Don't shut down, but let it sleep. If you are shutting it down when you aren't using it, then it isn't getting the chance to perform system maintenance and that could be the cause of some of your problems. There is rarely the need to shut down a Mac. See ruclips.net/video/FsrTpEuXEtc/видео.html
@@macmost I see what your saying but even before this last os update I would shut it down and never had issues that’s going on with it now. The reason I shut it down because I may not use for days and really don’t like to leave it running even if it is sleeping! I know you should leave it running but I just don’t all’s I’m using it for is pictures, video’s and suffering the internet
@@vincentsolomitajr4029 After a major system update there is a lot more maintenance to do, so let it sleep and see if things get better over the next few days.
Gary, I have a question about "secure delete." I only have this option for my pc with a traditional Hard Drive. But its 2022 and most computers now have SSDs. if your HD is solid state (SSD), you won't have a secure delete option of overwriting the data. Why not? One source said they thought it was not offered since, the way data is stored on an SSD, it would be near impossible to recover it. I find that hard to believe! Anyone know for sure why secure delete overwriting is not even offered for SSDs?
I would like to know also. I have two empty folders that interrupt emptying the trash with a message saying that they are "in use". Nothing I tried will erase them. I wonder what they are linked to but have no idea how to find out. This has been a bane on my existence for two years now.
If I attach a flash drive or an external drive and it has files that are in the Trash is there a way to delete just those files without deleting the files that may already be in the Trash from the Mac?
Control+click on the file in the Trash and there is an option to delete it immediately. But if you have other files in the trash that you aren't ready to delete, then they shouldn't be in the trash in the first place. Instead, create your own folder in Documents, call it what you want, and use that as a place to gather those files.
What does the display have as input? Does it have DisplayPort? If so, use that. Just get a cable that matches your end (USB-C or Thunderbolt 2) and the display end (DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort).
You don't need to defrag if you are using an SSD, which is what most Macs have. If you are still using a spinning drive, then even then it really isn't something a typical user needs to thinking about in 2021. Let system maintenance handle the details like that.
@@macmost Win 10 has this for 1 click empty trash: ruclips.net/video/gK4dfctp8GA/видео.html is there anyway the mouse pointer to move automatically to the default button of the dialogue window? This option also exists in windows
@@Nikos10 There are going to be things you like about Windows, and if you use macOS long enough there are going to be things you like about macOS. They are different operating systems made by different people. But WHY do you need to empty your trash so quickly? What is your use case here? Emptying trash should be something you do infrequently or not at all (set to 30 days).
Thank you Gary for this video. What the video doesn't cover is how to delete empty folders that were trashed from old backups from a Time Machine backup in an external drive. Usually they are empty folders with a name like "2020-04-10-024955"... Do you have in your history a video on how to delete those files? or you know a reliable source to do that? I would really appreciate a response because each time I want to empty my trash I have to disconnect my external Time Machine drive , otherwise I get all those "The operation can’t be completed because the item “share” is in use." Thanks in advance. Carlos Grasso, California
Well, this is a "basics" video and that's not a normal thing to need to do. You should not, under and circumstances, try to manually more or alter files on your Time Machine backup drive. Only access those through the Time Machine interface. Your Time Machine drive is basically corrupt now. It is probably best to wipe the Time Machine drive and start it fresh.
Best to avoid that unless you really want to use it. Over the years I have had plenty of people asking for help trying to recover files the deleted too hastily. Don't be one of them.
I have learned so much from your RUclips site in the last two weeks. I recently purchased my first Mac-based system and you have been so helpful.
THANKS! I did not know about the 'put back' option...
Of course those of us who use Time Machine can go back as far as we want to retrieve a file erroneously deleted.
Being an old dog, I doubt I’ll ever get used to “Bin”, it’s been Trash for so many years.
Hi Gary! Do you know how to delete a file in the trash that says " ... The operation can’t be completed because the item is in use." I've tried using terminal and also changed permissions on the file but no dice. Apple Support is stumped too. My machine is currently running Big Sur 11.6 Thx!
I always learn something. Thanks, Gary!!
I actually don't use the Trash most of the time. Instead, I created a folder called "Pre-Trash" on my external SSD, and most of the unneeded files go there. I watched your videos on how to make shortcut in Automator, so it's easy as throwing in the Trash using shortcut.
Thanks, Gary. In the past, with a disc drive mac, you could 'securely' delete a file but it is my understanding that with SD drives this is no longer possible (without scrubbing the entire drive), am I correct in this?
Ooooh that shiny new channel intro animation ✨
Deleting files on an outboard drive, such as a thumb drive, seems to put them in a trash folder on that drive that cannot be emptied independently. Is there any easy way to empty the trash on an external drive without emptying the trash on all mounted drives?
Control+click on the file in the trashand select Delete Immediately.
