Get rid of macOS Install Data in a sealed system volume.

Question

Get rid of macOS Install Data in a sealed system volume.

Many people found this folder, of somewhat mysterious origin but often occupying ~ 10 GB or more storage, in the sealed system volume. As of early 2024, it was said it was not needed, but had no advice about how to get rid of it.

How do i remove macOS Install data - Apple Community

I can't comment on other OS versions, but in Ventura 13.6.9, that locked folder could not be removed as a single item, but its storage-occupying contents could be moved to Trash, leaving only the original folder, with a 0 byte "Locked files" folder inside.

Essentially gone, declaring victory and moving on...

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 4:42 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

244,985 points

Sep 17, 2024 9:29 PM in response to FibreMan_85_125

My guess is we're being messed with.:)

Reply

Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

90,997 points

Sep 17, 2024 5:09 AM in response to FibreMan_85_125

The Sealed and Read Only Volume is where Apple has placed the Operating System >> Ventura

The " Data Volume " is actual the User Account Folder ( Home Folder ) that the user has created when the computer is First Setup

Reply

Answer 3

Sep 17, 2024 12:45 PM in response to PRP_53

I'm far from alone, nor so knowledgable, but no one seemed to know how it got there. But here's the path, not in DATA...

System has R/W, wheel and everyone are read only.

Wags a finger if I try to unlock. (;>)

(Wish there was a button that i could vote 'not ok'!)

Reply

Answer 4

PRP_53

Level 10

90,997 points

Sep 18, 2024 1:29 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:

My guess is we're being messed with.:)

👍

Reply

Answer 5

Sep 17, 2024 6:47 PM in response to BDAqua

Covered in what? lol!!

You may be right, although no one had previously made the suggestion... or given instructions.

Even if they had, I prefer my simpler, safer method. Don't mess with reboot SIP, security, etc. re-boot, Eh? Of course it still leave the 0-byte folder. (Zero-byte... Can that be right, or is Finder messing with us? Again)

Reply

Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

244,985 points

Sep 17, 2024 5:38 PM in response to FibreMan_85_125

Apple has got us covered...LOL.

You have to Disable SIP to be able to do anything in System folder...

Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection | Apple Developer Documentation

Reply