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How to get rid of an accidentally downloaded old system update

I downloaded an old system update by mistake. Now it takes so much storage from Macintosh that I can't download a new one. How can I get rid of this old update? I really need to update my Macbook pro to the latest system.


The old update I accidentally uploaded was macOS 15.10 or something like that? Catalina?

I need to shift it to macOS Monterey.


Thank you so much if you know how to help!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 19, 2021 8:18 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 19, 2021 8:35 AM

marja193 wrote:

I downloaded an old system update by mistake. Now it takes so much storage from Macintosh that I can't download a new one. How can I get rid of this old update? I really need to update my Macbook pro to the latest system.

The old update I accidentally uploaded was macOS 15.10 or something like that? Catalina?
I need to shift it to macOS Monterey.

Thank you so much if you know how to help!


? downloaded ?


If you downloaded the full installer it will be in your Applications folder... "Install macOS Catalina.app" you delete it like an other application.


How to upgrade to macOS Monterey

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735


These install pkg(s) are a mere ~12-13 GB, and yes more space to unpack...maybe as much as 45 GB free.


Sounds like you need to do some housecleaning... SSD like to have 20-25% free storage at all times to function efficiently:


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


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 19, 2021 8:35 AM in response to marja193

marja193 wrote:

I downloaded an old system update by mistake. Now it takes so much storage from Macintosh that I can't download a new one. How can I get rid of this old update? I really need to update my Macbook pro to the latest system.

The old update I accidentally uploaded was macOS 15.10 or something like that? Catalina?
I need to shift it to macOS Monterey.

Thank you so much if you know how to help!


? downloaded ?


If you downloaded the full installer it will be in your Applications folder... "Install macOS Catalina.app" you delete it like an other application.


How to upgrade to macOS Monterey

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735


These install pkg(s) are a mere ~12-13 GB, and yes more space to unpack...maybe as much as 45 GB free.


Sounds like you need to do some housecleaning... SSD like to have 20-25% free storage at all times to function efficiently:


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


Nov 19, 2021 9:59 AM in response to marja193

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


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other " Category


  • Other: 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.


Tips Monterey Upgrade 


How to get rid of an accidentally downloaded old system update

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