My system Data needs to be reduced on my MacBook

My system Data needs to be reduced on my MacBook, please see my screenshot. How can I reduce this? I'm getting messages to buy more iCloud, however my iPhone and iPad don't seem like they are running out of space? Also, how can I get rid of all the mail in my storage? I've had this laptop since 2021, and I closed my business in 2022. I can guess that a lot of this email is stuff I don't need anymore.


Thanks, Linda



[Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Aug 16, 2025 03:24 PM

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Posted on Aug 16, 2025 04:29 PM

I cannot see what your system data is from your screen shot but if you have done all you can to reduce your storage number then the last thing is to boot into recovery, erase all, and reinstall the OS and then migrate your data back.

Free up storage space on Mac - Apple Support


2 replies

Aug 17, 2025 01:30 AM in response to LindaSchminda

I have to agree with my colleague @tbirdvet


Part 1 of 2


The more  popular and effective ways to address this issue is to Start Over from Scratch 


For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.


For Apple Intel computers >>   Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac followed by How to reinstall macOS


Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 


It is also suggest to  Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


Emphasis on User Account Only


Reinstall the Needed applications from the Apple Apps Store or Directly from the Developers 


Part 2 or 2


From what I can from your image, the computer has the 256 GB SSD Drive Capacity


Generally when this issue is discovered by the User ( you in this case )


It is because the Internal Drive Capacity of this computer maybe on the small size


Meaning, the computer has a 256 GB Capacity Drive.


256 GB drive may seem like it should be fine for storage for a long time


Unfortunately, the users' needs for Storage may have grown since the time it was originally purchased " since 2021 "

Spend the Extra Money Up Front on a larger Drive Capacity Drive and add more RAM on the next purchase


This may Future Proof the computer for your growing needs 

My system Data needs to be reduced on my MacBook

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