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Q: How can I reduce the number of versions time capsule keeps?

Hello,

 

How may I prevent my computer from making Time Capsule backups except only in the case where I have an external backup drive plugged into the machine?

 

It seems a waste to have the machine do backups straight to my MacBook Pro.

 

Is there a way to delete all backups which are only straight on the MBP and retain only the ones on the external drive?

 

Many thanks

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2010), OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)

Posted on Jul 2, 2015 8:19 AM

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Q: How can I reduce the number of versions time capsule keeps?

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jul 2, 2015 9:25 AM in response to uworlds
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    Jul 2, 2015 9:25 AM in response to uworlds
    How may I prevent my computer from making Time Capsule backups except only in the case where I have an external backup drive plugged into the machine?

     

    Sorry, but this is not possible unless you make unsupported modifications to the operating system using Terminal commands....or turn off Time Machine.

     

    Backups to your MacBook Pro are called "local snapshots". They are temporary, and will only occur when your Mac has plenty of space on its startup drive. Older local snapshots will be deleted automatically if less than 20% of the storage space on your Mac is available.

     

    Is there a way to delete all backups which are only straight on the MBP and retain only the ones on the external drive?

    Sorry, but no.

     

    More info here:      About Time Machine local snapshots - Apple Support