Time Machine backup structure is managed by macOS and can use snapshots, links, or versioned storage.
Do not delete individual internal backup files because a scanner shows them as large, old, or duplicated.
Use Time Machine and macOS storage tools to manage the backup destination. When the disk is full, Time Machine normally removes older history according to its rules.
Before erasing or replacing a backup disk, confirm another complete recovery path exists.
Exclude Time Machine backup structures from ordinary personal-file cleanup when they create misleading results.