Backspace does not delete a file

Backspace does not delete a file

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.0

Posted on Dec 10, 2022 8:36 PM

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Posted on Dec 11, 2022 11:15 AM

Try this: Click anywhere on your Mac's Desktop to open the Finder. Then, use the key combination ⇧ ⌘ N (shift command N) to create a new folder on the Desktop.


Does that work?


Select that folder then ⌘ Delete. That should move that empty folder to the Trash. Does it?

7 replies

Dec 11, 2022 4:15 PM in response to Lord_of_Dion

That's a clue. Normally, apps should be installed in your Mac's Applications folder. We could discuss what they're doing on your Desktop, but if you can create and delete files on your Desktop it indicates the ⌘ Delete key chord is working properly and rules out a number of other possible concerns.


In any event apps like Skype and Steam have no business being on a Mac's Desktop. The normal place is /Applications. Use the Finder's Go menu > Applications to open that folder and drag them where they ought to be. You will need to authenticate; that's normal.


Another acceptable place is in your Home folder's Applications folder, which makes those apps available only to you and not all users of that Mac. That's OK too.

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Backspace does not delete a file

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