Error -50 when trying to delete a file on Mac [Fixed]
In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix Error -50 when trying to delete a file on Mac. Numerous users have voiced their concern that they are currently unable to delete a file from their macOS, with the fact that the OS not throwing any warning or error message only making the matter worse.
Well, there could be quite a few reasons why you are currently facing this issue. The prominent ones among those include the fact that the file might currently be in use, it might be locked, it could be read-only, or just an underlying issue with the Finder. So in this guide, we will be addressing each of these causes which in turn would help you rectify the Error -50 when deleting a file on your Mac. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
- Fix Error -50 when trying to delete a file on Mac FIX 1: Force Quit App/File FIX 2: Change File Permission FIX 3: Unlock File FIX 4: Delete File via Terminal
Fix Error -50 when trying to delete a file on Mac

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Force Quit App/File
One of the most common causes of this issue is the fact that the file or app is currently in use [in such cases you could also get either of the two error messages: The item can’t be moved to the Trash because it can’t be deleted OR The operation can’t be completed because the item (name) is in use]. So in such cases, your best bet is to force close that app or file. Here’s how it could be done:
- Click on the Apple logo at the top left and select Force Quit.
- Then select the app that you are unable to delete and hit Force Quit.
- If you are unsure, then Force Quit Finder. Now retry deleting that file.
FIX 2: Change File Permission
If the file is currently read-only, then you wouldn’t be able to delete it and instead get greeted with Error -50 on your Mac. To bypass this issue, you’ll have to change its permission to read/write, which could be done as follows:
- Right-click on the affected file and select Get Info.
- Then go to its Sharing and Permission section.
- Now change its Privilege to Read and Write.
- Then try deleting that file and check out the result.
FIX 3: Unlock File
You might also get Error -50 when trying to delete on your Mac if the file in question is currently locked. So let’s unlock it first using the below-listed steps and then retry deleting that file:
- Right-click on the affected file and select Get Info.
- Then click on the lock sign present at the bottom right.
- Now use your password or use Touch ID to unlock it.
- Then try deleting that file and check out the result.
FIX 4: Delete File via Terminal
If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success, then our last course of action should be to delete that file via Terminal. Here’s how it could be done:
- To begin with, go to Launchpad > Others > Terminal.
- Then type in the below command followed by a space rm
- Finally, drag the file into the terminal window and hit Enter.
- The file should now be deleted without any issues. That’s it.
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Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on Mac [Fixed]
In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on your Mac. Numerous users have voiced their concern that they are getting bugged with the aforementioned error whenever they try to point any document- either via wireless [WiFi] or wired [USB] printer.

Furthermore, some users have also said that the Preview is not able to print PDFs to their printer [even though third-party software Acrobat Reader is working well and good ]. Likewise, some users have also reported that they are unable to print via Microsoft Remote Desktop and getting the same error as above. So if you are also getting the Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on your Mac in any of these scenarios, then this guide shall help you rectify it. Follow along.

- Fix Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on Mac FIX 1: Update the Printer Drivers FIX 2: Re-Install the Printer FIX 3: Reset Printing System
Fix Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on Mac

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Update the Printer Drivers
- To begin with, go to System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
- Select your printer from the list and hit the minus sign next to it to remove it.
- Then click on Delete Printer in the confirmation dialog box.
- Once done click on the plus icon and select Add Printer or Scanner.
- After that, select the printer type: USB, Wireless, or Ethernet connection.
- Then select your printer under the “Use or Print Using” drop-down list and click on Add.
- Now click on the Apple logo and select Software Update or App Store.
- Then go to the Updates tab and download and install the pending updates.
- Check if it fixes the Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on your Mac.
FIX 2: Re-Install the Printer
- Power off your printers and go to System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
- Select your printer from the list and hit the minus sign next to it to remove it.
- Then click on Delete Printer in the confirmation dialog box.
- Now open Finder and go to Library > Printers. Then delete the folder named after your printer.
- After that, go to Library > Printers> PPD > Contents > Resources and delete the file named after your printer.
- Then go to Library > Cache and delete the folder named after your printer.
- Now restart your Mac and power on the printer.
- Go to your printer’s Download site and grab the latest drivers, corresponding to your product’s model number.
- Then launch the driver setup file and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Now check if it fixes the Printer Error: Stopped – ‘Filter’ failed on your Mac.
FIX 3: Reset Printing System
- To begin with, go to System Preferences > Printers and Scanners.
- Then right-click the blank space in the Printers list and select “Reset printing system”.
- After that, click on Reset in the confirmation dialog box.
- Wait for the process to complete [until there are no printers on the list].
- Once done, restart your Mac and go to System Preferences > Printers and scanners.
- Then click on the plus icon, select your printer from the list and click Add.
- Now click “Print Using…” and then select your printer from the list. That’s it.
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- Randy 3 years ago Reply Nope, did not work
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