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How to Delete a User on Mac

Get rid of those extra Mac accounts

By Fionna Agomuoh Fionna Agomuoh Writer University at Buffalo Fionna Agomuoh is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple Macs iPad

What to Know

Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > in the lower-left corner, click the padlock.Next, select the user account you want to delete, and click the minus sign next to it.Choose the Delete the home folder option to fully delete the account and all its data. This article explains how to delete a user account on a Mac and how to set up a Guest User account. Instructions apply to macOS Catalina (10.15) through OS X Mavericks (10.9). Earlier versions of the operating system have similar methods to remove accounts and activate Guest User.

How to Delete a User on a Mac

If you added additional accounts to your Mac, deleting these accounts is a smart and straightforward action. Here's how to delete a user on a Mac. Go to System Preferences by selecting it in the Apple menu or by clicking its icon in the Dock. In the System Preferences screen, click Users & Groups. In the Users & Groups screen, click the padlock in the lower-left corner. Enter your password and click Unlock. Go to the left panel, select the user account you want to delete, then click the minus sign in the lower-left corner. Select one of three actions for the account's Home folder. These are: Save the home folder as a disk image that is saved in the Deleted Users folder. Don't change the home folder to save information from the folder in the standard Users folder. Delete the home folder to wipe all information on this account from the computer. After you make your choice, click Delete User. Repeat these instructions if you have other accounts you want to delete. When you finish, click the padlock to lock the account and prevent further changes.

How to Set up a Guest User

You don't need to clutter your Mac with user accounts for people who want to use your computer occasionally. Instead, set up a guest account for drop-in use. Here's how: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups. Click the lock icon to unlock the screen and enter your admin credentials. In the left panel, click Guest User. Click the Allow guests to log in to this computer check box. Optionally, click Limit Adult Websites. To give your guest access to shared folders on the network, click the Allow guest users to connect to shared folders check box. Click the lock at the bottom of the screen to prevent additional changes. There are several important things to know about activating Guest User on a Mac: Your guest logs in as Guest User on your network. The connection may not be as secure or fast as your regular Admin account. Your guest doesn't need a password to log in. Your guest's files are stored in a temporary folder that is deleted when the guest logs out. A guest can't change your user or computer settings. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change a Login Picture on Mac How to Uninstall Dropbox on a Mac How to Connect to a Server Sharing OS X 10.5 Files With Windows XP How to Reset Network Settings on Mac How to Create and Delete User Accounts in Windows 10 How to Add a User to a Chromebook How to Turn on Location Services on a Mac How to Stop Spotify From Opening on Startup on a Mac How to Enable the Guest Account in Windows 7 How to Map a Network Drive on a Mac How to Delete a Cash App Account Can You Delete the Apps That Come With the iPhone? Your Guide to User Account Settings in Windows 11 How to Right-Click on a Mac How to Change Your AirDrop Name Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies