how to clean delinked files from mac,How to Clean Delinked Files from Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Clean Delinked Files from Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Dealing with delinked files on your Mac can be a frustrating experience. These files, also known as orphaned files, are those that are no longer linked to any application or folder on your computer. They can take up valuable space and potentially slow down your system. In this guide, I will walk you through various methods to clean delinked files from your Mac, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding Delinked Files

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand what delinked files are. These files are typically the result of a failed uninstallation, a corrupted file system, or a software update. They can be scattered across your hard drive, making it challenging to locate and remove them manually.

Method 1: Using the Finder

The Finder is a powerful tool that comes pre-installed on your Mac. It allows you to search for and delete delinked files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Finder and click on “Go” in the menu bar.
2. Select “Go to Folder” and type in “/Volumes” (without quotes) to access all mounted volumes on your Mac.
3. Scroll through the list of volumes and look for any folders with a question mark icon. These are likely delinked files.
4. Right-click on the folder and select “Get Info.” If the “Kind” field is empty or shows “Other,” it’s a delinked file.
5. Delete the folder by right-clicking on it and selecting “Move to Trash.” Empty the trash to remove the files permanently.

Method 2: Using Spotlight

Spotlight is another built-in feature on your Mac that can help you find and delete delinked files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight.
2. Enter “ls -i” (without quotes) in the search field. This command lists all files on your Mac, including their unique file identifiers.
3. Scan through the list and identify any files with an “iNode” value that doesn’t match any other file on your system. These are likely delinked files.
4. Right-click on the delinked file and select “Move to Trash.” Empty the trash to remove the files permanently.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

While the built-in methods are effective, some third-party tools can make the process easier and more efficient. Here are a few popular options:

Method 4: Using Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in tool on your Mac that can help you repair and clean your hard drive. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Disk Utility by searching for it in Spotlight or by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Select your Mac’s hard drive from the list on the left.
3. Click on the “First Aid” tab.
4. Click “Run” to check for and repair any errors on your hard drive. This process may take some time.
5. Once the process is complete, restart your Mac.

Method 5: Using Terminal

For advanced users, Terminal can be a powerful tool to clean delinked files. Here’s how to use it