How to Delete Files on MacBook When Disk Is Full?
1st February, 2023 at 11:10 pm by Flynn
- Identify what's taking up space on your Mac by using the About This Mac and Storage options.
- Delete unnecessary applications and large files manually or with third-party software like CleanMyMac X.
- Check if the Trash Bin is empty and remove files if needed.
- Scan the MacBook with antivirus software to eliminate corrupted data.
- Consider cloud options for offsite storage solutions, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
Deleting files on a Macbook when the disk is full can be a frustrating experience if you don't know how to go about it.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to identify what is taking up space and clear out any unwanted data quickly and efficiently. Here's how to deal with this issue.
Step 1: Identify what’s taking up space.
The best place to start is by seeing exactly what is eating up the most storage space. To do this, click on the Apple icon in the top-left of your screen and select About This Mac. Then, select Storage from the window that appears. Your drive will be displayed at the top of the window with your used/free percentages next to it - click Manage to see more detail.
Once in Storage Management, you'll find five categories below your main drive that show you exactly where your files are stored. "System" includes essential system files, while "Documents" includes all types of documents such as Word docs, photo libraries etc. You’ll also find Music, Movies & TV Shows, and Other Files & Apps down here too.
By clicking into each category, you can view a breakdown of its contents and determine which items have taken up more storage than expected.
The rename multiple files Mac feature can help you speed up the process. If you rename multiple generic files, it will be easier to identify them later for those who want to organize the files first before working on removing them.
Think carefully about whether any apps or large media libraries must stay on your computer before making decisions about deleting them to free up space - it could help save time later on!
Step 2: Delete unnecessary applications and large files manually
Once you've identified which items are taking up room within each category in Step 1 above, it's time to start freeing some storage by removing any unnecessary applications or large files manually.
To do this, locate each item within Finder and delete them using either 'Move to Trash' or delete permanently using 'Option+Command+Delete'. If unsure of an item’s purpose or origin (e.g., large zip files), just move it into your Trash folder then empty it later - this way all data can be recovered should something go wrong during deletion!
If attempting to delete an application fails because of insufficient permissions or errors due to folders being ‘in use’ at the time; try restarting your computer before trying again as this should reset any lingering processes that may cause issues with deletion earlier on.
Step 3: Utilize third-party software for bulk deletions
Third-party software such as CleanMyMac X can be used for bulk removal of old downloads, duplicate photos etc., significantly reducing time spent managing storage manually (as per Step 2).
Plus CleanMyMac X offers many other features such as Junk Removal which manually scans for useless cache items and leftover remnants from uninstalled applications; ensuring that no valuable storage space goes wasted! Additionally, you can schedule daily/weekly scans so CleanMyMac X will automatically run background tasks at predetermined intervals with no user input required - perfect for keeping things tidy without having to worry about actively managing storage yourself!
Step 4: Check if the Trash is empty
It is possible that you moved some files to the Trash and forgot about them. Less experienced Mac owners might not be aware of the fact that moving files in the Trash is not the same as removing them from the device permanently.
The Trash has a setting to remove files from itself after 30 days, but if the goal is to get rid of the junk as soon as possible, there is hardly any need to have the files remain in Trash for 30 days, right?
Empty the Trash Bin if it has unecessary files and you should notice improvements to the storage situation.
Step 5: Scan the MacBook with antivirus software
Do not discard the possibility that there is a virus infecting your computer. Even though macOS is relatively secure and not as prone to malware as other operating systems, the odds are not zero.
Use reliable antivirus software to scan your device and eliminate corrupted data if there is any.
Step 6: Investigate Cloud Options for offsite storage solutions
If none of these methods work or if deleting certain items isn't an option due to their importance - look into cloud based options such as Google Drive, Dropbox etc., that provide additional offsite storage solutions with prices ranging from free upwards depending on capacity requirements - ideal for backing up important data safely away from your device itself!
Conclusion
Following all these steps should ensure that unwanted clutter is removed from both inside (manual cleaner) and outside (cloud solutions) sources; freeing up much needed disk space in minutes!
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