Mac users sometimes face a common problem of insufficient storage space. This happens because unwanted and junk files accumulate over time, taking up valuable space on the hard drive. These files can be system files, temporary or cache files, incomplete downloads, duplicate files, or other unwanted files. To free up space on the Mac, it is essential to remove these unwanted files. But many Mac users are not aware of the methods to clear these unwanted files. This article will provide you with various methods that can help you to clear those unwanted files and boost Mac’s performance.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Clear Unwanted Files on Mac
The challenge of clearing unwanted files on Mac is that these files may be hidden in the system folders or any other hard-to-find places. Manually searching and locating these files is a time-consuming process. Also, deleting any system or essential files may cause damage to the system, leading to problems in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to know the right methods to clear these unwanted files without harming the Mac’s functionality.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting to clear unwanted files from your Mac, there are a few things that you should prepare:
1. Backup your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
2. Close all the running applications and save any unsaved work.
3. Install the latest version of macOS.
4. Download and install a reliable Mac cleaning software tool.
Method 1: Clear Unwanted Files using Finder
Finder is a default file explorer tool for Mac. This method will help you to locate and delete the unwanted files using Finder.
1. Open Finder from the dock or press ‘Command + Space’ to search for ‘Finder.’
2. Click on ‘All My Files’ to display all the files on your hard drive.
3. Click on ‘Size’ to sort the files by their size.
4. Look for the large files; these are the files that are consuming a lot of space.
5. Right-click on the unwanted file and select ‘Move to Trash.’
6. Open the Trash bin, right-click on the files, and select ‘Delete permanently.’
7. Empty the Trash bin to free up space.
Pros:
– No software required.
– Free of cost.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– Time-consuming.
– May require manual searching.
– May accidentally delete essential files.
Method 2: Clear Unwanted Files using Terminal
Terminal is a system tool that allows you to perform various tasks using command lines. This method will help you to clear unwanted files using specific command lines on Terminal.
1. Open Terminal from the Applications folder or press ‘Command + Space’ to search for ‘Terminal.’
2. Type ‘sudo rm -rf ‘ in Terminal and leave space.
3. Drag and drop the folder or file that you want to delete onto the Terminal window.
4. Type Enter and enter your admin password if prompted.
5. Wait for the process to complete.
6. Type ‘exit’ to close Terminal.
Pros:
– Can delete files that are hard to remove.
– Quick and efficient.
– Can remove files locked by other processes.
Cons:
– Requires a pre-knowledge of command lines.
– Deleting essential files can cause damage to the system.
– Can’t undo the deletion.
Method 3: Clear Unwanted Files using Cleaning Software
Cleaning software tools are specifically designed to clean up unwanted files, temporary files, cache, and other unnecessary files. This method will help you to clear unwanted files using a cleaning software tool.
1. Download and install a reliable Mac cleaning software tool like CCleaner, CleanMyMac, or Dr. Cleaner.
2. Open the cleaning software tool and click on ‘Start Cleaning.’
3. Wait for the tool to scan and display a list of unwanted files on your Mac.
4. Review the files and select the files that you want to delete.
5. Click on ‘Clean’ or ‘Remove’ to remove the selected files from your Mac.
6. Empty the Trash bin to free up space.
Pros:
– Quick and efficient.
– Automatic scanning and searching for unwanted files.
– Can remove files that are hard to find.
Cons:
– May cost money.
– Can’t guarantee the safety of all the deleted files.
– May accidentally delete essential files.
Why Can’t I Clear Unwanted Files on Mac?
There can be several reasons why you can’t clear unwanted files on your Mac:
1. Insufficient Permissions: If you don’t have the proper permissions or access to the file or folder, you can’t delete it. In this case, you need to change the permission settings for the file or folder.
2. Hidden Files: Hidden files are not visible in Finder. Therefore, you can’t locate and delete them manually. You need to use Terminal or cleaning software to locate and delete these files.
3. System Files: Some files are essential for the system, and deleting them can cause harm to the system. Always be careful while removing system files.
Fixes:
1. Change Permissions: Right-click on the file or folder that you want to delete, select ‘Get Info,’ and click on the ‘Sharing & Permissions’ option. Change the permission settings to ‘Read & Write.’
2. Show Hidden Files: Open Terminal and type ‘defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES’ to show hidden files. Type ‘killall Finder’ to refresh Finder.
3. Don’t Delete System Files: Be vigilant while deleting files. Always double-check before deleting any file or folder. Always backup your important files before deleting any files.
Additional Tips
– Regularly delete unwanted files to free up space on your Mac.
– Uninstall the unused applications from your Mac.
– Clear your browser cache and history regularly.
– Empty the Trash bin regularly to free up space.
– Install an anti-malware software tool to remove malware and unwanted files from your Mac.
5 FAQs about Clearing Unwanted Files on Mac
Q1: What is the safest method to clear unwanted files on a Mac?
A: Using a reliable cleaning software tool is the safest and quickest method to clear unwanted files on your Mac.
Q2: Can I delete all the files in the ‘Downloads’ folder?
A: Yes, you can delete all the files in the ‘Downloads’ folder, but don’t forget to review the files before deleting them.
Q3: Can I restore the deleted files from Trash bin?
A: Yes, you can restore the deleted files from the Trash bin before emptying it.
Q4: How often should I clean my Mac?
A: It is recommended to clean your Mac monthly to maintain its performance.
Q5: Will cleaning software tools harm my Mac?
A: No, reliable cleaning software tools will not harm your Mac if used correctly and responsibly.
In Conclusion
Clearing unwanted files from your Mac is essential to free up space and boost its performance. However, it requires proper knowledge and understanding of the methods to delete those files. In this article, we have discussed various methods to help you clear unwanted files on your Mac. Make sure to use the methods correctly and responsibly. Remember to back up your essential files and double-check before deleting any file or folder. Keeping your Mac clean and optimized will ensure smooth running and prolong its lifespan.