MacBook Air Not Enough Space for Update

ORIGINAL POST

I have a 2019 Macbook Air, and it's currently on Mojave (yes I know that's really bad). My computer stopped updating a few years ago because I was out of space (my system takes like 60-70 gigs of my computer's storage). Over the past year, I've tried everything I could find online to shrink down my system data, but nothing really worked. Eventually, I got fed up and deleted everything non-essential from my computer and freed up around 17 gigs of space. The new update requires around 13-14 gigs to install, so I definitely have enough space now, but I still get an error message every time I try to update it. I have very limited knowledge about computers and I have absolutely no idea what to do, because my software is so out of date that my computer is barely functional. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.

2 replies

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1 upvotes on reddit

No-Explanation1034 · 8 months ago

You need more storage. Probably best to put everything on external drives,and leave the stock storage for OS and temporary files.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/macbookair • [2]

Summarize

not enough storage to upgrade to Sonoma

Posted by MustLoveCats2589 · in r/macbookair · 1 year ago

I’m trying to help a client of mine upgrade the OS on her 2019 MacBook Air Retina 13” to Sonoma, but I’m getting an error that there isn’t enough space on the computer to upgrade. I’ve gone through and managed storage, deleted tons of misc stuff, and we still don’t have enough space.

Meanwhile the “other” category or storage that already seemed to be taking up a suspiciously large amount of space is getting bigger the more stuff I delete.

Can anyone help me understand what’s going on? I just can’t wrap my head around a computer not having enough storage space to upgrade to OS.

1 upvotes on reddit

3 replies

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3 replies

Pretend_Tooth_965 · 1 year ago

It happened to me a few years ago. No amount of deleting fixed the problem.

1 upvotes on reddit

MustLoveCats2589 · OP · 1 year ago

it’s kind of ridiculous for Apple to manufacture and sell a computer that’s operating system is unable to be upgraded…

2 upvotes on reddit

batsai · 1 year ago

At this point, I'd recommend backing up essential data via Time Machine or manually to an external drive, booting into recovery, and doing a clean install of MacOS. It will be a bit more time consuming, but it's probably the easiest way at this point.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/applehelp • [3]

Summarize

MacBook Air doesn’t have enough storage for newest OS - what do I do?

Posted by chronicallyearly · in r/applehelp · 3 years ago

My MacBook Air is a few years old. It’s been prompting me for a long while to update to the latest OS version (I’m sorry I don’t remember what it’s called). When I go to update, it tells me that there isn’t enough storage. I haven’t been too worried about it because I don’t use my MacBook so much, but I’m wondering if the update is really important for me to get.

Do I need the update? Any strategies for clearing storage/making more room? I recently started paying for more iCloud space, is there a way to transfer documents there?

1 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206985

5 replies

ctmurray · 3 years ago

Yes, you can turn on iCloud storage for "Desktop and Document". It then moves items on your Desktop and anything in your Documents folder to iCloud.

You can also turn on iCloud Photos and set this up to "optimize storage" which will move the images off the Mac to iCloud.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204264

3 upvotes on reddit

chronicallyearly · OP · 3 years ago

Thanks!!

1 upvotes on reddit

remanufactured · 3 years ago

Omnidisksweeper to see if there are any easy large files to remove.

1 upvotes on reddit

chronicallyearly · OP · 3 years ago

Thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

chronicallyearly · OP · 3 years ago

Thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/MacOS • [4]

Summarize

Not Enough Space to Update.

Posted by Effective-Lead-6657 · in r/MacOS · 2 years ago

I’m trying to update my Mac, and it says I need around 30 extra gbs of space to update (I currently have 7 free gbs). This seems large. Is this a normal amount. If so, how do I free up that much space?

1 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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5 replies

dpirmann · 2 years ago

Ugh I got so tired of this on my MB Air I just upgraded the SSD the other day and restored it all.

1 upvotes on reddit

SnooShortcuts3245 · 1 year ago

What is ssd

1 upvotes on reddit

supergplus · 2 years ago

Can be tricky sometimes. One idea is to delete GarageBand, iMovie, pages, Keynote and Numbers as you can download them again for free after the update. Also go into the Storage Manger (About this Max, Storage, Manage) and delete any iOS backups, GarageBand sound library, and anything else you don’t need. Clean out the downloads folder.

