I just received my mini, 512GB storage. I used the migration assist to migrate from my MacBook, 512GB storage.
I have 240GB of available space on my MaxBook, but only 110GB on the mac mini.
I noticed the 'system data' on the MAcbook is 106GB while on the mini is 245GB.
Why does it take more than twice the space, and how can I free it up ?
Mac mini, macOS 15.5
'system data' is the name used for data that Spotlight could not categorize. I never look or worry about it.
If disk space is critical, you might take a look at snapshots in Disk Utility and delete them. Or maybe connect an external Time Machine disk so TM can write its snapshots to it (or disable TM and use some other backup utility like Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper).
What is system data and why I can't clean… - Apple Community
System data on Mini Mac 1 - Apple Community
I ended up resetting my mac. starting from scratch and copying over what I needed.
'lost' 140GB after migration from MacBook to MacMini
