macOS: Unable to delete user account... "The operation could not be completed. Timed out."
- Author
- Nov 16, 2020
- 1 min read
Here's the workaround:
1) Log in as another admin.
2) Unlock the users pane with admin password.
3) Login options button at bottom of list.
4) Network Account Server to the right > Click Join button.
5) Open Directory Utility > Directory Editor Tab.
6) Click on lock in the upper right and authenticate as admin (if it says not authenticated).
7) Select desired user from list > Click Minus at bottom of List > Click Delete Button.
8) Create new admin account with same Long Name and Short Name > Reboot into this account.
9) Reopen user and accounts pane and unlock as needed.
10) Ctrl/Right click the user name > Advanced Options.
11) Click choose to the right of Home Directory item.
12) Navigate to and open Home Directory > Click OK.
13) Reboot into user again.
14) Navigate to Home Directory in Finder > Ctrl/RIght click > Get Info.
15) Expand Sharing and permissions > Authenticate as Admin.
16) Select the account > Click tool icon > Make owner > Click Tool Icon > Apply to enclosed.
17) Reboot into user again and all should be well.
Reference: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4174285
I ran into the same issue while trying to remove my account. Using LongPathTool in the middle of troubleshooting really helped identify hidden files causing the timeout. Hope others find this tip useful!