macOS processes › Core system
What is deleted on Mac?
deleted is the macOS service that frees up purgeable space when your disk gets full. Despite the name, it doesn't delete your documents. It clears things macOS can safely remove or download again.
What it does
Apps and system services tell it about space they can give back, such as caches, old Time Machine local snapshots, or iCloud files that are stored safely in the cloud. When free space runs low, or an app asks for room, deleted coordinates removing that data. It's the reason Finder can show some of your space as purgeable.
Why it gets busy
- Your disk is nearly full, so it's working to reclaim space.
- A large install or update needs room and asked it to free some.
- Clearing caches or Time Machine local snapshots after a big download.
Why is deleted using so much CPU?
deleted gets busy when your disk is low on space and macOS is clearing caches, snapshots or cloud copies to make room. Freeing space yourself is the quickest fix.
Is it safe to quit?
Quitting it only delays the cleanup. macOS needs it to keep enough free space for updates and normal work.
How to calm it down
- Free up space yourself. System Settings › General › Storage shows large files and apps you may not need.
- Empty the Trash, since files there still use space.
- Keep a healthy amount of space free so macOS doesn't have to purge constantly.
- To see whether Time Machine local snapshots are holding space, run
tmutil listlocalsnapshots /in Terminal. macOS removes them on its own as space is needed.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch's Storage view shows what's filling your disk, so you can make room before deleted has to start purging.
