How to fix large system data?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to fix large system data?

I recently attempted clearing out storage on my disk and i noticed my system data was unusually large taking up about 34GB. According to a source the average system data amount should be 12GB and this made me really concerned, so i attempted clearing out all my unused apps and documents and files. And then i browsed some more and decided to delete literally all my cache with the ~/Library cache etc path. Once i deleted every single thing i rebooted my computer only to see that my system data went up to approximately 62GB which was disappointing. (Which then went down to 29GB) How does this work and what is causing all this?

(I am not used to computers whatsoever and only use mine for studying so i do not know anything at all about this)

Posted on Dec 10, 2023 2:08 PM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,500 points

Dec 10, 2023 2:26 PM in response to ddiana04

Most users large libraries are their photo, music and movie libraries. What experienced users do is to move those libraries to an External Hard Disk.

Have you considered doing that?

Also I’m assuming you empty your Trash too, do you?

Reply

Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,500 points

Dec 10, 2023 2:37 PM in response to ddiana04

Deleting is a poor solution, moving libraries is dead easy. Just buy a quality External Hard Disk don’t by Walmart quality drives.

Once you have the drive moving the libraries is a simple copy and paste function. To teach apps where the libraries are just double click them in at the new location and you are done!

Reply

Answer 3

ddiana04 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 10, 2023 2:31 PM in response to rkaufmann87

I have considered doing that but since i’m not experienced i eventually just delete the music, photo, imovie and garageband folders entirely through settings - storage etc

And yes i always make sure to empty my trash

Reply

How to fix large system data?

Similar questions