How to Get Rid of Other Storage on Mac
Is your Mac running out of storage space? Have you noticed that the “Other” category is taking up a significant amount of space?
If so, don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to get rid of the mysterious “Other” storage on your Mac.
What is “Other” Storage?
When you check your Mac’s storage usage, you might come across a category called “Other.” This category includes various files and data that don’t fit into any specific category like documents, photos, or apps. It can include system files, caches, temporary files, plugins, and more.
Step 1: Empty Trash
Emptying your trash regularly can significantly free up space on your Mac.
To do this:
- Locate the Trash icon on your Dock and click on it to open the Trash window.
- In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on “Finder” and select “Empty Trash.”
- A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click on “Empty Trash” to permanently delete all the items in your trash.
Step 2: Manage Downloads
If you frequently download files from the internet, they might be taking up a considerable amount of space.
To manage downloads:
- In Finder, click on “Go” in the top menu and select “Downloads.”
- Delete any unnecessary files by selecting them and pressing Command + Delete.
Step 3: Clear Caches
Caches are temporary files that help your Mac run smoothly, but they can accumulate over time and take up space.
To clear caches:
- Open Finder and click on “Go” in the top menu.
- Press and hold the Option key on your keyboard to reveal the “Library” option. Click on it.
- In the Library folder, locate and open the “Caches” folder.
- Select all files within the Caches folder and move them to Trash.
Step 4: Remove Unnecessary Applications
If you have apps on your Mac that you no longer use, uninstalling them can free up valuable storage space.
To remove unnecessary applications:
- Open Finder and click on “Applications” in the sidebar.
- Drag any unwanted applications to Trash or right-click on them and select “Move to Trash.”
- Remember to empty your trash after removing applications to permanently delete them.
Step 5: Use Storage Management Tools
Your Mac comes with built-in tools to help you manage storage efficiently.
To access Storage Management:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “About This Mac.”
- In the window that appears, click on “Storage.”
- Click on “Manage” to access various options for optimizing storage space, such as storing files in iCloud or automatically emptying trash after 30 days.
In Conclusion
By following these steps, you can reclaim valuable storage space on your Mac by getting rid of the “Other” category. Remember to regularly check your storage usage and perform these maintenance tasks to keep your Mac running smoothly.