Is it safe to delete Ruby versions installed with rbenv?
A version of Ruby installed with rbenv, along with the gems installed for it.
Review first
It's your own data, or hard to recreate. Decide item by item.
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What it is
rbenv keeps each Ruby version in its own folder here, usually built from source by the ruby-build plug-in. Gems you install while using that version are stored inside it too. Old versions stay after you move to newer ones.
If it's removed
That Ruby version and its gems are no longer available. Projects that ask for it in a .ruby-version file don't run until it's installed again, which builds Ruby from source again.
How it's removed
Moved to the Trash, where you can restore it.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it. Removing it is Pro, after a review sheet that lists every move and command. It's never checked for you: it waits for your choice.
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.