When multiple people use the same MacBook it is common to set up separate user accounts. These accounts help protect privacy and keep files and settings separate. However if someone no longer needs access to the device or if you want to free up space you may wish to remove a user account from the system. This is a straightforward process but it does require administrator access and a few important steps to make sure no valuable data is lost.
This article explains how to remove a user from a MacBook safely. It covers different account types what happens to their data and how to manage your user settings using macOS.
Understanding User Accounts on a MacBook
MacBooks support several types of user accounts. The most common are Administrator and Standard users. The administrator has permission to create and delete accounts and change settings across the system. Standard users can use apps and features but they cannot make changes that affect other users or the overall system setup.
Before deleting any account you will need to log in as an administrator. If you are not the admin you will not be able to remove other users.
Accessing User Settings
To begin go to the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen and select System Settings. Scroll down the sidebar and click Users & Groups. You will see a list of all user accounts on the device.
Click the padlock icon at the bottom of the window and enter your administrator password to unlock changes. Once unlocked you can begin managing user accounts.
Choosing the Account to Remove
Select the user account you want to delete from the list. Make sure you are not selecting your own account while logged in. macOS will not allow you to delete the account you are currently using. If you want to delete your own account you will need to sign in as a different administrator first.
After selecting the account click the i or details icon next to the account name then choose Delete User.
Deciding What to Do with User Data
When you remove a user macOS will ask what you want to do with that user’s home folder. You will have three choices:
Save the home folder in a disk image: This stores the user’s files in the Deleted Users folder so they can be restored later.
Do not change the home folder: This leaves the user’s data in place without keeping the account.
Delete the home folder: This permanently removes all files and settings associated with the account.
Choose the option that best suits your needs then confirm the deletion. If you are unsure whether you will need the data again it is safest to save the home folder to a disk image.
Finishing Up
Once you confirm your choice macOS will remove the account. The process may take a few moments depending on how much data was stored under that user. After deletion you will see the account removed from the list.
If you saved the user’s files you can find them in the Users > Deleted Users folder. You can copy or move files from this location if needed before deleting the disk image at a later time.
Final Thoughts
Removing a user from a MacBook is simple with the right access and understanding. It is a useful way to manage privacy free up disk space or tidy up shared devices. Always make sure you are removing the correct account and take time to consider whether any of the user’s data should be saved. By following the steps in this guide you can confidently keep your MacBook organised and running smoothly.