Then expand them when you need to use them again.ĭid you empty the Trash? When you move a file to the Trash, its storage space doesn't become available until you empty the Trash. If you don't want to delete certain files, you might be able to save space by compressing them. Look at the results, they will be a picture like this: You can mouse over the colors to see which files they are on the hard drive, and then manually delete the folders to create free space.

Check the Users folder on Macintosh HD for any shared files that you no longer need to share. Run it, go have a cup of coffee it can take a while.

If your Mac is set up for multiple users, delete users that no longer need access to your Mac. Or ask them to follow the steps in this article after logging in to their user account. Also check the Users folder on Macintosh HD for any undeleted data belonging to deleted users.

If you use your Mac to back up your iPhone or iPad, you can delete old backups.

Big Sur uses a snapshot of the current system for its Signed System Volume, as you see in the list. If your Macintosh HD is running low on storage space, there are several steps you can take to free up space: 1. You see more of the big picture if you choose Disk Utility>View> Show all Devices.

Also choose Mailbox > Erase Deleted Items. With the new macOS Big Sur the Macintosh HD uses a snapshot as the signed system volume (SSV) you are not going to delete that. If you use the Mail app for your email, choose Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail from the menu bar in Mail.

Delete files in your Downloads folder. Open this folder from the Dock, or by choosing Go > Downloads from the menu bar in the Finder.Delete music, movies, podcasts, or other media, especially if it's media that you can stream or download again as needed.You can also delete files that you no longer need. If you have another storage device, such as an external drive connected to your Mac, you can move files to that device. Media files such as photos and videos can use a lot of storage space, so you can take steps such as these:

How to clear space on macintosh hd