Then run a tool like onyx that can delete log files and caches.

Then of course you can move files to an external or the cloud and delete from your internal drive.

Good luck!

2 upvotes on reddit

batuckan1 · 2 years ago

Think of it this way

You have gallon size worth of liquid to move into 1 quart container

Something is giving.

If you want that update, which if your stuff are you willing to lose or move?

2 upvotes on reddit

oacificpocean · 1 year ago

Same problem. Monterey is asking for about 40gb to install update. Currently, I have about 30gb worth of apps and files. "System" is taking up > 70gb of my 121gb drive. Is the only way for me to update my computer to delete basically everything I use my computer for?

(I know, put it on an external drive or cloud, but it seems kind of silly to not be able to use more than 11gb of my hard drive if i want to update my os, right?)

1 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/mac • [5]

Summarize

Mac says there’s not enough space to update, but there is???

Posted by auditormusic · in r/mac · 1 year ago

Anyone have any idea why I can’t update to Monterey 12.7.4 when I have 30 gigs of free space?

reddit.com

57 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

Jazman2k · 1 year ago

If I remember correctly, you need to have double the free space that update requires. Try deleting some files/apps.

80 upvotes on reddit

AsceticEnigma · 1 year ago

This is the problem with the 128gb models. They’re useless, unless all you plan to do is browse the web. Working at an AAR, I used to recommend the 256gb at the minimum and for those that ended up getting a 128gb model the suggestion is that you leave at least 10% of HD space free just so that the computer can operate normally. You’ll start to see some wacky things happen if you max out the storage space.

34 upvotes on reddit

texas-playdohs · 1 year ago

I have a 256, and even that is a desperate file dump every update. I store most files on an external, but I have to be really disciplined about it. I’m never going smaller than 1tb again.

1 upvotes on reddit

BushWishperer · 1 year ago

Where is all your space going to? The average student who uses word, excel etc will hardly fill up 128gb.

-18 upvotes on reddit

Ok_Inevitable8832 · 1 year ago

What is an AAR. Nobody knows what that is

3 upvotes on reddit

auditormusic · OP · 1 year ago

Thanks all, it seems to have fixed itself by me installing the OS and the Safari update independently of one another

12 upvotes on reddit

Sensitive_Bad9256 · 2 months ago

can you elaborate on this plss??? im bad with tech, and i am having trouble updating it because of disk space, i have macos big sur WHAT DOOOOO

1 upvotes on reddit

ACman11 · 6 months ago

Nice. This worked for me too. Thanks OP!

2 upvotes on reddit

Hematomawoes · 9 months ago

Ayyyeee! You're a real one. Google brought me here. Same exact issue. Fixed it by downloading them separately lol. Thanks, mate!

2 upvotes on reddit

kilgoreandy · 1 year ago

It needs room to expand the update and delete modify files. Restart your computer and see if the memory updates to the correct size.

10 upvotes on reddit

NoisyBrat2000 · 1 year ago

Believe it. Delete some photos!

3 upvotes on reddit

ulyssesric · 1 year ago

It's just for the patch file itself. You need more room to extract the compressed files, and for macOS after Bug Sur you'll need extra ~20GB for the startup disk image. Basically you'll need around way more than that space for the update.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/macbookair • [6]

Summarize

Help with getting storage and updating.

Posted by Sweaty-Engine-5915 · in r/macbookair · 2 months ago

Hi all,

I have a 2019 Macbook Air. I’m trying to update to the most current version but having trouble. Was messing around trying to delete things but having no luck. I’m attaching some pictures but I believe I need at least 10 more GBs to do the available update. Any help would be super appreciated !

i.redd.it

12 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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https://youtu.be/HQ7_dMmvuUQ?si=YrDfIjKO0VajD0OR

5 replies

78914hj1k487 · 2 months ago

Download the 15-day trial of DaisyDisk
Install
Scan your drive
Go to User then Library and find out what is taking up so much space.
Browse the other folders too
Delete what you don’t need and you should be good

1 upvotes on reddit

Sweaty-Engine-5915 · OP · 2 months ago

i just tried but it won’t let me delete the files i. trial mode

1 upvotes on reddit

78914hj1k487 · 2 months ago

You can still open Finder, navigate to the folder, and delete files manually. The app is there to show you quickly what the problem folders (and files) are.

