Remove Purgeable Space on Mac Ventura: How to Delete It on Your MacOS?

Understanding and Managing Purgeable Space on Your Mac

Your Mac's storage management includes a category labeled "purgeable." This article explains what purgeable space is, how to check it, and how to remove it, both manually and using third-party tools.

What is Purgeable Space?

Purgeable space holds files your Mac deems non-essential for immediate use. These files are readily reclaimable when your system needs more storage. The system determines which files are purgeable based on factors such as last access date and iCloud availability. Examples include Time Machine snapshots, caches, logs, duplicate downloads, streamed media, trashed files, and fonts. macOS makes educated guesses about file necessity; however, it may not always purge space immediately, especially during large software updates or installations.

Checking Purgeable Space

To view purgeable space:

1. System Settings: Access Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. Hover over the gray-striped sections to see the amount of purgeable space. Note that this may not always accurately reflect the total purgeable space.
2. Disk Utility: For a more comprehensive view, open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select Macintosh HD and click the Data tab. The storage graph visually represents your disk usage, including purgeable files.

Removing Purgeable Space

While macOS automatically manages purgeable space, you can manually remove it. However, note that these files can be regenerated.

Manual Methods:

1. Restart your Mac: A simple restart often clears system and application caches, freeing up space.
2. Terminal (Advanced): This method involves creating large files to force macOS to reallocate purgeable space. Proceed with caution, as this involves potentially irreversible file deletion commands. (Detailed steps are omitted for brevity, but available in the original article).
3. Purge Cache Files: Manually delete files within ~/Library/Caches. (Use caution; deleting incorrect files can cause problems).
4. Optimize Storage: Use the built-in Optimize Storage function (accessible via Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage). This automatically removes watched content and manages email attachments.
5. Disable Time Machine Backups (Temporarily): Disabling Time Machine backups frees up significant space, but remember to re-enable it afterward.

Easiest Method: Using MacKeeper (Third-Party Tool)

MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup feature simplifies the process by identifying and removing purgeable files safely and efficiently.

How Often to Clean?

Regularly monitor your Mac's storage (e.g., monthly). If purgeable space becomes excessive, consider manual cleaning or using a tool like MacKeeper.

Conclusion

While macOS automatically manages purgeable space, understanding how to manually manage it provides greater control over your Mac's storage. Third-party tools like MacKeeper offer a convenient alternative for users seeking a simpler solution. Remember to always back up your important data before undertaking any significant storage management tasks.

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