"System Data" on storage is over 250GB and no easy way to delete it

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Level 1

26 points

"System Data" on storage is over 250GB and no easy way to delete it

This is my third Mac that is getting totally full of System Data.

I don't have time machine actively setup so it shouldn't be that.

I keep most of my files on external hard drives or in iCloud, so it's a total mystery why this is getting so full and Apple gives us no way to clean it up.

All the forums I've read have some very complicated instructions to go into terminal or cache libraries - but I have no idea what i'm deleting or where the massive data is being stored.

The only solution seems to be one of those apps like Clean my Mac or similar, but everyone says to avoid that.

Any real solutions out there? Or am I doomed to just run out of space the more I use my computer?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Jan 28, 2024 6:25 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 28, 2024 6:28 PM in response to noazaimon

Try restarting your device. This will clear any unwanted system cache and logs.

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Answer 2

Kzio777

Level 1

17 points

Jan 28, 2024 7:52 PM in response to noazaimon

Go to Library -> Application Support and delete the folders of third-party apps.

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Jan 29, 2024 1:33 PM in response to noazaimon

Additionally, this data is handled by the OS and you cannot control it. Restarting or shutting down/booting up is about the only step that helps.

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Answer 4

Jan 28, 2024 9:09 PM in response to noazaimon

"Other" is comprised of data that doesn't nicely fit into more specific categories.

If you'd like to know more about it and how you might manage the larger files on your Mac, please see:

What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how… - Apple Community

Also, if you don't wish to lose your photos or other very important personal data, I strongly advise that you do implement a Time Machine or other backup strategy. Do do without is to guarantee that you will lose something sometime, and it's usually at the worst time.

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"System Data" on storage is over 250GB and no easy way to delete it

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