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As MacBook users, we all face one major issue: the storage capacity of our device. Although Apple has done a great job in enhancing the storage capacity of the MacBook, we still face limitations when it comes to storing large files. One of the primary reasons that consume storage on the Mac is the Other System Data. This is the data that your Mac stores from various sources, including log files and temporary files. While it may seem harmless at first, this data can quickly take up gigabytes of storage on your device. In this article, we will discuss how to clear other system data on Mac to free up storage and speed up your device’s performance.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before we proceed to the steps of clearing other system data, it is essential to make sure that you have these things to avoid any interruption during the process:
1. Mac Operating System: Make sure that your MacBook runs on macOS 10.12 Sierra or later.
2. Admin Credentials: You need to have administrative credentials to run the commands required to clear other system data.
3. Disk Utility: Disk Utility is a pre-installed application on your device that enables you to manage and repair storage devices connected to your Mac.
4. Terminal Application: You will need to use Terminal Application to run commands to clear other system data.
What requires your focus?
Clearing other system data on Mac requires that you focus on the following things:
1. System Safety: Clearing other system data requires you to be cautious as deleting essential system files can cause permanent damage to your MacBook. It is advisable to create a backup before you proceed to avoid losing valuable files and data.
2. Command Accuracy: Running the wrong command can cause permanent damage to your device as well. Hence, it is essential to follow the steps provided in this article without deviating from them.
3. Storage Capacity: Clearing other system data can free up a significant amount of space on your device. However, it would be best to keep an eye on the free space on your device to avoid running out of space again.
Method 1: Using Disk Utility
Disk Utility is an in-built tool in macOS that enables you to manage the storage devices connected to your MacBook. Using Disk Utility, you can clear other system data by following these steps:
1. Open Disk Utility: Click on the Launchpad icon on your MacBook’s Dock: Type in ‘Disk Utility,’ and click on the application when it appears in the list.
2. Select the Volume: From the list of volumes, select the volume that you wish to clear the Other data.
3. Click the ‘First Aid’ button: In the Disk Utility application, click the First Aid button in the toolbar.
4. Select ‘Run’: In the dialog box that pops up, click the Run button to start the Disk Utility’s repair process.
Pros:
– Disk Utility is a pre-installed application on your MacBook. There is no additional setup required.
– It is an easy-to-use tool that does not require any technical expertise.
Cons:
– Disk Utility may not be able to free up a significant amount of storage space.
– The process can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large volume.
Method 2: Using Terminal Commands
Another way to clear Other system data on your MacBook is by using Terminal Commands. Terminal is the command-line interface of macOS that enables you to run commands. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Launch Terminal: Click on the Spotlight icon on the Dock and type ‘Terminal’ to open the application.
2. Run the first command: In Terminal, enter the following command: ‘sudo periodic daily weekly monthly.’ Press Enter to execute the command.
3. Enter your admin password: Terminal will prompt you to enter your admin password. Type in the password and press Enter.
4. Run the second command: In Terminal, enter the following command: ‘sudo rm -rf /private/var/log/asl/*.asl.’ Press Enter to execute the command.
Pros:
– Terminal offers a more advanced feature set than Disk Utility.
– Users can clear more extensive files in one go using Terminal.
Cons:
– Terminal can be challenging to navigate and requires a certain level of technical expertise.
– Running a command wrong can cause serious damage to your system.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
If you are not comfortable using Terminal or Disk Utility and want a simpler way to clear other system data, using a third-party app is the way to go. Here are the steps:
1. Download and Install App: There are various third-party apps like CleanMyMacX, OnyX, and Daisy Disk that you can download and use to clear Other system data.
2. Launch the App: Once you have installed the app, open it.
3. Select Clean-Up Option: Most of these third-party apps have a Clean-Up option once you launch them. Select it.
4. Allow the Scanning Process: The app will start to scan your system for Temporary, System, and App files.
5. Review and Select: The app will present you with a list of files that you can delete. Review the list and select the files that you wish to delete.
6. Clear the Files: Once you have selected the files, click on the Clean-Up button to clear them.
Pros:
– Third-party apps offer an easy and automated solution for clearing other system data.
– They offer User-friendly interface and simple steps to follow.
Cons:
– Third-party apps can be expensive.
– Some third-party apps can have negative effects on your MacBook’s system performance.
Why Can’t I Clear Other System Data on My Mac?
Clearing other system data on a Mac can sometimes be challenging. The following are some reasons why you may not be able to clear Other system data on your MacBook and how to fix them:
1. Insufficient Storage Space: If you do not have enough space on your device, you may not be able to clear other system data. To fix this, you can move large files to external storage or delete unnecessary files to free up space.
2. Running Applications: Some apps run a background process that creates temporary files during their use, which can affect clear other system data. Quitting such applications can fix this problem.
3. Corrupt Files: Some Other system data files may be corrupt, but the system still stores them. Deleting the files can help fix this problem.
Implications and Recommendations
Clearing Other system data can be helpful, but it is essential to keep an eye on your device’s storage usage, so you do not end up running out of space again. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regularly Clear Other System Data: Clearing Other system data regularly can help to maintain your MacBook’s storage capacity. Unless you have a third-party app that does this automatically, you should do this at least twice a year.
2. Back Up Valuable Files: Clearing other system data can cause permanent damage to your MacBook if done wrong. It is essential to back up your MacBook to external storage before you clear Other system data.
3. Install a Third-Party App: Third-party apps like CleanMyMacX can make clearing Other system data easier for you. Consider installing such apps to automate the process.
FAQs
Q. How much storage can clearing Other system data free up?
A. Clearing Other system data can free up between 1 GB to 10 GB, depending on your MacBook’s usage.
Q. Does clearing Other system data delete my files?
A. No, clearing Other system data does not delete your files. It only clears temporary and unnecessary files.
Q. Can I still use my MacBook while clearing Other system data?
A. Yes, you can still use your MacBook while clearing Other system data, but it may slow down the process.
Q. Why is Other system data taking up so much space on my MacBook?
A. Other system data is the data that your MacBook stores from various sources, including log files and temporary files. The files can take up space over time, leading to this issue.
Q. Can I clear other system data without using Terminal or a third-party app?
A. Yes, you can use the Disk Utility app to clear other system data without using Terminal or a third-party app.
In Conclusion
Clearing Other system data on Mac can significantly improve your device’s performance by freeing up storage. The process can be done using Terminal, Disk Utility, or third-party apps, depending on your preference. However, it is essential to keep an eye on your device’s storage usage to avoid running out of space again. By following the recommendations provided in this article, you can maintain storage capacity on your MacBook and ensure it runs smoothly.