Shared

What is Shared?

Shared is a standard macOS folder located at /Users/Shared. It helps people using the same Mac exchange files without moving them into another user's home folder. Apps, installers, and manual file-sharing workflows may place content here when it needs to be available across multiple local accounts. You may also see it used for large project files, exported media, shared documents, or temporary handoff files between users. Because this folder is meant for broad local access, its contents can vary widely from one Mac to another. The folder itself is part of normal macOS file organization, while the files inside it should be reviewed based on whether they are still needed.

Safety overview

Status: Use with caution

The /Users/Shared folder is a normal part of macOS and is designed for access by more than one local user account. Deleting the folder itself is not recommended. Files inside it may belong to active apps, installers, shared workspaces, or other users on the Mac, so removing contents without checking can cause lost data or interrupt shared workflows. Review ownership, dates, and file names before deleting anything, especially on a Mac used by multiple people.

Recommendation: Keep the /Users/Shared folder. If you need to free space, review the contents inside it and remove only files you recognize and no longer need. On a shared Mac, confirm that the files are not needed by another account or an app before deleting them.

File path

• /Users/Shared

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