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How does one get rid of purgeable files?

On Windows, you delete a file and it's gone. Not so much on my $4500 MacBook! Can someone tell me how?


It's even more difficult to submit a question.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Feb 19, 2023 6:35 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 19, 2023 6:45 AM

 Purgeable files are controlled by the Operating System and not the user.


Given enough time ( maybe a day or more ) the Operating system will release some of the Purgeable Space back to the Empty Space category.


That is when it ( OS ) deems the space is needed by the Operating System


2 replies

Feb 19, 2023 6:46 AM in response to SUPPOSE2BEASIER

Follow On


It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 15% to 20% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space. Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences.


The links below will assist in identifying what is taking up space on the Internal Drive and provide possible ways to remove data that is under the direct control of the User ( Home Folder ) . 


Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac


What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?


Free up storage space on your Mac


OmniDiskSweeper Safe to use


GrandPerspective 


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Notation - If the user is using a cloning software like Carbon Copy Cloner - suggest tweaking the Safety Net Feature in this software. It may be making additional Snap Shots that are not being Cloned to the Eternal Drive. If this should be the case, these Snap Shot could be using additional space on the drive 


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other/ System Data “ Category


Other / System Data: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.

How does one get rid of purgeable files?

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