Keep getting "Command Line Tools for Xcode" Software Update even though I uninstalled

Hello Mac users,


A while ago I installed the Command Line Tools for Xcode and after it was no use to me anymore, I uninstalled it using every method I could find on the web. However, with every new software update for this program, it shows up in my Software Update Available list. With no way to hide it or remove it, so I am always stuck with this update in my view.


Is there a way to remove it so I am no longer bothered with this? Thank you all for the help!


Mac mini, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 2, 2023 10:30 AM

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Posted on Jun 2, 2023 11:26 AM

How did you uninstall Xcode? If you just dragged the app to the Trash bin and emptied it there may be other supporting docs left in the system that is triggering the update message.


You can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For Xcode software you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains xcode


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.  


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.



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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 2, 2023 11:26 AM in response to Melvin Batenburg

How did you uninstall Xcode? If you just dragged the app to the Trash bin and emptied it there may be other supporting docs left in the system that is triggering the update message.


You can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app Find Any File to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For Xcode software you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains xcode


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.  


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.



Jun 3, 2023 9:19 AM in response to Melvin Batenburg

It appears that these might be the ones to remove:


System/Library/CoreServices

System/Library/LaunchAgents

System/Library/LifecyclePolicy


But I'm not sure if those need to be removed. Personally I would reinstall Xcode and use AppCleaner to remove the app and all its supporting files.


WARNING: If you use AppCleaner on an app that you have other apps from the same developer, like Adobe, you must be extremely careful checking all checkboxes and deleting.  Some for those files may support other apps from the same developer and deleting them can mess them up.  Adobe apps is a primary example. I know from experience.  For singular apps from a developer it's safe.


There won't be any problem using AppCleaner on Xcode.

Jun 2, 2023 11:42 AM in response to Old Toad

Thank you for the reply, but unfortunately that did not work. FAF did find some files with "xcode" but all of them could not be removed because I do not have access. Even in Safe Mode the files could not be deleted. See list below.


Also I uninstalled it by following this command:


sudo rm -rf /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools



Hope you know more tricks I could try :). Thanks!

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Keep getting "Command Line Tools for Xcode" Software Update even though I uninstalled

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