Are you struggling with your MacBook which is running out of storage? If yes, then you should definitely get rid of the purgeable data on your macOS. It is a very crucial step to follow for freeing up some space on your machine. The system records purgeable data on your device related to music, movies, photos and many more. Purgeable data consists of redundant files or temporary files that are safe to get deleted. This can free up some significant amount of space for you and help your machine function better.
In this article, you will learn the various methods to get rid of purgeable data on your macOS. If you have no knowledge on the same then you have come to the right place. Our blog will provide you with an in-depth understanding of various methods and fixes that will help you get rid of the purgeable data on your device.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Rid of Purgeable Data in macOS
If you do not get rid of your purgeable data then your Mac system will become slower. You will experience slow app loading times, slow folder opening and closing times, and slow booting times. In addition to that, there may be a risk involved in your device’s file storage. If the device reaches its storage limit, you may not be able to save any new documents or files or even download new apps. Furthermore, you may find it difficult to optimize your file storage system as well. To avoid all these problems, and to ensure a smooth functioning of your machine, you need to get rid of purgeable data.
Method 1: Using the Disk Utility App
Using the ‘Optimize Storage’ feature in the Disk Utility is one of the easiest ways to get rid of purgeable data. The steps discussed below will help you go through the whole process:
1. Open the ‘Finder’ app on your Mac.
2. Click on ‘Applications’.
3. Scroll down to find ‘Utilities’.
4. Click on the ‘Disk Utility’ app.
5. Choose the bootable volume of your macOS which is hard drive or SSD where you want to delete the purgeable data.
6. Click on the dropdown within the Disk Utility for optimization onto MAC’s Disk Utility screen.
7. Choose any of the pictures from the dropdown list of options which you can either choose ‘Never’, ‘30 Days’, ‘90 Days’, or ‘1 Year’ from the Disk Utility options.
8. You will see a pop-up, click on ‘Enable’ to activate the feature.
9. Exit the Disk Utility app, and you are done.
Pros:
– Very easy to use.
– Simply frees up storage space by using the Optimize Storage feature.
– Can choose specific time intervals for better control and optimization.
Cons:
– It can be slightly time-consuming if you select a large block of time.
– This process might not lead to complete removal of your purgeable data.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App – CleanMyMac
CleanMyMac is a third-party app that is popularly used to remove and manage temporary files and trash that is located on your macOS. The process of deleting purgeable data can be done using CleanMyMac in just a few steps. Here’s what you should do:
1. Download the CleanMyMac app from the Mac App Store.
2. Open the CleanMyMac app on your device.
3. Click on the ‘Space Lens’ button.
4. Next, click on ‘Scan’ located on the bottom left of the screen.
5. Click on ‘Review Entries’ once the scan is complete.
6. Choose the purgeable data entries from the screen.
7. Select the ‘Clean’ option.
8. You are done.
Pros:
– Provides a very user-friendly interface.
– Very efficient in cleaning up powerful purgeable data.
– Ensures complete purgeable data removal.
Cons:
– The free version is not efficient in complete file optimization.
– The paid version might be a bit expensive for some users.
Method 3: Using the Terminal App
Using the Terminal app on your Mac is another way to get rid of your purgeable data. The Terminal is a powerful tool that is mostly used by developers, however, it is also a good option for users who are looking to get rid of their purgeable data. Follow the instructions below to use the Terminal app on your Mac:
1. Click on ‘Applications’ in your Finder app.
2. Look for ‘Utilities’.
3. Open the ‘Terminal’ app.
4. Type this command: sudo tmutil thinlocalsnapshots / 9999999999 1
5. Hit enter.
6. You are done.
Pros:
– Allows the user to control the file deletion completely.
– The Terminal App works efficiently and faster than other methods.
Cons:
– Terminal App is a complex tool and might seem overwhelming to some users.
– Requires understanding of command lines.
What to Do If You Cannot Use Purgeable Data on Your macOS?
No matter how troublesome it seems when you can’t get rid of your macOS’ Purgeable Data, there are a few steps that you can follow to overcome it.
1. Check your Trash Bin to free up space.
2. Use the cloud storage service to upload your files.
3. Delete all the pictures, videos, and music files that you don’t need anymore.
4. Move large files that you need occasionally to an external hard drive.
Bonus Tip
It is always recommended to use applications that are trusted and recognized. You can also try the iTunes library cleanup option as well to get rid of your purgeable data.
5 FAQs
Q1. How do I check the purgeable data on my Mac?
A1. The easiest way to do it is to go to "About This Mac" through the Apple menu and then click on "Storage". You will find a color-coded breakdown of your storage usage. Under the colored segments, there will be an option called "Purgeable" which shows the amount of purgeable data on your device.
Q2. What happens if you delete the purgeable data?
A2. Deleting the purgeable data on your macOS will free up some storage space, optimizing the functioning of your machine.
Q3. Can Purgeable Data be deleted manually?
A3. It is not recommended to delete the purgeable data manually as it can affect your device’s file optimization.
Q4. What is the maximum duration of the purgeable data storage time?
A4. Purgeable data can be stored for up to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the settings in your device.
Q5. How often should I delete my purgeable data to ensure the smooth functioning of my device?
A5. It is recommended to delete your purgeable data on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Final Thoughts
Purgeable data can occupy a significant amount of space on your storage, which can lead to slow functioning and a thus, it is necessary to get rid of it. The three ways to get rid of it are through the Disk Utility App, the CleanMyMac third-party app, and the Terminal App. Deleting purgeable data can lead to freeing up space on your device and optimizing its functioning. Lastly, it is important to know that keeping your device fully optimized is the key to ensuring longevity.