iCloud Storage is filling my MacBook

Question

Level 1

9 points

iCloud Storage is filling my MacBook

Hello,

I currently have a MacBook Pro with 256GB of flash storage, and 2TB of iCloud storage to make up for the lack of space on my MacBook. However, my computer is constantly trying to download my entire iCloud library to my MacBook. Because I don't have nearly enough space on my MacBook for everything in my iCloud, I've tried selecting the "Optimize Mac Storage" option under iCloud preferences. This so far has kept my MacBook at near-capacity at all times by partially downloading my iCloud -- This is where my problem lies: when I try to download a file from iCloud I actually need (Let's say a video file or document), My MacBook doesn't have enough space because it's too full of other stuff I need to store via iCloud that I DON'T need at that point in time.

Is there a way for me to keep all my files in the cloud and not on my MacBook until I need them?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015), macOS Sierra (10.12.6)

Posted on Aug 14, 2017 3:31 PM

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Answer 1

Bradforth

Level 1

114 points

Aug 14, 2017 5:35 PM in response to smonroetx

Hey there Smonroetx

First thing I would do is check my overall storage, go to "About this Mac" then "Storage", "Manage" and find out where all your storage is being used and manage it appropriately.

In regards to what you want to use iCloud for, check this link: Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support and go down to "Turn off Desktop and Documents"

Hope this has helped a little bit.

Brad

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,239 points

Aug 15, 2017 11:56 AM in response to smonroetx

One option to free up space would be to move your Photos Library to an external hard drive. Then quit/reopen Photos with the option/alt key held down and make the external hard drive file the system Library. Once you are sure all your photos are there, you can delete the Library from the internal drive if desired. Once you do this, the external hard drive will need to be attached to access/sync your photos.

Article if for iPhoto, but the basics are the same.

iPhoto: Move your iPhoto library to a new location

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Answer 3

smonroetx Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 14, 2017 6:11 PM in response to Bradforth

Hi Bradforth,

108GB of my storage is going to iCloud right now (It was higher, but I've ended up deleting some things from iCloud to free up space).

It's the largest chunk of space right now.

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