
Purgeable files also include caches and temporary files that used to fit into the Other category, which will also be deleted as your hard drive starts to fill up. The Purgeable files are what Optimized Storage will move to iCloud and delete from your hard drive only if your hard drive starts to get full.
Older documents are stored in iCloud, while a shortcut icon is kept on your Mac (files are automatically re-downloaded to your Mac as soon as you open them). When you move your Documents into iCloud (part of the Store in iCloud component) and your hard drive gets low on storage, only recently opened files are kept on your Mac. This is part of Apple's Optimized Storage service. Then expand them when you need to use them again.ĭid you empty the Bin? When you move a file to the Bin, its storage space doesn't become available until you empty the Bin.If you check your system storage graph in macOS, you'll probably discover a category called Purgeable. If you don't want to delete certain files, you may be able to save space by compressing them.
Check the Users folder on Macintosh HD for any shared files that you no longer need to share. If your Mac is set up for multiple users, delete users who 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. Also choose Mailbox > Erase Deleted Items. 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, films, podcasts or other media, especially if it's media that you can stream or download again as needed. You can also delete files 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: