Macs are machines that are optimized to perform smoothly and efficiently. However, there are times when users encounter performance glitches and system slowdowns. The reason behind this is often full storage. 

If your system is running low on storage, here’s how you can free up space. 

• Delete apps you don’t need 

Millions of apps are available on the Mac App Store. You may want to install different applications to check which ones fit your workflow the best. Although this is a wonderful way to try various apps, the problem arises when you forget to remove them. 

Your system might be filled with several apps you no longer need. Get rid of them by removing them or uninstalling them. If you are deleting apps, ensure to clear out the Trash. 

• Clear system storage 

Since modern Macs come with SSDs, there’s lower onboard storage. In system storage, your Mac stores a lot of random things. There are drivers for apps, desktop pictures, fonts, and other random things. You can manage system storage by clicking the Apple logo > selecting About This Mac > Storage > selecting Manage. 

If you wonder how to lower system storage on Mac, you can clear Time Machine backups and manage storage. 

• Transfer to cloud storage 

Transferring essential files and documents to cloud storage is one of the best ways to free space on your computer. Create an iCloud account and set your device to upload files to the cloud automatically. This will help you clear space and also allow you to access essential files on any of your Apple devices with the same iCloud account. 

Besides these, you can also clear space by removing downloaded movies and music, clearing pictures and videos, etc. 

By Clearing Space on your Mac, You Can Achieve the Following:

• No hindrance when upgrading your OS

Updating to the latest OS version requires a lot of free storage space. If your system is eligible for the update, but there’s not enough space, you won’t be able to download and install the latest OS version. 

The download may not start or get stuck in the middle. Or the download may be complete, but you won’t be able to install the changes. 

You don’t have to face these issues if you have enough storage space for the new OS. Then, you can simply go to System Preferences and click on Update Now. You can also automatically turn on the updates so that they continue happening in the background. 

So if you are trying to upgrade to macOS Ventura, the latest OS version, you must have enough free space. Check the requirements before going ahead with the update. As these updates take time and require a lot of Internet data, it would not be wise to re-download the files. 

• Improved system performance 

Do you remember the time when you first bought a Mac? The speedy performance of the device must have blown your mind. You might have thought that this is the best laptop or computer. 

Initially, when the system is new, starting and shutting down the system happens in the blink of an eye. Also, all the apps open quickly, and you can perform all your tasks without experiencing any glitches. 

However, the performance is impacted when the device starts to fill up, and space runs out. As a result, your device will slow down, and the apps may take longer to open than before. 

You may try several things to solve this problem, but the root cause is the storage system is full. All you must do is clear space, and your system will start to run as smoothly as before. 

• More space to download movies or music 

By clearing storage space, you will have more space for downloading new music, movies, and games. You do have to think twice before pressing the download button. These will keep you entertained when you want to take a break from work. 

• Fix startup disk full error 

If your Mac says the disk is full, your system will quickly reach its full capacity and run out of space. This is because Macs convert the available space on the startup disk into virtual memory, which is used for day-to-day operations. For your Mac’s OS to operate smoothly, at least 10% of the disk must be free. If you run low on space, you are heading toward serious problems. 

You can delete the app and website cache to free space. Also, clear Trash. 

With enough space on your system, you will ensure that the startup disk full error does not cause any issues for you. You can work on your computer with ease. 

Conclusion 

A Mac with enough storage space is a happy Mac. So you must always clear space and prevent your computer from becoming too full.