2024 iMac 24" freezing on macOS Tahoe

Since using 2024 iMac 24" 24 gigs memory 256 gig SSD and macOS Tahoe, the computer freezes periodically for a few seconds and blocks efficient use of the computer. What is going on and how can I stop these freezes? Is it a cache problem? I have deleted as many files as possible but the system data its 132 gigs. I have deleted cache files as one attempt in addition to extraneous files.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iMac freezing up

Posted on Oct 16, 2025 2:55 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 16, 2025 4:18 AM

System data is mainly your data, stored in the hidden library by apps you use (Outlook attachments take up a fair amount of space in my system data) also, the graphic that you’re looking at is based on Spotlight indexing and sometimes is unreliable.


Leaving that aside, how much free space do you have? Best place to view that is in disc utility. With a 256 GB internal storage (not a lot!) You should have around 40 GB free.


Freezing can be caused by many issues, if it started when you upgraded to Tahoe, then most likely it’s due to some extension or app you have running that is not fully compatible with Tahoe. For extensions, see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode, which disables 3rd party extensions and performs some system cleanup.

 

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 16, 2025 4:18 AM in response to slickest1964

System data is mainly your data, stored in the hidden library by apps you use (Outlook attachments take up a fair amount of space in my system data) also, the graphic that you’re looking at is based on Spotlight indexing and sometimes is unreliable.


Leaving that aside, how much free space do you have? Best place to view that is in disc utility. With a 256 GB internal storage (not a lot!) You should have around 40 GB free.


Freezing can be caused by many issues, if it started when you upgraded to Tahoe, then most likely it’s due to some extension or app you have running that is not fully compatible with Tahoe. For extensions, see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode, which disables 3rd party extensions and performs some system cleanup.

 

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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2024 iMac 24" freezing on macOS Tahoe

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