The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
A folder named venv next to a project file such as pyproject.toml, requirements.txt, setup.py, Pipfile, uv.lock or poetry.lock is usually a Python virtual environment created with python3 -m venv venv. It contains the packages installed for that project. Only projects untouched for 60 days are considered, and environments created by AI app installers are left out.
Python environment of a project not touched recently. Recreated from its requirements, but some setups are hard to rebuild: check first.
What happens if you delete it?
Recreate it with python3 -m venv venv and pip install -r requirements.txt, or with your project’s tool (uv sync, poetry install). Large libraries take time to reinstall.
How to remove it properly
Make sure nothing is running from it, then move the venv folder to the Trash in Finder.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
- MoreRoom only suggests items unused for 60 days or more.
Before you delete it
If packages were installed by hand without updating the requirements, save the list with pip freeze > requirements.txt before deleting.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete a venv folder in a Python project?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. Recreate it with python3 -m venv venv and pip install -r requirements.txt, or with your project’s tool (uv sync, poetry install). Large libraries take time to reinstall.
Will Python virtual environments (venv) come back after I delete it?
Yes. Recreate it with python3 -m venv venv and pip install -r requirements.txt, or with your project’s tool (uv sync, poetry install). Large libraries take time to reinstall.
How do I remove Python virtual environments (venv) properly?
Make sure nothing is running from it, then move the venv folder to the Trash in Finder.