# Can I delete Ruby versions in ~/.rbenv/versions?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/ruby-rbenv-versions
- Item: Ruby versions (rbenv)
- Location: `~/.rbenv/versions` (items inside)
- Verdict: Review first — Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
- Comes back on its own: yes
- Official command: `rbenv uninstall <version>`
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

rbenv, with its ruby-build plugin, compiles each Ruby version you install and keeps it in its own folder under `~/.rbenv/versions`, together with all the gems installed for it. Each version takes typically a few hundred megabytes with gems.

## What happens if you delete it?

`rbenv install <version>` builds a removed version again, which takes several minutes. Gems installed for it have to be reinstalled, for example with `bundle install` in each project.

## How to remove it properly

Run `rbenv versions` to see what is installed and which version is global, then `rbenv uninstall <version>` for each one you no longer need. This command comes with ruby-build and deletes permanently.

## Before you delete it

Look for `.ruby-version` files in your projects and keep the versions they and `rbenv global` rely on.