Eneble to find Data Storage

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Eneble to find Data Storage

Dear support,

I own a MacBook Pro 13 - 2017 with macOS Ventura 13.1.

I'm having a problem with the storage of my computer. I have a memory of 120 GB, of which 70 GB are used, 50GB of them are of System Data, but I can't find where are located to delete them.

I have checked all of your support articles on the forum's support, but they did not help me:

- The trash bin is empty;

- There is only one user on the computer;

- I deleted everything on the download, video, images folders;

- I deleted the Cache files in Library > Chache;

- I disconected the mail from the Mail App, and now it's empty;

- I uninstalled unwanted apps;

I also installed OminiDiskSweeper as recomended, but it analyze just 36GB out of the 70GB used. The app got all the permission allowed. I have the same issue also with with ClanMyMac X, which analyze only 36GB of the 70GB used storage.

How can I locate the System Data and delete theme?

Thank you for your assistance,

Adrian

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Mar 23, 2024 9:33 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Community+ 2026

Level 9

74,802 points

Mar 23, 2024 8:38 PM in response to AdrianHarazin

System Data is controlled by macOS so there is not a lot you can do about lowering it. macOS storage is complicated especially with APFS volumes. Plus the information in the macOS Storage Management section can be incorrect many times since I believe it may be related to Spotlight indexing of the system. Here is another thread with some more detailed explanations & suggestions of where to look for the items that you may be able to manage & affect (be sure to look at the later responses as well):

System data taking up 115GB - Apple Community

Many times a large amount of System Data will be contained within hidden APFS snapshots usually associated with Time Machine backups or even with third party backup software. Backup APFS snapshots are controlled by the backup software and will automatically deleted once the backup has been successfully transferred to external media although a backup snapshot remain to allow for easier recovery if needed (including when you may not have your backup drive with you).

View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

Even with OmniDiskSweeper and similar apps....even when launched with root privileges, they can no longer access certain areas of the system even some areas within your own home user folder (usually some folders within the hidden Library folder within your home user folder). APFS snapshots are not visible with any app other than through Disk Utility or the Time Machine software (possibly only using the command line Time Machine utility).

Storage is very complicated with the APFS file system plus all the new privacy & security features of macOS complicates things even more since some things just are not visible or even accessible.

Uninstall CleanMyMac and any other cleaning/optimizer apps you have installed as well as any anti-virus apps and third party security software. These types of apps usually cause more problems than they solve since they interfere with the normal operation of macOS.

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Eneble to find Data Storage

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