My Time Machine was filled. I needed / want to delete . I'm trying to delete multiple old files / dates from months ago but I CONTINUOUSLY getting a pop-up notice to SKIP, STOP or CONTINUE. I must constantly hit continue. How can I set this to 'Remember last selection/" OR Delete all my trash immediately?
PS
Delete immediately isn't working.
Thanks!!!
Did you get a solution for this? I am having the exact same issue. It's been days and it is still deleting files from 1 folder and I have 10 other folders. HELP and Thanks!!!
very helpful information.
Sometimes when i permanently delete/empty my trash the storage won’t lessen. i had to delete each file from the documents, any ways i could sort this out? ;(
Thank you!
Hi Gary, long time sub here. Thanks for your videos. I upgraded today do Monterrey, and up until today, pressing command + delete would send the file directly to the trash. Now I am getting an annoying confirmation message and did not find a way to get rid of it. Any ideas? Thanks a lot
Hi Gary, Thanks for the great video. I am unable to move the files to the trash they will not move I tried right clicking as well no trash option. I was able to move the icon but not the files. Can you please help me with another way to get rid of these files. Thank you Angela 🙂
What files do you mean, specifically? Perhaps you aren't selecting files but something else? Not sure what you are asking here as you say you were "able to move the icon but not the files" -- they are the same thing.
HI Gary,
I'm having the same issue as another user. My Time Machine was filled. I needed / want to delete . I'm trying to delete multiple old files / dates from months ago but I CONTINUOUSLY getting a pop-up notice to SKIP, STOP or CONTINUE. I must constantly hit continue.
It's been days and it is still deleting files from 1 folder and I have 10 other folders.
HELP and Thanks!!!" OR Delete all my trash immediately?
PS...
Delete immediately isn't working.
Thanks!!!
Sounds like you just need to get a larger Time Machine backup drive. The one you have now is too small.
Hi Gary . I like your videos . 🥂I was watching because I’m trying to find a way to hook up my old MacBook Pro hard drive to my mid 2011 27 inch iMac to use some programs on it for my printer and to use it as storage that is faster than just the usb2 cable . Is there any cables or something that you can connect it with the mini dp or FireWire 800 so that it runs faster smoother and so that it doesn’t take hours to copy picture albums over to store . The dp would be better because it’s much faster . I don’t want to spend too much on it but it’s still useful and would be a shame to waste . If you can solve this for me I will donate to your patron . Cheers 🍻
Thank you Gary, very informative video today! I guess the trash is different in mail? 👍🏻
The Trash is for files in the Finder. Trash in Mail is something different, yes. It is part of your email account and how it works depends somewhat on your email service.
@@macmost thank you!
What actually happens when Trash is emptied--where does it go, or what happens to it? Thanks.
How can we empty trash with one mouse click?
Need to remember if files are deleted from Thumb Drives or External Drives in order to gain space on those specific drives. Space is not achieved until the files are permanently deleted from the Trash folder.
Hello Gary,
I am having trouble emptying my trash folder. There is one empty folder that I can rename, but I am unable to delete it. After performing a clean install of macOS Sonoma, the folder reappeared in the trash. Whenever I try to delete it, I get an error message that says "The operation can't be completed because the item 'New Folder' is in use." Can you please help me with this issue?
Thank you.
Try some of these suggestions: www.macobserver.com/tips/how-to/fixed-cant-empty-trash-because-file-is-in-use-on-mac/
Thank you, Gary, for your prompt reply. I genuinely appreciate it. I was able to find the issue by referring to your other video, and I discovered that disconnecting my external SSD resolved the problem. So I should format the entire SSD to prevent the issue from recurring?@@macmost
@@hossaint2689 Ah, so it was a problem with files on the external drive. Hard to say what may fix it. If the drive is empty (besides that problem file) then sure, erase it. That's an easy way.
When’s the next update for Big Sur? I installed this two weeks ago it’s probably most buggiest OS I ever installed esthetic changes on the OS is good but it’s buggy. I’m surprised Apple put this out the way it is!! Another great video! Thank you sir!!
There is no schedule for updates. Apple is always testing the next update and issues it to the public when it is ready. What bugs are you experiencing? Have you tried to investigate to make sure it isn't a problem you can fix with a setting or option in the app you are using?
