Next, open the iCloud Drive Options menu and make sure Desktop & Documents Folders is checked. To do this, click on the System Preferences icon in the dock.Ĭlick Apple ID and select iCloud from the options in the sidebar. Since it is built right into macOS, you can quickly turn it on through your Preferences. Many cloud storage services are available, but for simplicity, iCloud is the easiest solution. Method 1: Move Your Personal Files to iCloud If you see a lot of documents, pictures, and music on your startup disk, the best option is to move these files to an external storage location or cloud backup.

Observe what file types are taking up the most space. Within this page, you’ll see a breakdown of storage usage on your startup disk. To get started, click on the Apple Icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select About This Mac. Luckily, checking your startup disk usage is pretty straightforward.

You should keep tabs on how much space is left on your startup disk to ensure you don’t run out. Not to mention you won’t have any free storage for your personal files. The most concerning issue is that your Mac may perform poorly due to the lack of space. When the startup disk runs out of space and fills up, this can cause several problems. Since the operating software for your MacBook is contained on this device, it is known as the startup disk. Generally speaking, your startup disk is the primary storage device for holding your operating system and all your files. One day while using your MacBook, you are presented with a warning: “ Your startup disk is almost full.”

Additionally, you should empty your Downloads folder frequently and delete old Time Machine Snapshots.Īn all too common situation many Mac users find themselves in is the startup disk running out of space.

Deleting them is simple, or you can use a 3rd-party program like CleanMyMac X.

System Cache folders can take up space.

Unwanted programs and apps can consume valuable space, too, so you can clear up space by removing them.

The Trash can take up a lot of space, so you should make sure to empty it often.

If you have a lot of pictures, videos, and documents, you can save space by moving those to an external backup or iCloud.

You should check your Startup Disk to determine what is taking up space. Over time, your Startup Disk may fill up with unnecessary junk and files.

The Startup Disk is where your operating systems and files are stored.

Restart the Mac, then Check Storage Again.

Method 1: Move Your Personal Files to iCloud.

How to clear startup disk on macbook