What is the Mac User Folder and How to Manage It? [Updated for 2024]

Mac is one of the most widely used computer systems globally. Apple continually innovates on the Mac to cater to users' needs. Built into the Mac are multiple folders that ensure its smooth operation. These include the Home folder, User folder, macOS Library folder, System folder, and more. This article will delve into the User folder on a Mac and how to manage it effectively.

What is the User Folder on a Mac?

Before diving into how to manage the Users folder on your Mac, let's first understand what it is. The Users folder is a container for the home folders of different user accounts. On a Mac, the significance of the Users folder cannot be overstated.

It's essential to understand that macOS is a multi-user system, which means that when you create new user accounts, each one gets its own home directory. That way, if multiple people use the same device, there's no confusion about whose files are whose. All of these home directories live inside the Users folder.

How to manage user folders on your Mac

Want to know how to manage your Mac's User folder? First, you need to find it. Read on to learn more:

How do I find the User folder on a Mac?

There are two ways to do this. The first is very simple. Just press Shift+⌘+H, and the folder will appear on your screen.

The second approach requires that you follow some simple steps. They are –

Step 1: Open the Finder app.

Step 2: Click the Finder menu.

Step 3: Choose “Preferences.”

Step 4: Tap the sidebar.

Step 5: Here, you'll need to activate the folder that has your name on it.

Now, you can get to your user folder with just one click from the Finder sidebar.

How can I move my Mac's user folder to another drive?

To move your Mac user folder to another drive, follow these steps:

Step 1: Mount the disk at the location where you want to move the Mac user folder.

Step 2: Make sure the “Users” folder is on the startup disk. (Note: The “Users” folder is usually named the same as your user account.)

Step 3: Tap on the folder and select “Copy.”

Step 4: Then, navigate to the target drive.

Step 5: Paste the folder here.

Note: After copying and pasting, make sure to check that the contents of the user folder have copied over correctly. The best way to do this is to check the size of the user folder and make sure it matches the size on your system.

Step 1: Open "System Preferences" (or System Settings).

Step 2: Go to the Users & Groups preferences.

Step 3: Now, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner of the window.

Step 4: Type in your password.

Step 5: In the left sidebar, click on your username.

Step 6: Right-click on the name.

Step 7: You should see “Advanced options.” Click on it.

Step 8: This will open a new window.

Step 9: Go to the Home Directory field. Click on the Choose button.

Step 10: Navigate to the target drive, and then click on the Users folder you copied over.

Step 11: Click Open.

Step 12. Click OK.

Step 13: A dialog box will prompt you to restart. Click on the “Restart” option.

Conclusions

One of the essential folders that come default on a Mac is the Users folder. It contains the home folders for multiple users, as well as shared folders. This folder is straightforward to locate and manage. This article aims to answer all your queries about the Users folder on a Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions About User Folders on Mac

1. Can I delete user folders on my Mac?

Yes, you can delete a user folder on a Mac, but only if you're the administrator user, and you should proceed with caution. Keep in mind that removing a user folder deletes all the content and files associated with that user account.

Are the user folder and home folder the same?

No, the Home folder and the User folder are not the same. The Home folder has the same name as your username and contains folders like Downloads, Documents, Desktop, and Music. On the other hand, the User folder includes "Shared" and "Home" folders. Here, you can access the Home folders of different people using the system (with user accounts).

Why is my user profile so large?

Your user files are large because they contain many files and folders. You need to delete the ones you no longer need to free up space.