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User profile for user: StaticRevo
StaticRevo Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

MacOS and System Data Taking Over 100GB of Storage - How to Resolve?

Hi Everyone,


I'm experiencing a significant storage issue on my MacBook Air. The System Data and macOS is taking up over 100GB of my storage. I’ve tried several common solutions, but nothing seems to help. Here are the details:

Steps I’ve Taken So Far:

  1. Checked Storage Usage:
    1. Opened "About This Mac" > "Storage" and noticed the "System Data" is taking up an unexpectedly large amount of space.
  2. Cleared Cache and Temporary Files:
    1. Removed cache files using Finder and third-party tools like CleanMyMac.
  3. Deleted Unnecessary Files:
    1. Manually deleted old files, downloads, and unused applications.
  4. Optimized Storage:
    1. Enabled “Optimize Storage” in the Apple menu > "About This Mac" > "Storage".
  5. Checked for Malware:
    1. Scanned my system using Malwarebytes to ensure there are no malicious files causing this issue.
  6. Used Disk Utility:
    • Ran First Aid on the disk to check for any disk errors.


Despite these efforts, the System Data is still occupying an excessive amount of storage. I’m unsure what steps to take next and would appreciate any advice or solutions.


MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jun 25, 2024 1:21 PM

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User profile for user: woodmeister50
woodmeister50
User level: Level 7
20,395 points

Posted on Jun 26, 2024 4:29 AM

FWIW, "System Data" is not just space used with macOS system applications but it is also contains user data that does not neatly fit into one of the other categories. Often a lot of this but not all can be found in the hidden user's Library folder (accessed by holding down the Option key and selecting the "Go" menu in Finder.


If you open this folder look at the size of the "Application Support" folder. Depending on your apps, they could be storing a lot of data in these folders. Before messing with anything in these folders, you need to go to the application developer site and see what can be done with them. Some apps can allow certain portions of that data to be located on an external drive.


As for the amount you are seeing, 50-60 GB is not unusual for "System Data".

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: woodmeister50
woodmeister50
User level: Level 7
20,395 points

Jun 26, 2024 4:29 AM in response to StaticRevo

FWIW, "System Data" is not just space used with macOS system applications but it is also contains user data that does not neatly fit into one of the other categories. Often a lot of this but not all can be found in the hidden user's Library folder (accessed by holding down the Option key and selecting the "Go" menu in Finder.


If you open this folder look at the size of the "Application Support" folder. Depending on your apps, they could be storing a lot of data in these folders. Before messing with anything in these folders, you need to go to the application developer site and see what can be done with them. Some apps can allow certain portions of that data to be located on an external drive.


As for the amount you are seeing, 50-60 GB is not unusual for "System Data".

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MacOS and System Data Taking Over 100GB of Storage - How to Resolve?

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