How to Free Space on Startup Disk

If you're experiencing issues with your Mac's performance, it's likely due to a lack of free space on your startup disk. Cleaning up your Macintosh HD regularly can help prevent errors and slowdowns. In this article, we'll explore the steps to free up space on your startup disk.

Run First Aid from Disk Utility

If you're experiencing issues with your Macintosh HD, running First Aid from Disk Utility can help fix any errors. To do so:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Command + R keys.

2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo appear.

3. From macOS Utilities, select Disk Utility and click Continue.

4. Select Macintosh HD from the sidebar and click the First Aid tab.

5. Click Run to initiate the storage drive repair task.

Run TRIM Operation on Your Mac SSD

If running First Aid doesn't fix the issue, you can try forcing a TRIM operation on your Mac SSD. This will help free up space on your startup disk.

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold Command + R keys.

2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo appear.

3. From Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD and click the First Aid tab.

4. Click Run to initiate the TRIM operation task.

Boot into Safe Mode

Booting your Mac in Safe Mode can help fix any errors that are preventing you from freeing up space on your startup disk. To do so:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.

2. Release the key when you see the Apple logo appear.

3. Booting your Mac in Safe Mode will allow you to identify and fix any errors.

Check Storage Tab for Increased Space

After running First Aid or booting into Safe Mode, check the Storage tab in Finder window to see if there's an increase in free space on your Macintosh HD.

1. Open the Storage tab and select Macintosh HD.

2. You should now see an updated calculation of used and available space.

Empty Trash and Delete Inessential Files

If you've emptied your Trash but still don't see increased storage space, try deleting some inessential files from your Macintosh HD and then emptying the Trash again. This may help free up additional space on your startup disk.

By following these steps, you should be able to free up space on your startup disk and keep your Mac running smoothly. Remember to clean up your Macintosh HD regularly to prevent errors and slowdowns.

How to free space on startup disk