Relocated Items Folder: Where It Is & How to Use It

The “Relocated Items” folder is a recovery folder that macOS creates after a system update or migration, containing files and folders that the system could not place in their original locations. It is typically found in the /Users/Shared/ directory (i.e., Macintosh HD > Users > Shared > Relocated Items), and it appears when macOS finds files that conflict with new system files or that were in locations it no longer recognizes. This article explains why it appears, what to do with it, and how to handle the files inside.

Why Does the Relocated Items Folder Appear?

macOS creates the Relocated Items folder during a major upgrade (e.g., from macOS Monterey to Sonoma) or after migrating data from an older Mac or Time Machine backup. The system does this when it encounters files that:

• Have the same name as a file that the new macOS version needs to install (e.g., a system file or framework).
• Are stored in a location that Apple has changed or deprecated (e.g., old system paths that no longer exist).
• Are owned by a user account that no longer exists or has a different user ID.

Rather than deleting these files, macOS moves them to a safe location so you can review them later. The folder is automatically created at /Users/Shared/Relocated Items and is visible in the Finder if you navigate to the Shared folder in your Mac’s hard drive.

What’s Inside the Relocated Items Folder?

Inside the Relocated Items folder, you’ll typically find a subfolder named Configuration files and possibly other folders like Library or Previous System Files. The exact contents depend on your Mac’s history, but common items include:

• Old preference files (.plist) from apps that are no longer compatible.
• System configuration files that were replaced by new defaults.
• Files from a previous user account that was merged or deleted.
• Items that were in the root-level Library or System folders.

Each file in the folder is accompanied by a small text file named ReadMe.txt that explains why the file was relocated. This readme often lists the original path, so you can decide whether to restore it.

How to Access the Relocated Items Folder

Accessing the folder is straightforward, but it’s hidden from the default sidebar view. Here’s how to find it:

1. Open a new Finder window (click the Finder icon in the Dock).
2. In the menu bar, click Go > Computer (or press Shift+Command+C).
3. Open your Macintosh HD (usually named “Macintosh HD”).
4. Open the Users folder.
5. Open the Shared folder.
6. Look for the Relocated Items folder.

If you can’t see it, the folder may not exist (which is fine) or it may be hidden. To reveal hidden files, press Shift+Command+Period in the Finder. If you still don’t see it, your Mac likely didn’t need to relocate anything.

Should You Delete the Relocated Items Folder?

The short answer: you can delete it, but only after you’ve reviewed its contents. The folder itself is not harmful—it just takes up disk space. However, deleting it without checking could remove important configuration files that you might need later.

Here’s a safe approach:

1. Open the folder and read the ReadMe.txt files.
2. If a file is from an app you no longer use, or if the app works fine without it, you can delete it.
3. If you’re unsure, move the entire folder to an external drive or keep it in place—it won’t cause problems.
4. Once you’re confident you don’t need any of the files, drag the folder to the Trash and empty it.

Many users delete it immediately after a successful update, and that’s usually fine. But if you have custom system tweaks or older apps, check first.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Relocated Items folder indicates a failed update or data loss. In reality, it’s a safety net. macOS never deletes your files without warning—it moves them here so you can retrieve them.

Another issue: the folder can reappear after every major update. This is normal. Each new macOS version may relocate different files. If you see it after an update, it doesn’t mean you did something wrong.

Some users report that the folder is empty or contains only a ReadMe file. That’s also normal—it means macOS checked and found nothing to move.

If you’re low on disk space, the folder can be large (sometimes several gigabytes). Deleting it is safe once you’ve verified the contents, but you can also compress it (right-click > Compress) to save space without losing data.

How to Restore Files from Relocated Items

If you find a file that you want to put back in its original location, here’s how:

1. Read the ReadMe.txt file to see the original path (e.g., /Library/Preferences/com.example.plist).
2. Copy the file (not move) to a temporary location like your Desktop.
3. Navigate to the original path. If the folder doesn’t exist, create it.
4. Place the file there. You may need to enter your administrator password.
5. Restart your Mac or the relevant app to apply the change.

Be cautious: if the file was relocated because it conflicted with a new system file, placing it back could cause issues. Only restore files you’re certain are needed and compatible.

Relocated Items vs. Previous System Files

Another folder you might see after an update is Previous System Files (or Previous System), usually located at /Library/Previous System Files. This is different from Relocated Items:

• Relocated Items contains individual files that were moved out of the way.
• Previous System Files contains an entire snapshot of the old macOS system (drivers, frameworks, etc.) so you can roll back if needed.

You can delete Previous System Files to free up significant disk space, but only after you’re sure you won’t downgrade. The Relocated Items folder is much smaller and more targeted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Relocated Items folder a virus?

No. It’s a legitimate system folder created by macOS itself. It appears only after updates or migrations. If you see it, it’s not malware.

Can I move the Relocated Items folder to an external drive?

Yes. If you want to keep the files but free up space on your Mac, you can copy the folder to an external drive and delete the original. The system won’t recreate it unless another update occurs.

Why is my Relocated Items folder empty?

An empty folder means macOS didn’t find any files that needed relocating. It may have created the folder as a placeholder. You can delete it without worry.

Does the Relocated Items folder slow down my Mac?

No. It’s just a folder on disk. It doesn’t run anything in the background. It only takes up storage space, not performance.

Will deleting the Relocated Items folder break my system?

No, as long as you delete it after reviewing the contents. The files inside are not system-critical—they were moved because they conflicted with the new system. Deleting them won’t harm macOS.

How do I prevent the Relocated Items folder from appearing again?

You can’t prevent it. It’s a normal part of macOS updates. The best you can do is check it after each update and delete it once you’re satisfied.

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