Hi,
1. Is there a way(simple) to get back my disk space captured by this so called "purgeable space", or is there an app which can help do the same.
2. Does apps such as clean my mac/omnidisk sweeper help in getting the disk storage back from "purgeable space".
I am usuing macbook pro(mid 2015) 15", OS Sierra.
Subhash.
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
re: "Unfortunately there's no way to free purgeable space."
This is not true.
See the later answer. Here's what I just did to rid 72 GB purgable space:
Recognize that the purgable space is likely from Time Machine doing automatic hourly backups when you are disconnected from your external source. (In Sierra).
To see this, Open Time Machine. If, when disconnected from your external backup drive, you see a bundle of backups (I did!), then this is what's going on. MacOS is creating intermediary Time Machine backups while you're away from your external device. Potentially a very nice feature. Just not if you need the space to install large files or do a DRIVE sync or something.
To watch the purgable space go away, open up About This Mac, and click the Storage tab. This shows you your drive usage for any partitions, your purgable space, and particularly your remaining available space.
30 Second Solution:
- Go to System Preferences
- Open Time Machine
- Uncheck: Back Up Automatically.
That's it! Watch your purgable space disappear, reclaimed by available space!
I just gained back my 72GB.
(You can then decide if you want to return on Time Machine while you are away from your external drive -- or not).
Thanks Barney.
I just realized I didn't post the link to the article.
Here's the short version: What is 'Other' and 'Purgeable' in About This Mac? - Apple Support
And here's more info on freeing up space on your hard drive which talks about the purgeable section a bit: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
Information only, not an answer. iCloud is a syncing system, not an external storage system.
Thanks Eric, you are 100% correct. I've also moved my issue to my own question.
sudo tmutil disablelocal
Hihihi ! No problem ! At least I saved one from a 1hour searching​ session on tons upon tons of forums for a solution to this annoying problem !
Lolofo777
I don't really know what you mean but, i will show you what they are. Purgeable space is your disk trying to save your data; Compacting the file.
Thank you so much! This worked like a charm for me and seems to be a bit easier than some of the other fixes. So happy I saw your message. 🙂
Thanks for the workaround. It's crazy that we have to fool the OS into doing something that should be much more intuitive!
Well Done! Fab fix and worked a treat. The simplest ideas are the best!
And, shame on you Apple.
How to get back or remove purgeable space.
