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From the System Information menu, simply select the file or app you want to get rid of, and select the ‘delete’ button on the bottom right of the window. But these two methods often doesn’t solve the issue! One clever way to better manage the storage on your Mac is to use cloud storage options like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Download and install iMyMac PowerMyMac on your Mac, then launch it. On the main interface of the program, you will be able to see three different modules at the top, choose. Check System Storage on Mac. Firstly, we have to identify the reason why our Mac’s system storage is taking such a huge chunk of space. For that, we will have to see what space is being distributed. In order to do that: Launch your Mac and click on the “Apple Menu”. Select the “About this Mac” option and click on the “Storage.
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In this article, we look at how to access the System folder and what you can modify within System Preferences, which is not hidden and contains valuable tools and ways to make changes within your Mac.
System Storage On Macbook
How to access the System folder
Apple prefers to hide folders that could be at risk from viruses and cyber-attacks. Not only that but if an inexperienced Mac user were to make a mistake — or delete something important — native or downloaded (third-party) applications could stop working. Therefore, it is safer if certain folders, such as the Library and/or System folder, remain hidden.
Sudden strike 4 download. However, there are times when you need to access these folders. Maybe an app is misbehaving, so one way to solve this problem is to “Delete the application's plist,” which is only possible with access to the System folder or Library. Within these folders, you benefit from complete control and can modify settings or clear out cache files.
Access the System folder using Terminal
However, if you would prefer doing this the manual way, here is how you can access the System folder:
- Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
- Enter this command in Terminal:
chflags nohidden ~/System
- (If nothing shows up under that name, try /Library as an alternative)
- Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
- Quit Terminal. The System folder should be visible in the Finder.
- If you ever want to restore this to how it was before, enter the following command in Terminal:
chflags hidden ~/System
- Click Return again, and it should be back to how it was.
How to see Mac system files in Finder
Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using Terminal and have used it before. This method will make the folder permanently visible, so if you’d prefer it was only temporary, there is another way - for those using Mac OS X (or macOS) Mavericks and later.
- Open a Finder window and go to your Home folder.
- Within the Finder menu, click View > Show View Options.
- Place a checkmark next to Show System or Library Folder.
And that should give you quick temporary access to the System folder. However, you may need to do that again after accessing it as Apple prefers to keep this hidden.
Pro Tip: If you’ve previously used iPhoto — but are now using Photos on your Mac — you could have duplicate iPhoto libraries. You could be amazed at how much space you could save.
How to access System Preferences?
Now, if you aren't looking for complete control of the apps on your Mac, there is another way to modify how everything operates.
- Go to the Apple Menu.
- Find System Preferences. Or you can access this through Siri, Finder, or the Applications Folder.
- Within System Preferences, you can make a wide range of top-level system changes without needing to access anything hidden through Terminal or the Finder.
Manage Storage On Macbook Air
With this level of behind-the-scenes access, you can make improvements to the performance of your Mac. Delete apps that take up too much space. Customize how your macOS looks. If your Mac isn’t performing as well as you would like, gaining access to System and Library folders is one of the best ways to regain the speed and efficiency you once enjoyed.
Two more tricks to unlock Mac system folders
There's a special keyboard shortcut that displays the protected folders in Finder. All you need to do is to press:
Shift + Command + Period character
Shift + Command + Period character
Macbook Pro System Storage High
This immediately reveals the semi-transparent folders that are normally restricted for access. Repeat the combination to undo the operation.
View Mac System folder with CleanMyMac X
Macbook System Storage Too High
Another way to unlock the hidden space is to download the tool I often recommend, CleanMyMac X. It has the so-called Space Lens feature that builds the interactive map of your storage. You will see lots of folders you rarely get to visit, like Movies, Application cache, etc.
Download the app's free edition here.
Now you can explore the space 'bubbles,' zoom on hidden files and folders, and delete them right on the spot. A good way to free up space when you need it. Here is the System Folder as viewed from the Space Lens:
Download the app's free edition here.
Now you can explore the space 'bubbles,' zoom on hidden files and folders, and delete them right on the spot. A good way to free up space when you need it. Here is the System Folder as viewed from the Space Lens:
Macbook Air Storage Full
Now you know everything about finding the System folder on a Mac. I hope you'll find this article helpful.