Applications Storage doesn't add up

The two storage "drainers" on my MacBook Air, according to the storage, are Applications (65GB) and iOS Files (53GB). But when I look at my Applications list the MB and GB list don't add up. The full list amounts to approx 12GB. It's also a really short list mainly containing anti-virus, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Zoom and Adobe.

I'm desperate to free up some storage space (which is why I have a hard drive now for photos) and I don't have much music.

Why isn't the Applications list showing accurately?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Aug 31, 2022 05:42 AM

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1 reply

Sep 1, 2022 10:30 AM in response to jessicaL949

Hi jessicaL949,


Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. Since you've checked your apps and the storage doesn't quite add up, we have some tips that may help further.


If you've recently deleted any files or apps, storage space being used by those won't be available until the trash is emptied. As the steps below from Delete files and folders on Mac - Apple Support mention, you can do that one item at a time or all.


Empty the Trash
1. On your Mac, click the Trash icon in the Dock.
2. In the window that appears, do one of the following:
• Empty one item from the Trash: Control-click the item you want to delete, then choose Delete Immediately.
In the warning message that appears, click Delete.
• Empty all of the Trash: Click the Empty button in the upper-right corner of the Finder window. You can also click the Finder icon in the Dock, then choose Finder > Empty Trash.
In the warning message that appears, click Empty Trash.


There may also be tips or recommendations in your storage window. Try the following from Optimize storage space on your Mac - Apple Support.


1. Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Storage, then click Manage.
macOS calculates how much space is being used by different categories.
Note: Wait until all categories are finished being calculated to ensure you’re seeing the accurate amount of space. Values are refined as each category is calculated.
2. View the recommendations and decide how to optimize storage on your Mac.

Lastly, it sounds like you may also have some iOS backup files. To see if there are any that can be deleted, use the guidance from Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support. We hope that helps.


Take care.

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Applications Storage doesn't add up

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