Can't delete MacOS Install Data folder from hard drive. OS 26.2

I have this folder, which is grayed out, on my HD and it's taking up over 3GB. I'd like to delete it. Every search I did says that this would be safe. I tired running the following command to delete it, but as you can see, it didn't work. Anyone know a way to do this?


Thanks.


sudo rm -R /System/Volumes/Data/macOS\ Install\ Data


Password:


override rw-r--r-- root/wheel restricted for /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label_2x? y


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label_2x: Operation not permitted


override -w-r-xr-- root/wheel restricted for /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/Boot Files? y


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/Boot Files: Operation not permitted


override rw-r--r-- root/wheel restricted for /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label.contentDetails? yes


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label.contentDetails: Operation not permitted


override rw-r--r-- root/wheel restricted for /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label? y


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files/.disk_label: Operation not permitted


override -w-r-xr-- root/wheel restricted,hidden for /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files? y


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data/Locked Files: Operation not permitted


rm: /System/Volumes/Data/macOS Install Data: Operation not permitted

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.2

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 4:45 PM

Reply
1 reply

Dec 14, 2025 2:54 AM in response to farrelli

By virtue of mount point of System as in /System/Volumes/Data


It can not be removed


Lives on the Data volume (normal for modern macOS with ( sealed system volume)


The macOS operating system resides in a sealed and read-only volume that can’t be opened by users or third-party applications.


Why does the user believe this specific 3GB is causing problems ?


Does the computer behave oddly or does not work at all ?


Is the computer giving a warning that computer is running out of Free Space


On my recently update M4 machine to Tahoe 26.2


disk3s5 - Data [APFS Virtual drive]


        Filesystem: APFS


        Mount point: /System/Volumes/Data


        Encrypted


        Used: 39.75 GB


        Shared values


            Size: 494.38 GB


            Free: 432.41 GB


            Available: 454.45 GB

Can't delete MacOS Install Data folder from hard drive. OS 26.2

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.