You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

How to clear system storage?

I'm using MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013), i need help to clear my system storage

MacBook Air 11″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 31, 2021 6:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 31, 2021 8:54 AM

Yes, there is one way: keep a watch on your hard drive space at all times. The drive isn’t just “storage”, it contains your OS and vital system files which are needed for the computer to work. They were require a minimum of empty space to function properly - at least 10 - 15 GB of empty space at all times. If you fill it up completely, the computer will stop functioning.


Get an external drive and move your space hogging files to it, then delete them from your internal. Usually that is movies, videos, photos, etc. For Big Sur, you need a minimum of 35.5 GB of empty space plus the aforementioned 10 - 15 GB.


As for the other category: you have no control over it; it fluctuates and is controlled by the OS.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 31, 2021 8:54 AM in response to d3dyj

Yes, there is one way: keep a watch on your hard drive space at all times. The drive isn’t just “storage”, it contains your OS and vital system files which are needed for the computer to work. They were require a minimum of empty space to function properly - at least 10 - 15 GB of empty space at all times. If you fill it up completely, the computer will stop functioning.


Get an external drive and move your space hogging files to it, then delete them from your internal. Usually that is movies, videos, photos, etc. For Big Sur, you need a minimum of 35.5 GB of empty space plus the aforementioned 10 - 15 GB.


As for the other category: you have no control over it; it fluctuates and is controlled by the OS.

Mar 31, 2021 7:01 AM in response to d3dyj

The Other Category should not be altered, modified, move or deleted nor should it be attempted to be. Doing so may corrupt the OS and rendered the OS inoperative requiring a Wipe and Re-Installation.


The Other category is a potpourri of files which include:

• System temporary files

• macOS system folders

• Archives and disk images (.zip, .iso, etc. - often found in the Downloads folder)

• Personal user data

• Files from the user’s library (Application Support, iCloud files, screensavers, etc.)

• Cache files

• Fonts, plugins, extensions

• Other files that are not recognized by a Spotlight search

• Media files that cannot be classified by Spotlight as a media file because they are located inside of a package


They can be located anywhere on your hard drive. The files that you have control over are located in the Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music and Movies folders.  You can use either of these two free apps, GrandPerspective  or OmniDiscSweeper, to find the largest files on your drive so you can determine if they can be deleted or moved to an external HD for storage.  

How to clear system storage?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.