under users , there is hidden folders the use a lot of memory how I can find and delete ?
hidden files
Posted on Sep 20, 2026 6:01 AM
under users , there is hidden folders the use a lot of memory how I can find and delete ?
Posted on Sep 20, 2026 6:01 AM
Sep 20, 2026 9:09 AM in response to ateffrommajdal
Finder -> Go (menu) -> Option Key -> Library
This is the largest hidden directory tree in your home folder.
It contains your saved email, your application settings, your Notes, your Reminders, your iPhone backups, and many other application specific files, that if you delete them will cause you to loose valuable information.
If you insist on deleting the Library folder, or individual files in the Library folder tree, I would STRONGLY suggest you have 2 or more backups ‼️
Sep 20, 2026 8:06 AM in response to ateffrommajdal
As mentioned, the folders inside of User folder should not be altered or deleted.
If you have less than 30-40GB of free storage space...?
There is cause for concern, but you need to be careful how you re-gain storage space.
If you only need to re-gain a small amount of storage space...?
You can Optimize the macOS to re-gain some free storage space.
Optimize storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support
If you need or want to gain a lot of free storage space...?
You can move your Photos, Music or Movie Libraries to an external hard drive.
Move your Photos library to save space on your Mac - Apple Support
Change where your music files are stored on Mac - Apple Support
Move Logic Pro for Mac and MainStage content - Apple Support
Move your iMovie for Mac library - Apple Support
Move a Final Cut Pro library - Apple Support
FWIW you should always try to maintain between 80-100GB of free space for smooth trouble free macOS operation.
Sep 20, 2026 6:35 AM in response to ateffrommajdal
Are you sure they are in the Users directory? I have no hidden files in Users and, like Viking, a few in my Users/<my user name> directory. There are lots in the HD top level, but they should be left well alone. A screenshot would help but only if it doesn't contain personal information.
As a rule MacOS hides files for a reason - i.e. because they are important to the Mac's functioning and to prevent them being modified or deleted accidentally.
Sep 20, 2026 8:07 AM in response to ateffrommajdal
ateffrommajdal wrote:
under users , there is hidden folders the use a lot of memory how I can find and delete ?
"how I can find" ...? Makes no sense—sounds like you already found them as you state above.
So I don't get it. Hidden files are hidden for a reason— so you do not mess with them. The last thing you want to do is delete them. Full stop.
If you have an issue, then best if you state exactly what is the issue you are trying to solve.
If you are using some third party cleaner — remove it.
Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus
all known to cause issues on the macOS
Sep 20, 2026 6:21 AM in response to ateffrommajdal
I have 84 dot files or dot folders in my home directory. Their total storage comes to 448K and is insignificant. You would have to know the purpose of each so as to not delete the ones you need to keep, and barring that unlikelyhood, I suggest that you just leave them alone.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361182