System Data Storage on Macbook Pro

I put a whole bunch of video files on my laptop while filming on vacation. I am running Sonoma 14.2.1. I did this as a second copy of data (also copying files to an external hard drive) knowing I would transfer them to my NAS when I got home. This was over 7TB of data on my 8 TB drive. After copying the data, I moved the files to the trash and then emptied the trash. Now, although they are gone, a huge amount of corresponding storage space shows up as used space in system data. As I use my computer for video editing, I am concerned about this apparent reappropriation of used "storage" space for what has been trashed. Video editing takes a ginormous amount of space to work properly. Am I thinking incorrectly in that this will affect my ability to edit? Do I need to fix this? Is there a fix?

Posted on Mar 9, 2024 6:27 AM

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Mar 9, 2024 4:50 PM in response to lowetide

I you use backup software on this drive and it uses the APFS file system, then the data you deleted may still reside in a hidden APFS snapshot. Usually these APSF snapshots will be automatically deleted once the backup has transferred to external media, but it may still retain one APFS snapshot in order to allow for faster restoration of data. Some backup software may keep more than one APFS snapshot for longer periods of time....this may be adjustable in the settings of the backup software.

View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

If you try to view the APFS snapshots for the boot drive, then you need to click on the "Data" volume before the option to "Show APFS snapshots" on the View menu of Disk Utility (the View menu on the menu bar).

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System Data Storage on Macbook Pro