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Big Sur "Other" folder bug

Hi Apple community,


I have an issue on multiple machines running Big Sur (2015 MacBook Pro + 2 M1 MacBook Pro) where deleted iCloud files, deleted photos from the photo app and deleted videos move into the "Other" folder as soon as they are emptied from my trash. This is seemingly ridiculous? There is an exact correlation between the size of data I trash and the immediate increase in the other folder.


Even after a reset and re-install, the MacBooks seem to retain a large portion of the other and boot with other files as big as 20GB.


Has anyone else experienced this and have any solutions?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.5

Posted on Aug 13, 2021 1:34 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 14, 2021 7:26 AM

cahils wrote:

Big Sur "Other" folder bug

I have an issue on multiple machines running Big Sur (2015 MacBook Pro + 2 M1 MacBook Pro) where deleted iCloud files, deleted photos from the photo app and deleted videos move into the "Other" folder as soon as they are emptied from my trash. This is seemingly ridiculous? There is an exact correlation between the size of data I trash and the immediate increase in the other folder.

Even after a reset and re-install, the MacBooks seem to retain a large portion of the other and boot with other files as big as 20GB.




Empty your Trash — Delete files and folders on Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/delete-files-and-folders-on-mac-mchlp1093/mac


How to free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206996


See used and available storage space on your Mac

https://support.apple.com/guide/system-information/see-available-storage-space-syspf9b375b9/10.14/mac/10.15


User tip: "Other and What Can I Do About It ?"

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5142


Try something like OmniDiskSweeper for a GUI to get a good look at itemized file size and location:

OmniDiskSweeper http://www.omnigroup.com/more


Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 14, 2021 7:26 AM in response to cahils

cahils wrote:

Big Sur "Other" folder bug

I have an issue on multiple machines running Big Sur (2015 MacBook Pro + 2 M1 MacBook Pro) where deleted iCloud files, deleted photos from the photo app and deleted videos move into the "Other" folder as soon as they are emptied from my trash. This is seemingly ridiculous? There is an exact correlation between the size of data I trash and the immediate increase in the other folder.

Even after a reset and re-install, the MacBooks seem to retain a large portion of the other and boot with other files as big as 20GB.




Empty your Trash — Delete files and folders on Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/delete-files-and-folders-on-mac-mchlp1093/mac


How to free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206996


See used and available storage space on your Mac

https://support.apple.com/guide/system-information/see-available-storage-space-syspf9b375b9/10.14/mac/10.15


User tip: "Other and What Can I Do About It ?"

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5142


Try something like OmniDiskSweeper for a GUI to get a good look at itemized file size and location:

OmniDiskSweeper http://www.omnigroup.com/more


Big Sur "Other" folder bug

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