---
tags:
  - macOS
  - Tahoe
  - storage
  - disk-space
  - maintenance
  - settings
title: Managing Storage Space on macOS Tahoe
---

# Managing Storage Space on macOS Tahoe

Running out of disk space can slow down your Mac and prevent you from installing updates or new apps. macOS Tahoe includes a built-in storage management tool to help you visualize usage and free up space efficiently.

## Checking Storage Usage

To see a breakdown of what is taking up space on your drive:

1.  Open **System Settings**.
2.  Go to **General** > **Storage**.

You will see a colored bar representing your disk usage, categorized by file type (e.g., Apps, Photos, System Data, Documents).

## Storage Management Tools

Below the usage bar, macOS provides "Recommendations" to help you optimize storage automatically.

### 1. Store in iCloud
This moves your Desktop, Documents, and Photos to iCloud.
*   **How it works**: When space is low, full-resolution photos and old documents are kept in the cloud, while recent files remain on your Mac.
*   **Note**: This requires an iCloud subscription with sufficient space.

### 2. Optimize Storage
This removes movies and TV shows that you have already watched from the Apple TV app. It also keeps only recent email attachments on your Mac.

### 3. Empty Trash Automatically
Turning this on will permanently delete items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.

## Manual Cleanup

Below the recommendations, you will see a list of categories (Applications, Documents, Mail, etc.). Clicking the **"i" (Info)** button next to a category allows you to manage files directly.

### Applications
*   Lists all installed apps and their size.
*   **Action**: Select an app you no longer use and click **Delete**.

### Documents
This is often the most useful section. It has three tabs:
*   **Large Files**: Shows the biggest files on your system, regardless of where they are hidden.
*   **Downloads**: Shows the contents of your Downloads folder.
*   **File Browser**: Lets you navigate your folders sorted by size.

### System Data
You might see a large gray section called "System Data" (formerly "Other"). This includes:
*   Time Machine local snapshots.
*   Caches (browser cache, app cache).
*   Swap files (virtual memory).
*   **Fix**: Usually, restarting your Mac will clear temporary caches and swap files, reducing this size significantly.

## Related Guides
*   [Managing Drives with Disk Utility on macOS Tahoe](disk-utility.md)
*   [Backing Up with Time Machine on macOS Tahoe](time-machine.md)
*   [Master Guide to macOS Tahoe](macos-tahoe-master-guide.md)