Can't get rid of "System Data" extra storage on Mac

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Level 1

26 points

Can't get rid of "System Data" extra storage on Mac

Hey folks, I keep running out of storage on my computer because of "System Data" going up to 255 GB

I have tried all kinds of things like restarting the computer, cleaning out cache folders, etc. and this keeps happening.

In fact it happens on every Mac I have ever owned.

All the forums keep saying the same thing like 'delete time machine' or 'clear library cache' but that doesn't do anything.

The forums also say 'don't use daisy disk or mac keeper'

What is the correct way to get rid of this ridiculously large data storage?

For context, I work in media, so I use Adobe products all day long with video files and photography connected to external hard drives. None of these are stored on the computer.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Apr 5, 2024 10:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

noazaimon Author

Level 1

26 points

Apr 7, 2024 9:11 AM in response to HWTech

OMG you are a lifesaver!

FINALLY I found where all this data hogging was coming from! There was about 200 GB in After Effects Cache files hidden deep in the libraries from 2021, 2022, 2023 versions of After Effects.

Since those files are all super small, they would never show up.

It was only because I used that Grand Perspective app I could see how all these files had the same path. I also found an extra 70 GB of random cache data for Premiere audio renders, and even spotify cache files. WOW.

Thank you so much!!

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Answer 2

noazaimon Author

Level 1

26 points

Apr 7, 2024 9:08 AM in response to Ronasara

Yeah I always use external drives for everything - that wasn't the problem. The problem was there was hidden cache getting into my folder from various apps. I used Grand Perspective app to find all these like the example above. Apple makes this stuff impossible to find.

Problem solved - but it was more complicated.

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Answer 3

Apr 5, 2024 9:51 PM in response to noazaimon

See the post by @Old Toad here which explains what makes up System Data:

How to safely Manage system data on MacBo… - Apple Community

You definitely do not want to use any cleaning or optimizer apps because the usually cause more problems than they solve.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8841

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Answer 4

Ronasara

Level 6

15,611 points

Apr 6, 2024 10:32 AM in response to noazaimon

Also, it is not possible to mess with Apple's System Data as it is write protected. If you could, you would cause serious problems. Why not just install an external disk and use it for additional storage? Problem solved.

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Can't get rid of "System Data" extra storage on Mac

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