How to delete a user from macbook

Q: Does deleting a user on Mac delete files?

Deleting a Mac user account This archives all the users documents and information so the user can be restored later if needed. The users documents and information remain and the user can be restored later if needed. The user information is deleted and the storage space is freed.

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Mac: How to delete a user on macOS
About the Author
Michael Potuck
Michael Potuck's favorite gear
Why can't I delete a user account on my Mac?
Does deleting a user on Mac delete files?
How do I get rid of another user on my Mac login?

Whether you’ve been sharing your Mac with someone or just need to tidy up your machine, follow along below for how to delete user accounts on macOS.

We’ll take a look at removing the guest user account as well as deleting any other users you may have on your Mac. First let’s dive into how to delete admin or standard user accounts.

Mac: How to delete a user on macOS

Make sure you’re logged in to a user account with admin priviledges
Open System Preferences and click Users
Select the account you’d like to delete and tap the – icon just under Login Options
Choose whether you’d like to save or delete the home folder
Click Delete User

Follow along below for a more detailed walkthrough:

You may need to click the lock in the bottom left corner and enter your password to make changes.

After you’ve selected the user account you’d like to delete, click the – icon in bottom left corner just below Login Options.

Next, you’ll have three choices for what you’d like to do with the home folder.

Depending on how much data is contained on the user account, it may take some time for it to be deleted.

If you’d like to remove the guest user account option, click on Guest User and uncheck the box at the top as shown below.

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:

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About the Author

Michael Potuck

@michaelpotuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.

Michael Potuck's favorite gear

Why can't I delete a user account on my Mac?

If the lock at the bottom left is locked , click it to unlock the preference pane. Select the user or group you want to delete, then click the Remove button (looks like a minus sign) below the list of users. If other users are logged into this Mac now, you can't select them.

Does deleting a user on Mac delete files?

Deleting a Mac user account This archives all the user's documents and information so the user can be restored later if needed. The user's documents and information remain and the user can be restored later if needed. The user information is deleted and the storage space is freed.

Click on the lock icon at the bottom left..

Select Control-Click on the username you wish to remove..

Choose Advanced Options next to the username..

Keep a note of the Account Name..

Click Cancel to get out of the page..