Alternatively: in the app You may be able to right click on a folder and select “Show in Finder”

1 upvotes on reddit

Sweaty-Engine-5915 · OP · 2 months ago

any other ways to delete ?

1 upvotes on reddit

rainy_diary · 2 months ago

Could back up all files in documents to external storage before delete them.

Uninstall Microsoft Office and all apps. Later after updated Mac OS could reinstall again.

But best way is format SSD and fresh install Mac OS.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/mac • [7]

Summarize

Help! Memory upgrade query

Posted by DiscussionNew907 · in r/mac · 7 months ago

Hi all,

I have a 2017 MacBook Air. I rarely use it these days as I don't need too. It still works as it did out of the box.

I have barely anything on it. I have never downloaded additional apps or used it to store photos. It's literally been word documents most of which I have deleted. There is literally nothing else for me to delete.

The issue I now have is that the MacOS updates have used up so much of my memory I am unable to download anymore. Aside from that it works perfectly.

It was bought as a gift and I love it but don't use it enough to justify spending more than my monthly salary on a new one.

I have contacted Apple Support and they have said it is possible to increase the storage but I have to go to an Apple store to get it done. My nearest Apple store is over a 2 hour drive from me so it's not easy for me to get there.

I did ask if there was anyway I can purchase external storage to allow the updates to install and they said no it has been an upgrade done at the Apple Store.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has any other ideas?

1 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

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https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-air/2013-2014-2015

4 replies

PenguinsAreGo · 7 months ago

By memory I presume you mean disc. At the risk of asking the obvious, have you emptied the trash?

The other thing you could do if there is really nothing on it is wipe the disc and reinstall.

1 upvotes on reddit

DiscussionNew907 · OP · 7 months ago

Umm...sorry I'm not that tech savvy but essentially updates have used up all of my storage and there isn't room for anymore and there is nothing for me to delete.

Yes I have emptied the trash 🤣🤣 there are only a couple of word documents on it and the stock apps.

1 upvotes on reddit

patb-macdoc · 7 months ago

You can buy one here

They also have videos on how to replace it and install a new Mac OS (the drive comes blank). Enjoy!

1 upvotes on reddit

johnerik · 7 months ago

Hey there! So I see you're dealing with a classic MacBook storage crunch. From my experience at Upgraded, here are a few practical suggestions:

Cloud Storage Workaround Even though Apple Support said no external storage, I'd recommend trying iCloud or Google Drive. These can help offload some files and potentially free up space for updates. Sometimes official support doesn't always see every solution.

Temporary Update Strategy Before heading to an Apple Store, try these update tactics:

Optimize Storage in MacOS settings
Use Disk Utility to verify and potentially repair disk space
Delete old iOS/macOS update files in Downloads folder

Cost-Effective Options Since driving 2+ hours to an Apple Store isn't practical, consider:

An authorized third-party repair service closer to you
External SSD for immediate storage relief
Checking if a remote Apple Support consultation might work

Pro tip: For 2017 MacBook Airs, storage upgrades can be complex. Sometimes it's more economical to strategically manage current storage or plan a gradual device transition.

If you want a hassle-free upgrade path, our Upgraded program offers flexible MacBook replacements with minimal monthly costs. But no pressure - just want to help you find the best solution for your needs!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/macbook • [8]

Summarize

Could anyone help me out

Posted by No_Return_1777 · in r/macbook · 2 months ago

I recently purchased this MacBook not too long ago off of Amazon (refurbished), everything had no issues.

I ran into this problem while trying to update it, was wondering if this was telling me I need more space to download the is software

i.redd.it

15 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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https://preview.redd.it/793q4i73yq9f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=190cb13eba7c03ba98d92184fc40a7bb2f7728ca

6 replies

AaronfromKY · 2 months ago

No it's just telling you the total and available amount of storage. You have plenty of free space.

