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To free up space on a Mac, first check which storage category is taking up room, then review large downloads, remove apps or old device backups you no longer need, and empty Trash after checking it. The right target depends on what is stored on your Mac, so no single step guarantees a particular amount of free space.
1. Find and remove large files and downloads
Start with the Storage view so you can focus on what is actually using space instead of deleting files at random. On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. On earlier macOS versions, use Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. Apple’s storage guide and Storage settings guide explain the version-specific views.
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In Storage, review the categories and open Documents or other available management options to find large files and downloads. Prioritize items you recognize and no longer need—such as an old installer, duplicate file, or media you can stream or download again. Check the file before removing it; size alone does not tell you whether it is safe to delete.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Look for old downloads, large videos, and other files you can replace or do without.
- Review Mail junk and deleted messages or attachments if mail data is a substantial category.
- If you want to keep large files, move them to an external storage device rather than deleting them. Photos and iMovie libraries can take substantial space, according to Apple.
2. Uninstall apps you do not use and remove old device backups
Unused apps and old iPhone or iPad backups are two more possible cleanup targets. Check the Storage view for available management choices, and delete only apps or backups you are sure you no longer need.
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For a non-Apple app, use the developer’s uninstaller when one is available. Simply moving an app to the Trash may leave related login items, extensions, or other app data behind. Apple’s app deletion and uninstall guidance covers removing apps and notes that some apps have their own uninstallers.
If the files you want to retain are too large for your Mac, an external drive is another option. iCloud can also keep some Desktop and Documents files, Photos, and Messages available on demand, but it uses your iCloud storage plan and requires cloud access. It is not the same as deleting files, and whether it helps depends on your account’s available capacity. Apple describes these choices in its storage optimization guide.
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3. Check and empty Trash
Moving files to Trash does not immediately free their space. Apple states: “When you move a file to the Trash, its storage space doesn’t become available until you empty the Trash.” Review the Trash first, because emptying it permanently deletes its contents; then choose Finder > Empty Trash. See Apple’s instructions.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFinder can also be set to remove Trash items automatically after they have been there for more than 30 days. That setting can permanently delete files you have not reviewed, so use it only if you are comfortable with that consequence; Apple describes it in its storage optimization guide.
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What to do if System Data is taking up space
System Data—called Other in some macOS versions—is a broad category for files that do not fit elsewhere. Apple lists examples such as logs, caches, virtual memory files, temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. The contents vary with the Mac’s current state and are managed by macOS. Avoid deleting system folders indiscriminately or assuming that a particular System Data amount can safely be reclaimed.
macOS can clear caches and logs that are safe to remove when it needs space. If an immediate task, such as installing an update, is blocked, Safe Mode may clear certain system caches that macOS can recreate. This can help temporarily, but it is not a guaranteed or permanent cleanup method. Apple explains these behaviors in its storage guidance.
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Optional ways to make more room without deleting files
If the three cleanup steps are not enough, Apple’s storage recommendations offer alternatives, each with a trade-off:
- Optimize Storage: macOS can remove watched Apple TV movies and shows and keep only recent email attachments on the Mac when space is needed.
- Use iCloud: Some files can be kept in iCloud and made available on demand. This depends on your plan’s available storage and cloud access.
- Use external storage: Move files you want to keep, such as large photo or video libraries, to another storage device.
These options are described in Apple’s guide to optimizing storage and guide to freeing Mac storage.
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