@@macmost No you really can’t fix it with a setting or options for example during start up the dock or tool bar won’t load for about a minute with my desk top screen showing, one time my mouse curser disappeared, another time it just shut down for no reason, A third party program will work one day then the next it will flag you and say you are not authorized to use this then it works the following day with out a problem, another time it just freezes up! That’s some of the issues!! Catalina was perfect on my computer never had any issues with it as same as the past OS’es
@@vincentsolomitajr4029 When you say "during start up" does that mean you are shutting down your Mac? Don't shut down, but let it sleep. If you are shutting it down when you aren't using it, then it isn't getting the chance to perform system maintenance and that could be the cause of some of your problems. There is rarely the need to shut down a Mac. See ruclips.net/video/FsrTpEuXEtc/видео.html
@@macmost I see what your saying but even before this last os update I would shut it down and never had issues that’s going on with it now. The reason I shut it down because I may not use for days and really don’t like to leave it running even if it is sleeping! I know you should leave it running but I just don’t all’s I’m using it for is pictures, video’s and suffering the internet
@@vincentsolomitajr4029 After a major system update there is a lot more maintenance to do, so let it sleep and see if things get better over the next few days.
Gary, I have a question about "secure delete." I only have this option for my pc with a traditional Hard Drive. But its 2022 and most computers now have SSDs. if your HD is solid state (SSD), you won't have a secure delete option of overwriting the data. Why not? One source said they thought it was not offered since, the way data is stored on an SSD, it would be near impossible to recover it. I find that hard to believe! Anyone know for sure why secure delete overwriting is not even offered for SSDs?
That's basically right. No need for it. Plus, if you are using FileVault, then data is encrypted anyway.
Could you please do a video about why some files in Recycle bin cannot be emptied?
I would like to know also. I have two empty folders that interrupt emptying the trash with a message saying that they are "in use". Nothing I tried will erase them. I wonder what they are linked to but have no idea how to find out. This has been a bane on my existence for two years now.
If I attach a flash drive or an external drive and it has files that are in the Trash is there a way to delete just those files without deleting the files that may already be in the Trash from the Mac?
Control+click on the file in the Trash and there is an option to delete it immediately. But if you have other files in the trash that you aren't ready to delete, then they shouldn't be in the trash in the first place. Instead, create your own folder in Documents, call it what you want, and use that as a place to gather those files.
Would if it’s not there?
In Canada "Trash" is called "Garbage".... Iz bin in de house, where's you bin..?
In any Finder window, you can add a Delete icon to the top for an even easier way to move a file/folder to the Trash 🗑
I have several folders named recovered files and a number. What are these files?
Do you mean these? support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-the-trash-contains-recovered-files-on-mac-mchlp2919/mac
You can just delete files instantly with the rm command from the terminal
How Do I hook up my mac to a sasung display with thunder Bolt
What does the display have as input? Does it have DisplayPort? If so, use that. Just get a cable that matches your end (USB-C or Thunderbolt 2) and the display end (DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort).
after trashes, does mac auto-defrag ?
You don't need to defrag if you are using an SSD, which is what most Macs have. If you are still using a spinning drive, then even then it really isn't something a typical user needs to thinking about in 2021. Let system maintenance handle the details like that.
How can we empty trash with one mouse click and without confirmation?
No way, by design. The trash isn't much of a safety net if it is too easy to empty.
@@macmost
Win 10 has this for 1 click empty trash:
ruclips.net/video/gK4dfctp8GA/видео.html
is there anyway the mouse pointer to move automatically to the default button of the dialogue window?
This option also exists in windows
@@Nikos10 There are going to be things you like about Windows, and if you use macOS long enough there are going to be things you like about macOS. They are different operating systems made by different people. But WHY do you need to empty your trash so quickly? What is your use case here? Emptying trash should be something you do infrequently or not at all (set to 30 days).
@@macmost is there anyway the mouse pointer to move automatically to the default button of the dialogue window?
@@Nikos10 No without a third-party app or something. But you can just press Return to use the default button.
Thank you Gary for this video. What the video doesn't cover is how to delete empty folders that were trashed from old backups from a Time Machine backup in an external drive. Usually they are empty folders with a name like "2020-04-10-024955"... Do you have in your history a video on how to delete those files? or you know a reliable source to do that? I would really appreciate a response because each time I want to empty my trash I have to disconnect my external Time Machine drive , otherwise I get all those "The operation can’t be completed because the item “share” is in use." Thanks in advance. Carlos Grasso, California
Well, this is a "basics" video and that's not a normal thing to need to do. You should not, under and circumstances, try to manually more or alter files on your Time Machine backup drive. Only access those through the Time Machine interface. Your Time Machine drive is basically corrupt now. It is probably best to wipe the Time Machine drive and start it fresh.
@@macmost Thank you Gary, will do.
Command/delete keys sends a file directly to trash.
Best to avoid that unless you really want to use it. Over the years I have had plenty of people asking for help trying to recover files the deleted too hastily. Don't be one of them.
@@macmost But isn't that just the same as dropping a file in the trash minus using the mouse?
@@rayfor7929 Oh, sorry, I misread that as Command+Option+Delete. Command+Delete is just like you said and fine to use.
Sometimes, "put back" is unavailable.
If it isn't available, there is a reason, like the location isn't there anymore, and so on.