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mds_stores and the Spotlight index: safe to delete?
mds and mds_stores are the macOS processes that build Spotlight's search index, kept in a hidden .Spotlight-V100 folder on each disk. They can be busy after an update or when you add lots of files.
Safe to delete? Don't delete the folder. If the index is broken or too big, rebuild it the supported way below. Rebuilding can take hours or even days, Apple says.
Rebuild the Spotlight index
- Open System Settings › Spotlight and find the privacy (excluded locations) list.
- Add your disk (for example Macintosh HD) to the list.
- Wait a moment, then remove it from the list. Spotlight starts rebuilding the index.
The mds manual page says mds shouldn't be run by hand. If mds_stores is busy, give it time, especially after a macOS update.
Sources: Apple Support, “Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac” (25 Aug 2026); macOS mds manual page; Eclectic Light Company, 4 Jul 2026 and 8 Dec 2022. Checked October 2026.
Find out what's safe to remove.
Pangalin Space Manager's free scan shows what's using your disk, folder by folder, and labels each item: safe to clean, can move, or needs review. macOS's own files are marked so you don't delete what your Mac needs.
Free to scan · first 5 GB freed free · Notarised by Apple · Apple silicon, macOS 13 or later