How to delete a downloaded OS X automatic update?

I'm running 10.6.5 and do not want to upgrade. Software Update has conveniently downloaded a 1.09 GB update that I have no interest in installing - it is downloaded but is sitting dormant - but I can't find it to remove it... could someone tell me where/how to remove?

Solution 1:

Try looking in /Library/Updates. The updates will be installer packages with extension .pkg

Solution 2:

Trashing the contents of Library/Updates is usually not possible because OS X El Capitan and later includes security technology called SIP (System Integrity Protection) that helps protect your Mac from malicious software.

While doing so you must have seen the pop ups saying "0##-##### can't be modified or deleted because it's required by macOS" or from the terminal saying "Operation not permitted"

Still if you want to delete those directories or files saved as a result of failed or incomplete updates(which takes significant unnecessary storage) you can do so by turning off Mac's SIP temporarily. This is an advanced solution and recommended for advanced users only. It may open up your system for vulnerabilities and needs to done with care.

The following are the steps:

1. Restart your Mac in recovery mode(press and hold Command (⌘)-R at the start-up).

2. Open the Terminal Utility.

3. Type the command csrutil disable (This gives full unrestricted access to your Mac's entire OS and every file and folder, so, be cautious!)

4. After restarting, open the Terminal and delete the desired folders by running the command:

   sudo rm -R /Library/Updates/0##-#####

Now the files or folders which were restricted can be removed.

Note: (0##-##### is the folder name)

To delete specific file inside the folder 0##-##### you can simply use rm provided the path of that file.

5. When done with all the desired removing, follow steps 1 and 2 to turn SIP back on using the command:

   csrutil enable

6. Restart your Mac and SIP should be back on track.

Note: To check the status of the SIP. Use command csrutil status

7. Download and Install fresh updates if available.

I hope this is helpful :)

Reference: https://appletoolbox.com/seeing-error-operation-not-permitted-in-macos-mojave/