If you want to delete an entire directory full of files, the command is very similar as displayed above. Your file should now be completely destroyed. Hitting enter after typing the full command will show status that says “removing ” then “done”

Type the srm -v command in the terminal window then drag your file from the finder window to the terminal window to add the path Open a Terminal window (Command + Space, type terminal)ģ. Start by finding the file you want to delete in finder.Ģ. I was given the option to skip, stop or continue as the folders were 'in use'. Empty folders from an external Time Machine backup of a Mac I no longer use, so freeing up space. Only follow the steps below if you are comfortable with the command line and accept the risks if you mess up! How to Securely Remove a File from OS X El Capitan 1. (123 points) 12:01 PM in response to Jagmurcredrea. Warning: This process can seriously mess up your computer if misused. Select the main hard drive, then click Users and the users main folder.

Fortunately there is a way to securely delete a file using the command line. This is annoying because it’s nice to have the option to feel like you are completely obliterating a file. When you are in the recycle bin, the only option that seems to be available is Empty Trash. If you have upgraded your Mac to OS X El Capitan or newer (Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, etc), you may have noticed the Secure Empty Trash option is missing.

Secure empty trash mac terminal sierra