My Mac is showing way more data in the storage for applications than actually exist. Is there any way to fix it? I have run out of storage.

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Level 1

4 points

My Mac is showing way more data in the storage for applications than actually exist. Is there any way to fix it? I have run out of storage.

I have a MacBook Pro M1. When I look at my storage settings it is showing that I have around 100GB worth of applications. When I click on it and it is showing me all my applications and their individual data size, it is just not adding up to 100GB. I then checked the applications folder and that shows only around 25GB. Where are the remaining 75GB coming from? I desperately need more storage on my MacBook and just can't seem to figure out how to clear it. Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

Posted on Nov 21, 2024 12:26 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

84,049 points

Nov 21, 2024 4:59 PM in response to naki2905

Your data storage should never exceed 85%.

Amended comments to MacKeeper tip - Apple Community

Explains ways you can optimize the space on your Mac. Do not try any third party optimizer utilities that operate in the background.

Do not use OneDrive, Google Cloud, or iCloud unless you have the temporary space to swap the whole contents as they are being synced with those services while the transfer is taking place. Similarly Time Machine needs the full content of the backup to make its routines work well. Bombich Carbon Copy Cloner and Shirt Pocket Superduper are far less aggressive in taking up space while doing backups.

Photos, movies, and music are the next greatest space eating monsters. Keep your archives on separate storage device for less frequently accessed items, and keep two separate archives at that. Similarly do that for DMG files for applications you have downloaded and empty your Download folder of downloads you don't frequently access.

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