System use of drive storage too high (I think?)

Hi jellik7292

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Re: "System use of drive storage too high (I think?) seems to be using an inordinate amount of storage space -

176GB on my 250GB drive. What's up with that and what can I do to reduce it?"

Apologies for the tardy reply.

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Re: What's up with that

The way I understand it: Seems the system uses some space to keep your Mac operating smoothly, yet there can also be temporary files etc., from various apps that the system can delete if it needs the space to operate.

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Re: what can I do to reduce it?

Seems the actual "system" storage can not be modified without causing harm.

The recommended way to handle reducing the system storage amount seems to be by working through the apps that have various files taking up space there, and, especially, deleting large files in those apps.

A Mac needs at least 50 Gb free for your Operating System to work smoothly

Most accurate place to check: Apple menu > About This Mac, then click Storage.

For more detail and tips: See used and available storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

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For starters: It is wise to back up everything on your Mac: (eg: to an external storage drive), before deleting anything / unnecessary data / files / etc.

Eg: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

or

How to: Connect and use other storage devices with Mac - Apple Support

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NB: If you use iCloud: files you delete from your Mac will delete anywhere else that is in sync via iCloud

How to: Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud - Apple Support

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You may want to browse through Apple support's articles below, to check out ways of reclaiming space

How to: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

How to: Find and delete files on your Mac - Apple Support

How to: Optimize storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

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After freeing up space, you may need to empty the bin, and restart your Mac in order to see the most accurate new estimate of storage space. (Eg: Apple menu > About this Mac)

If needed: MacBook Pro Support website (info. / support / contact):

MacBook Pro - Official Apple Support

All the best :-)