How to Get Rid of Mac System Storage

Mac system storage can be a frustrating issue for many users. It refers to the space on your Mac’s internal storage that is occupied by the operating system, apps, and other system files. Over time, this storage can accumulate and take up a significant amount of space, leaving you with limited storage for your own files and applications. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to help you get rid of Mac system storage and free up valuable space on your device.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you’ll need:

1. A Mac computer running macOS.
2. Administrator access to your Mac.
3. A basic understanding of Mac system settings and utilities.
4. Patience and willingness to follow instructions carefully.

What Requires Your Focus?

To effectively reduce Mac system storage, you need to focus on the following areas:

1. System Junk: This includes temporary files, cached data, log files, and other unnecessary system files.
2. Applications: Some applications can accumulate a large amount of data over time, like cache files, offline content, or old backups.
3. Large Files: Identify and remove any large files that are consuming significant storage space.
4. Duplicate Files: Locate and delete duplicate files to free up additional storage.
5. Cloud Storage: Consider moving some files to cloud storage services like iCloud or Dropbox.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what we need and where to focus, let’s explore the different methods to get rid of Mac system storage.

Method 1: Using Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in macOS utility that allows you to manage and repair disks and volumes. Here is how you can use Disk Utility to free up Mac system storage:

Step 1: Open Disk Utility. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or you can use Spotlight to search for it.
Step 2: Select your Mac’s internal drive from the list of available disks and volumes.
Step 3: Click on the "First Aid" tab and then click on "Run" to check and repair any disk errors.
Step 4: Once the repair process is complete, click on the "Storage" tab.
Step 5: Here, you will see a visual representation of your disk usage. Identify any large files or folders that you no longer need.
Step 6: Right-click on the large files or folders and select "Move to Trash" to delete them.
Step 7: Empty the Trash to permanently remove the files from your Mac.

Pros:

1. Disk Utility is a native macOS utility, so you don’t need to install any third-party software.
2. The visual representation of disk usage helps you easily identify large files and folders.
3. The repair feature can fix any disk errors that may be contributing to the system storage issue.

Cons:

1. Disk Utility may not be able to identify all large files or folders, especially if they are stored within certain applications or system directories.
2. It requires manual identification and deletion of files, which can be time-consuming.

Pros and Cons:

Method 2: Via Storage Management

macOS provides a built-in Storage Management tool that offers a comprehensive overview of the disk usage on your Mac. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac."
Step 2: In the new window that appears, click on the "Storage" tab.
Step 3: Click on the "Manage" button to access the Storage Management tool.
Step 4: Storage Management will analyze your disk usage and present various recommendations and categories.
Step 5: Review the recommendations and click on each category to explore detailed information about the files within.
Step 6: Identify any unwanted files, such as system backups, app cache, or large downloads.
Step 7: Delete or move the unnecessary files to free up storage space.

Pros:

1. Storage Management provides a comprehensive overview of your disk usage, allowing you to make informed decisions about which files to delete or move.
2. It offers specific recommendations tailored to your system, making the cleanup process more targeted and efficient.

Cons:

1. The recommendations provided by Storage Management may not always accurately reflect what you consider unnecessary, as it relies on system algorithms to determine file importance.

Pros and Cons:

Method 3: Using Terminal Commands

If you’re comfortable with the command line interface, you can use Terminal commands to delete unnecessary files and folders. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Terminal from the Utilities folder within Applications.
Step 2: Type the command "sudo du -sh /*" and press Enter. This command will display the sizes of all folders at the root level of your Mac’s internal drive.
Step 3: Review the list and identify any large folders that you no longer need.
Step 4: Use the "cd" command followed by the path of the folder you want to delete. For example, "cd /Library/Caches" will navigate to the Caches folder within the Library directory.
Step 5: Type the command "sudo rm -R [folder name]" and press Enter to delete the folder and its contents. Replace "[folder name]" with the actual name of the folder you want to delete.
Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for any other large folders you want to delete.

Pros:

1. Terminal commands provide granular control over the cleanup process, allowing you to delete specific folders and files.
2. The command line interface is efficient for experienced users who are comfortable with this method.

Cons:

1. Terminal commands can be complicated for beginners or those unfamiliar with command line interfaces.
2. There is a risk of accidentally deleting important system files if the commands are entered incorrectly.

