reduce system data

How can i reduce system data on my macbook, it's taking up 160 gb of my 250 gb macbook. thank you

MacBook, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 11, 2023 12:26 AM

Reply
3 replies

Feb 11, 2023 02:55 AM in response to jonny1214

Technically - Not Possible


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User.


The best the user can do is contained in the below


Manage Storage


It is generally a good computer practice to alway keep at least 15% to 20% of the Total Drive Capacity’s as Empty Space. Allowing the computer to drop below these guidelines may eventually, cause unintended consequences.


The links below will assist in identifying what is taking up space on the Internal Drive and provide possible ways to remove data that is under the direct control of the User ( Home Folder ) . 


Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac


What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?


Free up storage space on your Mac


OmniDiskSweeper Safe to use


GrandPerspective 


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Notation - If the user is using a cloning software like Carbon Copy Cloner - suggest tweaking the Safety Net Feature in this software. It may be making additional Snap Shots that are not being Cloned to the Eternal Drive. If this should be the case, these Snap Shot could be using additional space on the drive 


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other/ System Data “ Category


Other / System Data: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

reduce system data

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.