Unable to update MacBook Pro due to storage issues

“Storage on Macbook Pro: I am unable to update my software on my Mac as it says it doesn't have enough storage. None of the articles have been helpful. I don't store that much on my laptop so I don't understand how a simple update cannot be done/stored.[…]“

———-

Clear [lots of] Space. Read the following...

Clearing Space on a Mac:

Mac Storage:

Try clearing internal storage. Do so, though use of the following:

What Space to Clear:

A. Clear Temporary Internet Files:

Clear your Temporary Internet Files(Cookies & Cache) of Safari:

• Cookies perform remembrance of certain site-entered data.
• Cache keeps a snapshot of the last time you visited a site.

Go Here: Manage Cookies and Website Data in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

Also...



B. Clean TV and Music Libraries:

Remove all unneeded files from your TV and Music Libraries. Full-Movies take up 2-4GB typically, and a bunch of those would take up a load of storage, ideally. So, if you have any movies that are not needed, then delete them.

Also...



C.See these Links:

• Free Up Storage Space on your Mac - Apple Support

• Optimize Storage Space on your Mac - Apple Support

• See Used and Available Storage Space on your Mac - Apple Support

You are running precariously close to having too much stuff on the startup drive. If you don’t allow a minimum of free space all the time, perhaps 10% of the total capacity, then you risk the drive becoming too full and preventing the computer from booting.

You would be wise to consider the use of an external drive to house any files which you don’t need daily.

“Thanks, what helped in the end was deleting an old iPhone backup that was on the computer. It took a while to find it but once that was deleted, it freed up the space for the new upgrade.”

———-

You are welcome.

Excellent job troubleshooting this!