Pros and Cons:

Method 4: Using Third-Party Cleanup Tools

There are several third-party cleanup tools available that can help you efficiently remove Mac system storage. Here’s an example of using CleanMyMac X:

Step 1: Download and install CleanMyMac X from the developer’s website.
Step 2: Launch CleanMyMac X and click on the "System Junk" module.
Step 3: Click on the "Scan" button to initiate the system scan for unnecessary files.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, review the list of files and select the ones you want to delete.
Step 5: Click on the "Clean" button to remove the selected files.
Step 6: Repeat Steps 2–5 for other cleanup modules like "Large & Old Files" or "Duplicates."

Pros:

1. Third-party cleanup tools offer user-friendly interfaces with intuitive options for removing system storage.
2. These tools often provide additional features like file organization, privacy protection, and performance optimization.

Cons:

1. Some third-party tools may be paid or require a subscription to unlock all features.
2. There is a potential risk of downloading unreliable or malicious software if not obtained from trusted sources.

Pros and Cons:

Why Can’t I Get Rid of Mac System Storage?

There are several reasons why you may struggle to get rid of Mac system storage:

1. macOS Update Files: When you update your macOS, temporary installation files can take up a significant amount of storage. These files are usually deleted automatically after the update is complete, but occasionally they may be left behind.
2. Cached System Files: Over time, macOS accumulates various cached files that can take up space. These files are used to speed up certain operations, but they can be safely deleted to free up storage.
3. Application Databases and Caches: Some applications may store large amounts of data in their respective databases or caches. These files can grow in size over time and contribute to system storage consumption.

To fix these issues, you can try the following:

1. Delete macOS Update Files: After a macOS update, go to the "Applications" folder and remove any installation files with names like "Install macOS [version].app" or "macOS [version] Installer."
2. Clear Cached System Files: Use the "Optimize Storage" feature in the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage. Select "Store in iCloud" to offload unused files and enable the "Empty Trash Automatically" option.
3. Clear Application Databases and Caches: Many applications have built-in features or settings to clear their respective databases and caches. Check each application’s preferences or settings to find options for clearing these files.

Implications and Recommendations

Here are three recommendations to help you maintain a clutter-free Mac and avoid future system storage issues:

1. Regularly Perform Disk Cleanup: Make it a habit to perform regular disk cleanup using the methods described in this blog post. By periodically removing unnecessary files, you can prevent your system storage from filling up and ensure optimal performance.
2. Monitor Storage Usage: Keep an eye on your Mac’s storage usage by regularly checking the "About This Mac" window. This will help you proactively identify any storage-hogging applications or files and take appropriate action.
3. Consider External Storage Options: If you find that your Mac’s internal storage is consistently insufficient for your needs, consider investing in external storage options like external hard drives or cloud storage services. This will allow you to keep your Mac’s internal storage free from clutter while still having access to your files.

5 FAQs about Getting Rid of Mac System Storage

Q1: Can I delete system files to free up storage space?

A: It’s generally not recommended to delete system files manually unless you are absolutely sure about what you are doing. Deleting critical system files can cause your Mac to malfunction or even become unresponsive. Stick to the recommended methods outlined in this blog post to safely delete unnecessary files.

Q2: How often should I perform disk cleanup?

A: It’s a good practice to perform disk cleanup at least once every few months or whenever you notice your system storage starting to fill up. Regular maintenance will ensure that your Mac runs smoothly without any storage-related issues.

Q3: Do I need to restart my Mac after deleting system files?

A: It’s not necessary to restart your Mac immediately after deleting system files. However, it’s a good idea to restart your Mac periodically to allow it to clear any temporary files and optimize system performance.

Q4: Can I recover deleted files and folders?

A: Once you delete files or folders from your Mac, they are moved to the Trash. You can recover mistakenly deleted files by opening the Trash, right-clicking on the file, and selecting "Put Back." If you have emptied the Trash, it may still be possible to recover deleted files using data recovery software, although success cannot be guaranteed.

Q5: Is it necessary to use third-party cleanup tools?

A: It’s not necessary to use third-party cleanup tools, as the built-in macOS utilities provide sufficient options to free up system storage. However, third-party tools can offer additional features and convenience that may be beneficial to some users.

Final Words

Mac system storage can be frustrating, but with the right methods and tools, you can effectively free up valuable storage space on your Mac. Whether you choose to use built-in macOS utilities or third-party cleanup tools, regular maintenance and disk cleanup are key to maintaining a clutter-free and efficient Mac. Remember to carefully review the files and folders before deleting them and always have a backup of your important files. Enjoy the extra storage space and optimize your Mac’s performance!