How to Permanently Delete Photos from MacBook Without Affecting iCloud Backup
How to Delete Photos from MacBook but Not iCloud
In today’s digital age, managing your photos can be quite challenging, especially if you have them stored in multiple places. One common issue many MacBook users face is how to delete photos from their MacBook without affecting the iCloud backup. This article will guide you through the process of deleting photos from your MacBook while ensuring that your iCloud backup remains untouched.
Step 1: Access Your MacBook’s Photos Library
The first step is to access the Photos library on your MacBook. You can do this by clicking on the Photos app icon located in the Dock or by searching for it in Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
Step 2: Select the Photos You Want to Delete
Once you have opened the Photos app, navigate through your library and select the photos you want to delete. You can select multiple photos by holding down the Command (Cmd) key and clicking on each photo. Alternatively, you can use the Shift key to select a range of photos.
Step 3: Delete the Photos from Your MacBook
With the photos selected, click on the “Delete” button located at the bottom right corner of the Photos app. A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the photos. Click “Delete” again to confirm.
Step 4: Verify the Deletion
After confirming the deletion, the photos will be moved to the trash. To ensure they are permanently deleted, you need to empty the trash. Go to the Finder, click on the Trash icon on the Dock, and then click “Empty Trash.” This will permanently delete the photos from your MacBook.
Step 5: Check Your iCloud Backup
Now that you have deleted the photos from your MacBook, it’s essential to check your iCloud backup to ensure that the deletion did not affect it. Open the iCloud settings on your MacBook by clicking on the Apple menu () in the top left corner, selecting “System Preferences,” and then clicking on “iCloud.”
Step 6: Manage Your iCloud Photos
In the iCloud settings, click on “Photos” and then uncheck the “iCloud Photos” option. This will prevent new photos from being uploaded to your iCloud backup. However, any photos already uploaded to iCloud will remain on your MacBook until you delete them from the Photos app.
Step 7: Delete Photos from iCloud
To delete the photos from your iCloud backup, go back to the Photos app on your MacBook. Navigate to the “iCloud Photos” album and select the photos you want to delete. Follow the same steps as before to delete the photos from your MacBook and empty the trash.
By following these steps, you can delete photos from your MacBook without affecting your iCloud backup. This will help you manage your photos more efficiently and keep your MacBook’s storage space free.
