Where are OS downloads stored.

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Where are OS downloads stored.

where are mac os mojave updates stored

Hi, I came across an old post where someone had a similar issue as me.

I am using Mojave, and wanted to download the OS, should I need it (in case I upgrade to a newer OS and need to go back).

I stopped a download of Mojave after about 6GB, and now I am minus the space, but unable to locate what was downloaded (so that I can delete it). I have found some files made at the time, but am unable to delete them, as they are "required by macOS" (RecoveryHDMetaDmg.pkg + InstallAssistantAuto.pkg"). One is 482MB and the other 11MB. These files are located in OS X/Library/Updates

Does anyone have any tips on where to find the larger file?

:-)

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Jan 13, 2022 1:56 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Moonchyld Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 14, 2022 3:02 PM in response to Moonchyld

I was able to delete the files, listed initially, by restarting in Safemode, disabling SIP, then deleting the folder starting with 3 digits (which seems to be the partial download). Yay :-)

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/disabling_and_enabling_system_integrity_protection

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/375597/unable-to-delete-pkg-files-in-library-updates

I love learning new tricks :-)

Thanks again, P, for all your assistance. Signing out for now.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

91,579 points

Jan 13, 2022 4:59 AM in response to Moonchyld

What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?

Free up storage space on your Mac

OmniDiskSweeper Safe to use

How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac

See used and available storage space on your Mac

The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other " Category

Other: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

91,579 points

Jan 13, 2022 2:14 AM in response to Moonchyld

If the Full version of macOS 10.14 Mojave was manually download - it should have created New Application called " Install Mojave " in the Applications folder of this computer.

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Answer 4

Moonchyld Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 13, 2022 2:42 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi P,

I cancelled the download part way through, expecting that what had been downloaded already would vanish. I've been reading about the same thing happening with other partial downloads; in that space is no longer available, the large file can't be located, and that the files that5 are found can't be deleted. I have yet to find a reply with how to fix the issue :-)

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Answer 5

Moonchyld Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 13, 2022 3:13 PM in response to PRP_53

Thanks again, P.

I'll check out the links you posted. I've done a lot of this already, but these links might offer something different. Luckily, I'm getting some more memory installed on my Macbook, so in the long term, disk space won't be an issue.

:-)

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Answer 6

Moonchyld Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 14, 2022 4:29 AM in response to PRP_53

I downloaded Omni Disksweeper, following your suggestion. I wasn't able to delete the above files, but was able to delete some other rubbish that had accumulated. Very interesting to see what was there! So, whilst deleting those couple of files alludes me, I gained some more disk space :-)

I'm getting a larger Internal Drive, as my Macbook came with a whopping 120GB, and even with my files in the cloud, it cloggs up after a while. A friend has done the same on 2 of his Macs without any issues, so he's going to swap mine as well. I won't know myself!

Thank you so much for all your help, P!

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