How to Clear Junk Files on Mac and Free Up Space Using Built-in macOS Tools in a Few Steps

Mac users who updated to macOS 27 Golden Gate, released by Apple on 14 September, may notice that at least 10GB of storage has disappeared due to an AI feature that the system downloads automatically.

Tom's Guide cites MacRumors reporting that after installing macOS 27, the system automatically downloads multi-gigabyte AI models the next time it connects to the internet, unlike previous macOS versions where users could opt out. The models powering Siri and Apple Intelligence features have thus become integral parts of the operating system.

Apple Intelligence can be disabled, but storage won't free up immediately.

On a Mac with 256GB capacity, losing 10GB amounts to about 4 percent of total storage.

Users not using Apple Intelligence can disable it via System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri by turning off the Apple Intelligence switch; the same page also allows disabling Siri AI. However, Tom's Guide warns storage won't be freed immediately since macOS manages these files as system files.

Start with the Storage page and three space recovery suggestions.

To clear general junk files, Apple recommends starting at Apple > System Settings > General > Storage, which shows how much space each category uses and updates numbers automatically as users delete files. Categories with a More Info button, such as Applications, Documents, Messages, and Trash, allow users to see details and manage files further.

There are three additional recommendations:

• Store in iCloud moves files from Desktop and Documents, including photos, videos, and messages, to iCloud storage.
• Optimize Storage deletes movies and TV shows watched in the Apple TV app and keeps only recent email attachments.
• Empty Trash Automatically deletes files in the Trash that have been there for more than 30 days.

With Store in iCloud, the system keeps only recently opened files locally when space is needed, using the user's iCloud storage instead.

Apple also suggests manual file removal options.

• Clear the Downloads folder.
• Uninstall apps that are not used.
• Delete old iPhone or iPad backup files stored on the Mac.
• Remove music, movies, or podcasts that can be streamed or downloaded again.
• Clean up emails in the Mail app via Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail and Erase Deleted Items.
• Move large files, such as photo libraries, to an external HDD or cloud storage.

Files moved to the Trash do not free up space until the Trash is emptied.

Regarding the System Data category, which can be large and puzzling for users, Apple explains it includes files from Apple and other apps that don’t fit into specific categories. macOS safely clears caches and logs automatically when storage is low, including temporary databases, incomplete downloads, macOS and app updates, and Safari website data.

Reference:Tom’s Guide