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Free up space on my iMac computer

How do I clean the hard drive on my iMac computer keeps saying almost full. I don’t know what to delete and what is needed for it to run. so I’m afraid to delete anything , Is there a program I can use to clean it for me ? And what’s the name ? Or what are safe programs to delete how do you know ? thanks 😊

Posted on Jun 30, 2023 10:53 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 30, 2023 11:14 AM

if you are running low on space, you can purchase an external HDD or SSD of sufficient capacity and move your larger files (videos, pictures, documents, etc...) to it. once they are on the EHD, you can simply erase the same files from your internal drive. and, if it's just going to be used for storage, you can use an HDD and save a few bucks over the cost of an SSD. FWIW, i personally keep very little on my internal drive.


also, you may want to read these two articles:


Optimize storage space on your Mac


How to free up storage space on your Mac


additionally, you want to keep ~ 20% of your local drive as free space for proper operation of macOS.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 30, 2023 11:14 AM in response to Rondaharris

if you are running low on space, you can purchase an external HDD or SSD of sufficient capacity and move your larger files (videos, pictures, documents, etc...) to it. once they are on the EHD, you can simply erase the same files from your internal drive. and, if it's just going to be used for storage, you can use an HDD and save a few bucks over the cost of an SSD. FWIW, i personally keep very little on my internal drive.


also, you may want to read these two articles:


Optimize storage space on your Mac


How to free up storage space on your Mac


additionally, you want to keep ~ 20% of your local drive as free space for proper operation of macOS.

Jun 30, 2023 11:19 AM in response to Rondaharris

Hi there!


It isn't recommended that you use any app to manage storage, except for the built-in utility: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support.



You can use external storage devices to store large files and libraries on. To explore external storage, take a look at Storage - All Accessories - Apple


Another option is store files in iCloud and use Optimize Mac Storage. That way, your iCloud files remain in iCloud, and are only downloaded to your Mac if there's enough free space, or you're using them. To get started, take a look at Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support. After setting up iCloud Desktop and Documents, and storing your files in those locations, go to System Settings > Apple ID, choose iCloud, and make sure that Optimize Mac Storage is enabled. You may need to upgrade to iCloud+, or upgrade your iCloud plan, to use iCloud.


Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions.


Jack

Jun 30, 2023 12:43 PM in response to Rondaharris

Delete only data you created, or downloaded, that you will find in folders: Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Movies and Music if you are using the defaults.


You can delete files and folders you created and stored in iCloud Drive.


You can safely uninstall apps you installed.


DO NOT delete any system files or folders. If unsure ... don't delete.


You can also put the above data onto an external.



Free up space on my iMac computer

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