Is it safe to delete Claude Cowork VM bundle?
The Linux virtual machine that the Claude desktop app downloads to run Cowork tasks in a sandbox.
Usually safe
It can be recreated, but it takes a download, a reinstall or the tool's own command.
~/
What it is
Claude runs Cowork tasks inside a small Linux virtual machine stored here as claudevm.bundle. Its disk image grows as tasks install packages and create files, and space freed inside the virtual machine isn't returned to your Mac, so the bundle often reaches 10 GB or more. Claude downloads the bundle again the next time you use Cowork. Your Cowork conversations are stored separately and aren't affected.
If it's removed
Running Cowork tasks stop and Claude restarts. The next Cowork task waits while Claude downloads the bundle again, and anything installed inside the virtual machine is gone.
What to do instead
In Claude, choose Help > Troubleshooting > Delete Cowork VM Bundle and Restart.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it, with these steps. The app doesn't remove it for you.
Sources
Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.