I got a notification on my computer the other day that said an update was available for my MAC OS. Long story short, when I went to download the update I was told that there isn't enough disk space to allow the update to run.
So my question: can Apple apps like GarageBand and Numbers and Pages run from an external disk drive? I've done about all I can do to free up space, so apps or a new computer seem to be my only options.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.7
Mike Strohmeyer wrote:
I got a notification on my computer the other day that said an update was available for my MAC OS. Long story short, when I went to download the update I was told that there isn't enough disk space to allow the update to run.
The final word from Apple on Managing the " System Data “ Category
System Data: 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.
There are areas of the Operating System we users have control over and that is the User Account Folder ( Home Folder )
All other areas are not accessible
It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 20% to 25% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space.
Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences including what this computer is experiencing Now
So my question: can Apple apps like GarageBand and Numbers and Pages run from an external disk drive? I've done about all I can do to free up space, so apps or a new computer seem to be my only options.
I would not try this, as there maybe many dependancies related to the above applications
You can remove the applications and it may allow some space for the Update.
This may allow you enough time and space to do a Major House cleaning and NOT by introducing any Third Party Cleaners or Disk Optimizers
There is Purgeable Space and there is Empty Space.
Purgeable Space which is Controlled by the Operating System. When the Operating Systems decides the computer needs additional Empty Space, it will move a portion of the Purgeable to Empty space
AFAIK - there is no User Actions to hasten this transition from Purgeable to Empty Space
It can day or longer before this will occur.
The links below will assist in identifying what is taking up space on the Internal Drive and provide possible ways to remove data that is under the direct control of the User ( Home Folder ) .
Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac
What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?
Free up storage space on your Mac
GrandPerspective
How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac.
View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support (CA)
Often caused if the Time Machine Drive has not been attached to the computer and TM Backup is set to run on a Schedule.
TM Backup will make Snap Shot on the Internal Drive awaiting the TM Backup Drive to be attached.
Only then will the Snaps Shots be transferred to the External Drive and deleted the Internal Drive.
See used and available storage space on your Mac
Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Is there a Suite of Adobe Applications used on this computer ?
They may create some very large cache files that can be removed. Though, the Adobe cache files will be recreated as the Applications needs them.
https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/premiere-pro/kb/clear-cache.html
Mike Strohmeyer wrote:
I got a notification on my computer the other day that said an update was available for my MAC OS. Long story short, when I went to download the update I was told that there isn't enough disk space to allow the update to run.
The final word from Apple on Managing the " System Data “ Category
System Data: 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.
There are areas of the Operating System we users have control over and that is the User Account Folder ( Home Folder )
All other areas are not accessible
It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 20% to 25% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space.
Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences including what this computer is experiencing Now
So my question: can Apple apps like GarageBand and Numbers and Pages run from an external disk drive? I've done about all I can do to free up space, so apps or a new computer seem to be my only options.
I would not try this, as there maybe many dependancies related to the above applications
You can remove the applications and it may allow some space for the Update.
This may allow you enough time and space to do a Major House cleaning and NOT by introducing any Third Party Cleaners or Disk Optimizers
There is Purgeable Space and there is Empty Space.
Purgeable Space which is Controlled by the Operating System. When the Operating Systems decides the computer needs additional Empty Space, it will move a portion of the Purgeable to Empty space
AFAIK - there is no User Actions to hasten this transition from Purgeable to Empty Space
It can day or longer before this will occur.
The links below will assist in identifying what is taking up space on the Internal Drive and provide possible ways to remove data that is under the direct control of the User ( Home Folder ) .
Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac
What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?
Free up storage space on your Mac
GrandPerspective
How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac.
View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support (CA)
Often caused if the Time Machine Drive has not been attached to the computer and TM Backup is set to run on a Schedule.
TM Backup will make Snap Shot on the Internal Drive awaiting the TM Backup Drive to be attached.
Only then will the Snaps Shots be transferred to the External Drive and deleted the Internal Drive.
See used and available storage space on your Mac
Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Is there a Suite of Adobe Applications used on this computer ?
They may create some very large cache files that can be removed. Though, the Adobe cache files will be recreated as the Applications needs them.
https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/premiere-pro/kb/clear-cache.html
Wow! You gave me much more than I asked for. Thanks so much. I knew some of what you wrote but some of the rest helps me understand a few things about my Mac that I didn't know before. Sad to say, I've been something of a Mac super user since about 1985 and I still don't know a lot I probably should. Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Welcome
The very Best in 2024
Running Out of Space - MacBook Air
