The “install macOS Mojave” is an installation file for mac OS update that appears on your app list. The problem with this file is it takes up loads of space on your computer, which is around 15 gigabytes. So now you might ask, can I delete install macOS Mojave?
Yes, you can delete “install macOS Mojave” without any worries. But you have to make sure you also empty it from the trash afterwards. Otherwise, it might reappear through a default bug on mac.
However, you can also install Mojave through that file if you wish. Though that is not the best way for a Mac OS update, it is reliable. In this article, we have covered such important facts like this. So, read on to know more!
What Is macOS Mojave?
macOS Mojave is the fifteenth operating system for Apple computers. Though it was announced in June 2018, it was made available from September that year.
The name mojave was derived from the mojave desert, where mojave rattlesnakes live. This operating system came up with some tempting features that are worthy of an upgrade from the previous versions.
These features included better screenshot tools, an all new dark mode, faster and reliable user experience than previous mac operating systems, etc. Below are some tables that explain its necessary characteristics in a better way.
Version Name |
macOS 10.14 Mojave |
Compatible MacBooks |
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 and newer) |
MacBook (Early 2015 and newer) |
Compatible Mac mini and Mac Pro |
Mac mini (Late 2012 and newer) |
Mac Pro (Late 2013 and newer) |
MacBook Pro mid-2010 and mid-2012 models (with recommended Metal-capable GPU) |
Compatible iMac |
iMac (Late 2012 and newer) |
iMac Pro (2017 and newer) |
Why Can’t I Delete Install macOS Mojave?
Usually, moving the “install macOS Mojave” to trash deletes it right away. But sometimes, it does not delete. Then it starts to create all sorts of problems for the users. Following are the reasons why this happens.
SIP Enabled
Your system integrity protector must be enabled in this case. It is also known as SIP. The main job of this feature is to prevent your PC from doing harm to itself. Since mac update files are necessary files, the system often wrongfully recognizes it as something vital.
Bug/Malware with the Installation File
When your mac automatically downloaded the install macOS Mojave file, chances are high it encountered an error. It could be a bug or a malware. This is why you are unable to delete it.
Mojave Running in Background
Chances are high that the installation file is somehow running in the background but cannot finish the process due to being corrupted. This is why when you attempt to delete it, it does not.
How To Delete Install macOS Mojave?
There are several ways to delete the “install macOS Mojave” file. Among them, you can follow any of the methods you want. But make sure to follow the exact methods described below, or else it will not work.
Method 1: Delete Install macOS Mojave Using Finder
The finder on a mac can be in various places depending on the model of the device. To find yours, just google it. After opening the finder, click on the menu. Then, click on “Go” which is on the lower section of the menu.
Once you are there, you will have a section called “applications”. Once you are there, you will find the “install macOS Mojave” file. Simply delete it like you delete a normal file on mac. Then, empty the trash.
(courtesy: https://jimmytechsf.com/before-upgrading-to-the-latest-macos-make-sure-it-really-is-the-latest-macos/)
(courtesy: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252441720)
Method 2: Disable SIP and Delete Install macOS Mojave
First, restart your mac. While it is restarting, hold down Command + R to boot into Recovery Mode. Then, click Utilities. After that, select Terminal. There, Type “csrutil disable”. This will disable SIP, which is also known as System Integrity Protection.
(courtesy: https://support.intego.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003523252-How-to-Disable-System-Integrity-Protection-SIP-)
Now, press Return or Enter on your keyboard. Then, click the dash symbol in the Menu bar to restart your PC. Now you will be able to delete it. And once that is done, enable SIP again by following the same method. But this time you have to type “csrutil enable”.
Method 3: Delete Install macOS Mojave Using Launchpad
To start this method, get the launchpad application running. There you will find the application named install macOS Mojave. Just click on it. It won’t do any harm so don’t worry. Then, open the launchpad again.
Now you will find a question mark over the install macOS Mojave file. Then click the option menu and find an “X’ over there. You have to click on it to remove the file. After that, this notification will not bother you.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of macOS Mojave?
There are both advantages and disadvantages of macOS Mojave. It is better than the previous version of mac OS but not as good as the succeeding versions of Apple computer softwares.
Pros
These are the pros of macOS Mojave:
Dark Mode
Apple computers introduced dark mode via this operating system, which is the macOS Mojave. Dark mode allows users to have a good experience which also reduces eye damage and makes it visually friendly.
Organized Desktop
Through macOS Mojave, Apple introduced a more organized category of desktop file management. With this, users are better able to decorate their desktop which helps them organize their work and experience.
Better App Store
The app stores from macOS Mojave to its upper version are more categorized and informative. Its database management has been upgraded to be user oriented so that people can have a better experience.
Cons
These are the cons of macOS Mojave:
Less Customization
The new customization features on macOS Mojave are not as promising as they should have been. If customization features lack usability, then the entire point of it becomes useless.
Unnecessary Restrictions
From macOS Mojave, Apple increased their security measurements. As a result, the features or apps that did not require any permission before, now do. This is an extra hassle.
Is It Safe To Delete Install macOS Mojave After Installing It?
Yes, there is no harm in deleting the “install macOS Mojave” file after installing it. But it is always a better idea to put a backup of the file in a flash drive or elsewhere.
Following are the reasons why deleting macOS Mojave is safe:
- macOS Mojave is just an installation file
- install macOS Mojave.app does not contain running data
- Once you install Mojave, the installation file becomes useless
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Mojave operating system on Apple computers has a lot to offer. This is why there are many confusions regarding it. Following are the questions that people often ask about macOS Mojave.
Can I Delete Mojave After Installing Monterey?
If you remove them and then wish to upgrade, you may always again download the version you desire.
Does Installing MacOS Mojave Delete Everything?
Do I Need To Keep The Install MacOS File?
Should I Update From Mojave?
It will not do any harm but rather, it will benefit you as you will be able to enjoy all the new Apple computer features.
Conclusion
Now you know that not only is deleting “install macOS Mojave” safe, but also very easy. People often freak out when they see such a large file sitting idly on their Apple computer.
But little do they know that removing it will have zero impact on their mac’s health. There are many ways to remove the file but we have covered the two most reliable ways. And that is more than enough.
Both of these methods have almost a 100% success rate. Especially removing it from the application list one. This method is officially recommended by Apple on their website.
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