(You can optionally drag the app icon to the Trash on the Dock if you’re more comfortable doing that.) Your Mac may prompt you for your Mac log in password (this may be different from your Apple ID/iCloud password) to complete the deletion. Control+click (hold Control key and click) or secondary click (right-click or two finger tap) to reveal the Move to Trash option. Look for an application called Install macOS Sierra or whichever version of macOS automatically downloaded. This only occurs for major new releases like 10.12 point releases that follow like 10.12.1 happen through the Updates tab without a large installer. If your Mac automatically downloaded the new macOS update installer, you can delete it and recover space.Ĭlick the Finder icon in the lower left corner of your screen.Ĭlick the Applications folder from the left sidebar.Īpplications should be organized alphabetically by default. When you download an installer for a major new version of macOS, the Mac App Store puts the file in your Applications folder alongside other apps.

How to delete the automatically downloaded macOS installer

You can opt back in to automatic downloads in the future if you find the feature convenient by ensuring the Download newly available updates in the background box is checked. Now your Mac won’t automatically download new versions of macOS and prompt you to install them. A solid white box means the option is disabled. Uncheck Download newly available updates in the background by clicking on the blue box with the white checkmark. How to opt out of macOS automatic downloads from OS XĬlick the Apple () icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select and click System Preferences… from the dropdown menu.Ĭlick App Store from the System Preferences menu. It just takes up space or speeds up the upgrade process if you do want to start using the latest version of macOS. Automatic downloads will also only happen if your Mac is compatible with the macOS update that Apple is pushing. Just to be clear, Apple will not automatically install macOS updates without your permission and the automatic download doesn’t change your Mac. If your Mac has already downloaded the macOS Sierra installer and you want to remove it from your hard drive, you can do that too and opt out of future automatic downloads. If you rely on your Mac and don’t want to upgrade to a newly released operating system, you may want to opt out of the automatic download that Apple is starting to push for macOS Sierra.

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