5 upvotes on reddit

No_Return_1777 · OP · 2 months ago

And how comes this won’t connect, help me out 😫

5 upvotes on reddit

AaronfromKY · 2 months ago

You're connected to WiFi on the laptop? Have you tried rebooting it?

2 upvotes on reddit

gernophil · 2 months ago

This is not an update, but a reinstall of the OS.

2 upvotes on reddit

No_Return_1777 · OP · 2 months ago

Oh okay, I’m trying to download apps on it, having a hard time saying I need to update it 😑

2 upvotes on reddit

rainy_diary · 2 months ago

Because it was refurbised better format SSD and fresh install Mac OS Sequoia.

Find out your MacBook model first to make sure it is compatible with Mac OS Sequoia.

https://youtu.be/_4BIIUVxF6Y?si=1Z3_b7t3nXs5_NLZ

https://support.apple.com/en-us/120282

https://youtu.be/HQ7_dMmvuUQ?si=SUiItRqDyAZBtw2C

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/MacOS • [9]

Summarize

Please help me, it was updating then said I had no space now it is doing this.... please help me and desperated

Posted by Caramel_macchiato_ · in r/MacOS · 5 years ago

194 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

swardshot · 5 years ago

You get this squared away yet? Most of the advice here is solid, recovery (CMD + R). However if your disk is full and there is not enough space to reinstall macOS or the volume is corrupt you may need to reformat the drive and perform a clean install. If you were using iCloud photos to store your photos, you probably will not lose anything.

After this is all settled, buy yourself an external HD that is at least 1.5x the size of your internal HD and use it exclusively with Time Machine so you have a backup. There’s other options out there, but Time Machine is pretty straightforward.

4 upvotes on reddit

Caramel_macchiato_ · OP · 5 years ago

My photos were in “Photos”, so I guess no iCloud :( I just left my mac at a repair center because Im clueless and can’t even think properly

5 upvotes on reddit

TuhnderBear · 5 years ago

I had this happen too!!! I ended up doing a full clean wipe of the drive. It ended up loading an online copy of yosemite and I reinstalled to Mojave. Not touching Catalina. Took forever but I was also long due for a fresh install.

1 upvotes on reddit

tejljr · 5 years ago

Which model MacBook Air is that?

16 upvotes on reddit

mayhem052 · 5 years ago

Backup, backup, backup, backup, backup. Google Photos is free. Time Machine is easy as pie. Just do it.

3 upvotes on reddit

sgorneau · 5 years ago

I was going to say this (well, the sentiment, anyway). In 2019, there is no reason to not be backing up completely and frequently. I know this doesn't help OP now .. but it will after today.

2 upvotes on reddit

Caramel_macchiato_ · OP · 5 years ago

How many Theras can Google photos store ? And do they reduce quality like Facebook and that things ? Forgive my ignorance

1 upvotes on reddit

owzam97 · 5 years ago

re. Google Photos quality: The app gives you 2 options: one that has a limit but keeps the full image quality and the other which has unlimited storage but won't hold extra detail from 16MP. So it really depends what type of photos you have. I chose the unlimited option (so not the full detail one.) But since my camera is an iPhone I do not need the paying option. With the iPhone 11s/Pros the camera saves the photos in a file format which takes less space and no quality reduction whatsoever happens to google photos.

However if you would rather choose the paying option (maybe you have larger lenses etc...) I would just pay for iCloud then...

1 upvotes on reddit

x5nT2H · 5 years ago

for real now, leave it for an hour and if it doesn't exit the loop force restart it. 75% chance it automatically undoes the update and comes back

63 upvotes on reddit

tejljr · 5 years ago

Alright, so Command + R. Hold those down until the Apple logo appears. Do not let go until the logo appears.

14 upvotes on reddit

Rodriiix8818 · 5 years ago

Time to go to an apple shop...

5 upvotes on reddit

Kahuoot · 5 years ago

Boot in safe mode?

12 upvotes on reddit

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