Files filling MacBook drive but not visible in Finder

Hi,


I have a MacBook Air Retina 13-inch 2019 model with 250Gb running Sonoma 14.7.1

I recently tried to update the OS and received a message saying there was insufficient disk space.

On investigation, I found that my own profile is using over 59Gb, which is a huge surprise to me (see attached screenshot).

When I click on "Get Info" on each of the folders in my profile, I don't get anywhere near that amount of data; 2 or 3Gb at most. Also, the numbers of items and bytes used move up and down without me doing anything.

If anyone can explain what's happening here, I wold be very grateful.


TIA

Steve ****


[Edited by Moderator]




MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Mar 29, 2025 12:35 AM

Reply
1 reply
Sort By: 

Mar 30, 2025 1:58 AM in response to MightyShrimper

Users have control over the User Account Folder (Home Folder).


All other areas are inaccessible.


It’s good computer practice to keep at least 15% to 20% of the total drive capacity empty to avoid unintended consequences.


Purgeable Space is controlled by the operating system. When the system needs more empty space, it moves some purgeable space to empty space.


There’s no user action to hasten this transition. It can take days or longer.


The links below help identify what’s taking up space on the internal drive and provide ways to remove user-controlled data (Home Folder).


Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac.


What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it?


Free up storage space on your Mac.


GrandPerspective


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac.


This often occurs if the Time Machine Drive isn’t attached to the computer and TM Backup is set to run on a schedule.


TM Backup makes snapshots on the internal drive until the Time Machine Drive is attached. Then, the snapshots are transferred to the external drive.


View APFS snapshots in Disk Utility on Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac.


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.


Was there or is there another user account currently or previous used on this computer ?


Has the account been removed ?


Did the removed user account ’s Home Folder been removed ?


Delete a user or group on Mac


If you use a suite of Adobe applications on this computer, they may create large cache files that can be removed. However, the Adobe cache files will be recreated as the applications need them.


https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/premiere-pro/kb/clear-cache.html


The same clearing of System Cache files can be achieved by booting into Safe Mode. They will be recreated as the system requires. 




Reply

Files filling MacBook drive but not visible in Finder

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.