User profile for user: pt1989
pt1989 Author
User level: Level 1
23 points

Time Machine Backups Too Big

I use Time Machine to make weekly backups on my MBP but I recently noticed that the backups were exceedingly large compared to previous backups. My previous backups were only about 5 GB but now they are about 250 GB and my Mac's hard drive is only 500 GB. Since I don't recall adding a large amount of files, I am absolutely puzzled because I thought Time Machine only backs up modified or added files. I don't know if this has anything to do with the problem but I also have Time Machine backup my files in Dropbox, most of which are Symbolic Links (but I have been doing this since before the problem started).

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)

Posted on Oct 1, 2016 12:35 PM

Reply
2 replies
User profile for user: K Shaffer
K Shaffer
User level: Level 8
36,022 points

Oct 1, 2016 1:48 PM in response to pt1989

If you had been using an externally enclosed hard drive as Time Machine

or in conjunction with Time Capsule (airport base with built-in storage) &

then had not for awhile, the otherwise smaller 'snapshots' that usually

get stored inside the portable computer may become a bit larger...


Since the Time Machine saves to a drive to give you a backup to restore

from, ideally the place it saves to most often should be external to the Mac.

So the Time Capsule hardware is a fairly good idea. Or use an externally

enclosed hard disk drive; and remember to have it available to your MB/Pro.


Here's a fair article (link) that generally covers the topic. Beyond this, are

several Support articles about Time Machine (& Time Capsule/AirPort) at

the Apple support site...


•Losing Mac drive space to "Backups?" Don't panic! | iMore

www.imore.com/losing-hard-drive-space-backups-dont-panic

Jan 6, 2015 - Apple's Time Machine software makes sure that your Mac is always ...

will take care of whatever it needs to if the local snapshots get too big.


• About Time Machine local snapshots - Apple Support

• If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine - Apple Support


More about Time Machine:


• Apple OS X and Time Machine Tips:

http://www.pondini.org/OSX/Home.html


Hopefully you have an available backup storage for your Time Machine to use.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Time Machine Backups Too Big

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up