---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-is-an-os-update-snapshot
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-an-os-update-snapshot
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Purgeable space and local snapshots"
question: "What is a com.apple.os.update snapshot?"
alt_questions:
  - "com.apple.os.update snapshot delete"
  - "update snapshot mac"
  - "snapshot after software update"
  - "can I delete os update snapshot"
short_answer: "A snapshot macOS takes when installing an update so it can finish or roll back safely. It's managed by macOS and often required; leave it alone."
tags: ["snapshots", "macos update"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-local-snapshots-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-delete-local-snapshots-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What is a com.apple.os.update snapshot?

macOS takes a snapshot of the system when it installs an update, so it can complete or roll back the update safely. You'll see it named with **com.apple.os.update** in Disk Utility or `tmutil` listings.

It's managed by macOS and is often required — leave it alone. Snapshots you can safely release are the Time Machine ones (named com.apple.TimeMachine). Storage Studio's Local Snapshots window marks system-required snapshots and never removes them.