Applications taking up much more storage than they should be

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Applications taking up much more storage than they should be

For reference, I have a 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro running version 12.5.1 of Monterey with 250 GB of storage.

My computer seems to be overestimating how much storage my apps are using by a long shot. My largest app is 4.2 GB (Photoshop) and everything else is under 2 GB, equalling just under 17 GB. Finder recognizes my applications folder as taking up this amount. However, in System Information, it says that my apps are taking up nearly 114 GB of storage. This is not the only group of files that seem to be having this issue, but my apps are the worst. I've attached pictures for reference.

I've tried deleting apps and files within the apps, as well as resetting the Spotlight for my applications folder, but nothing seems to work. How can I reduce the number of GB that my apps are taking up? I have not been able to update my computer because of this issue and I've tried just about everything I could find.

Storage size shown in Finder.

Storage as seen in System Information.

Storage seen as in System Information.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Apr 29, 2024 6:49 PM

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Answer 1

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Careymoose Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 30, 2024 4:25 PM in response to TheLittles

Thank everyone for your help! Using the "delete Other storage" link, I was able to find that Application Support is using over 100 GB of storage, with Spotify occupying a whopping 84 GB of this. I deleted Spotify and the Application Support file that went with it and freed up 80 GB of space! I really appreciate the help.

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Answer 2

Apr 29, 2024 7:11 PM in response to Careymoose

Double click your User folder in your first screen shot. I assume you only have 1 user listed there, if you have more, let us know. Then double click the user name and you will see another Applications folder. Do you have anything stored in there? If you do have more than one user, does the Application folder there contain more apps?

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Answer 3

Apr 29, 2024 7:24 PM in response to Careymoose

Also verify that you do not have a lot of files in your Downloads folder. This is not included in the storage items in Settings, but may contains Apps that are counted.

My memory is weak with Mac OS Montery, but the Applications reported there contains more apps that what is in the Applications Folder, whether it is the System or User's Applications. Does it give you more information when you choose :Manage in the second screen shot.

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Answer 4

TheLittles

Level 10

204,713 points

Apr 30, 2024 7:33 PM in response to Careymoose

Careymoose Said:

“Thank everyone for your help! Using the ‘delete Other storage’ link, I was able to find that Application Support is using over 100 GB of storage, with Spotify occupying a whopping 84 GB of this. I deleted Spotify and the Application Support file that went with it and freed up 80 GB of space! I really appreciate the help.”

———-

You are most welcome.

Excellent job troubleshooting!

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Answer 5

TheLittles

Level 10

204,713 points

Apr 29, 2024 7:47 PM in response to Careymoose

Careymoose Said:

"Applications taking up much more storage than they should be: For reference, I have a 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro running version 12.5.1 of Monterey with 250 GB of storage"

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Clear "System Data":

See that long, dark grey line (below the "Manage..." button)? That contains caches caches. So, try clearing them, as well, and you would get lots of pace back. Use this Link: How to delete Other storage on a Mac - Macworld

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Applications taking up much more storage than they should be

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