Fix Guide: Tahoe "Relocated Items" Folder Won't Delete

Symptom: After upgrading to macOS Tahoe, a "Relocated Items" alias appears on your desktop. Even after following instructions to move it to the Trash, it reappears or shows a "Permissions denied" error.

Why this happens

During the upgrade, macOS moves system files that are no longer compatible with the new security policy to a secure folder. If the folder contains files with "System Immutable" flags, standard Trash operations fail.

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Fix 1: Delete via Terminal (Force)

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command (but do not press Enter yet):

sudo rm -rf /Users/Shared/Relocated\ Items

1. Press Enter and provide your administrator password.

Fix 2: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

If the above fails, the files are protected by SIP.

1. Boot into Recovery Mode (Hold Power button on Apple Silicon).
2. Open Terminal from the Utilities menu.
3. Type csrutil disable and restart.
4. Delete the folder, then return to Recovery and run csrutil enable.

Recommended Tool: CleanMyMac

Instead of risking manual Terminal commands, use CleanMyMac's Shredder feature to safely bypass permission locks and remove stubborn Relocated Items.