Can/should I reduce the "System Data" that is using 20% of my total Flash Storage?

Question

Can/should I reduce the "System Data" that is using 20% of my total Flash Storage?

Hi all,

I was just storing files on my external hard-drive to create space on my Flash Storage (500GB) and after removing a large amount of photos and videos, noticed that "System Data" still accounts for 93GB (almost 20%) of my total Storage capacity.

I have no clue as to what "system data" is, what it's storing, or if/how I can/should reduce its size?

Any guidance would be most welcome!

Cheers from Amsterdam,

Max

MacBook Pro

Posted on Oct 31, 2022 6:00 AM

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Answer 1

Lindsay_B.

Community Specialist

Nov 2, 2022 12:07 PM in response to maximilianfromamsterdam

Hi maximilianfromamsterdam,

System Data contains a variety of information that does not fall into other storage categories. Check out the details about it below, taken from the Apple Support article detailing storage See used and available storage space on your Mac - Apple Support:

You can use the guidance in the below Apple Support resources to learn how to manage your Mac storage:

Best.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,060 points

Nov 2, 2022 1:18 PM in response to maximilianfromamsterdam

In addition to Lindsay_B.'s recommendations, you may find neuroanatomist's User Tip helpful: What is "Other" storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out? - Apple Community.

What Apple used to label "Other" is now labeled "System Data".

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Answer 3

Nov 11, 2022 3:17 AM in response to John Galt

Hi John,

Thank you very much for the linked article! It helped me understand better what's in the System Data and also how to be able to look into it and delete stuff if necessary. As in the example, Outlook seems to occupy a lot of space!

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