Mac storage basics · Games and virtual machines
Why didn't deleting files inside my virtual machine shrink it on my Mac?
Short answer: Virtual disks grow but don't shrink on their own. Empty the guest's trash, delete old snapshots, then use your VM app's reclaim or compact option with the VM shut down.
Virtual disks usually grow as they're used but don't automatically shrink when you delete files inside the guest system — the space is free inside the VM but still claimed on your Mac.
Most virtualisation apps offer a reclaim or compact option for this; check the app's settings for that virtual machine while it's shut down. Emptying the guest's own Trash or Recycle Bin first, and deleting old snapshots (VM snapshots), lets the reclaim step give more back.