What is VIRTFS, and can I remove it?

Question

What is VIRTFS, and can I delete it?

Answer

The VIRTFS directory is a virtual file system that uses bind mounts to make system files available to jailed shell environments. This directory does not use any additional disk space and should not be removed. Information about this data is outlined in the README file shown below.

Deleting files in /home/virtfs will remove system files, rendering the system inoperable.

[root@server ~]cPs# cat /home/0_README_BEFORE_DELETING_VIRTFS
The /home/virtfs directory contains critical operating system files. If you
remove /home/virtfs, or any directories under /home/virtfs, you will cause
irreparable damage to your operating system. Do not remove /home/virtfs, or any
directories under /home/virtfs, unless you have tested, up-to-date backups.

You should ignore any disk usage warnings you receive that are associated with
the /home/virtfs directory!

For more information about the /home/virtfs directory, visit the documentation
at https://go.cpanel.net/virtfsdoc

Additional resources

VirtFS Jailed Shell