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I wanted to update my software on my MacBook Air to macOs Monterey, and when I manually tried to do it, I was informed my disk doesn't have enough space for Monterey. I need 16.68 GB for that. Any suggestions on what to do next?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15
Empty Space Requirements >> If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 26GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44GB of available storage.
What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?
In Monterey the “Other “ category is named “ System Storage “.
Free up storage space on your Mac
How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac
See used and available storage space on your Mac
Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
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.
Empty Space Requirements >> If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 26GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44GB of available storage.
What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?
In Monterey the “Other “ category is named “ System Storage “.
Free up storage space on your Mac
How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac
See used and available storage space on your Mac
Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
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.
In future, purchase a Mac with greater storage capacity. 120GB is not enough and 256GB would be the new bare minimum for the average user. 512GB for power users and 1TB+ for professional users with large amounts of data.
Here is the short, best answer. When you run out of space on your HD you will need to install an external disk. Then you can transfer files, such as photos or music files to the external disk and that will allow you to delete them from your HD to clear up the needed storage space. These days these disks are cost effective, compact, easy to install with vendor provided USB cables and most do not require external power. You may have to reformat it though. There is a large selection of disks to choose from. This solution will allow you to easily have the storage you need.
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