SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.
Free up storage space
Find out what is using space and remove what you no longer need.
Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.
STEP 1 OF 7
Open the Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+
STEP 1
Open the Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
STEP 2
Open System Settings
Click System Settings.
STEP 3
Open General
In the sidebar on the left, click General.
STEP 4
Click Storage
STEP 5
Find the large categories
Wait for the storage breakdown to load. Click the information button beside a category to inspect its contents.
STEP 6
Review before removing
Look for files you recognise and no longer need. Move anything you want to keep to another drive before removing it from this Mac.
Do not delete unfamiliar system files just because they are large.
STEP 7
Check the Bin before emptying it
Open the Bin and check its contents. Empty it only when you are sure: this is when its files stop using storage.
Emptying the Bin removes its contents permanently. Leave automatic emptying off unless you understand and want its retention policy.
IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT
A little help along the way.
Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.
I cannot find that option+
Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.
I need to go back a step+
Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.
Are these pictures of my device?+
They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.