Can't delete system data after deleting one account.

after I deleted one of account in my Mac, I chose the option to leave the home folder as it is. I regret doing that because now my system data shows 100gb. I tried everything from using applications to accessing the cache file they never showed the 100gb file

iMac 21.5″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Oct 9, 2025 5:34 PM

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Posted on Oct 9, 2025 6:15 PM

Things are complicated with the APFS file system. Deleted data may be retained in hidden APFS snapshots associated with Time Machine backups and even some third party backup apps. Usually TM backup APFS snapshots will be deleted in about 24-48 hours assuming backups are being transferred to external media....third party backup software may retain APFS snapshots longer depending on configuration of the backup app.

View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support



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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 9, 2025 6:15 PM in response to MichaelRen

Things are complicated with the APFS file system. Deleted data may be retained in hidden APFS snapshots associated with Time Machine backups and even some third party backup apps. Usually TM backup APFS snapshots will be deleted in about 24-48 hours assuming backups are being transferred to external media....third party backup software may retain APFS snapshots longer depending on configuration of the backup app.

View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support



Can't delete system data after deleting one account.

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