How to Delete System Storage on Mac

In this tutorial, we will learn how to delete system storage on your Mac. System storage refers to the space occupied by the operating system and other essential files on your computer.

Over time, this storage can accumulate and take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive. By deleting unnecessary system files, you can free up precious disk space and improve the performance of your Mac.

Step 1: Determine the Amount of System Storage

Before we begin deleting system storage, it’s essential to know how much space it is currently occupying on your Mac. To check this:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select “About This Mac” from the drop-down menu.

3. In the window that appears, click on the “Storage” tab.

4. You will see a breakdown of different categories of storage, including “System.” Note down the amount of system storage displayed.

Step 2: Clear Caches and Temporary Files

Caches and temporary files are created by apps and services on your Mac to speed up processes. However, these files can accumulate over time and take up a significant amount of system storage.

To clear them:

1. Open Finder and click on “Go” in the top menu bar.

2. Hold down the “Option” key on your keyboard, and you will see a new option called “Library. “

3. Click on “Library” to open it.

4. Navigate to the following folders one by one and delete the contents inside:

• Caches

• Logs

• Preferences

• Application Support

• Containers

• Saved Application State

Step 3: Remove Unnecessary System Files

In addition to clearing caches and temporary files, you can also delete unnecessary system files to free up more space. However, exercise caution when deleting system files, as removing the wrong ones can cause issues with your Mac. It’s recommended to seek guidance from Apple Support or professional technicians before proceeding.

Here are a few safe-to-delete system files:

• Old iOS Backups: If you have previously synced your iPhone or iPad with your Mac, old backups may be taking up unnecessary space. You can safely remove them by going to “~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup.

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• Old Software Updates: Software updates are stored in the “/Library/Updates” folder. If you have installed all the necessary updates, you can delete older update files.
• Duplicate Downloads: Go to your downloads folder and remove any duplicate files that may be taking up extra space.
• Duplicate Media Files: Use a duplicate file finder tool to locate and delete any duplicate media files on your Mac.

Note: Always double-check before deleting any files in case they are essential for your system’s functionality.

Step 4: Empty the Trash

When you delete files from your Mac, they are moved to the Trash folder. To free up space completely, you need to empty the Trash:

1. Click on the Trash icon in your Dock to open it.

2. In the top menu bar, click on “Finder” and select “Empty Trash.

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3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click on “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the files.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

After following the above steps, it’s a good practice to reboot your Mac. Restarting helps in refreshing system resources and can further optimize your system storage.

By following these steps, you should be able to delete unnecessary system storage on your Mac and reclaim valuable disk space. Remember to regularly check and clear system storage to maintain optimal performance.