Hi Patreil,
welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: "Where are the other 179gb in my user folder?"
Wondering if the apps that use those folders also have "temporary" files stored elsewhere (eg temporary files used by those apps may be stored on the system)
and
Seems files stored on the desktop may take up more memory /storage space than the same files put into a "Desktop" folder.
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Re: Why does this seem like a glitch? Does anyone know how to fix this?
The most accurate place to check storage on Mac is always:
Click (black apple in menu bar) Apple Menu > About this Mac > Storage.
In the coloured bar:
Move the pointer over a colour to see the amount of space each category uses.
How iOS and macOS report storage capacity – Apple Support
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Re: Can't find folders taking up space on MacBook Pro
Seems best to always back-up everything, before deleting anything.
Apple support's online articles may help:
See used and available storage space on your Mac – Apple Support
How to: Delete files and folders on Mac – Apple Support
How to: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
How to: Optimise storage space on your Mac – Apple Support
You might want to put old (or new) photos, videos, or large files on an external storage hard drive and access them that way.
If needed: How to: Connect and use other storage devices with Mac - Apple Support
If you delete items:
You may need to empty the bin, and restart Mac, to see the changed storage amount.
All the best :-)