Create Space to Run MacOS Update

Owned by Candice Pirtle
Last updated: Dec 13, 2024
2 min read

You may have tried to update your MacOS and received an error that you do not have enough space. This article will take you through the quickest way to free up space to process your update.

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If you need less than 2GB of disk space, you could perhaps delete an application and documents on your system that are not in use (e.g. downloads folder documents).

 MacOS Cleanup

To process an update more efficiently, the ‘MacOS Cleanup’ script can be run.

It would be best to set aside 1hour of time - This process will delete and reinstall applications such as Microsoft Office. Please save any work in progress.

Deletes:

  • Any macOS installers

  • Closes open Mail and Office apps

  • User’s download folder

  • Google Chrome cache

  • Apple Mail and Outlook profiles

  • Microsoft Update cache

  • Office apps and iMovie

Does NOT delete:

  • User’s pictures

  • User’s movies

  • User’s music

  • User’s iMessages

  • OneDrive Files

MacOS Cleanup Steps:

  • Access ‘Manager’ Application.

  • Click on ‘My Scripts’ on the left-hand side.

  • Locate ‘macOS Cleanup' and click 'Execute Now’.

  • Wait 10 Minutes and attempt to process your Software Update again.

After your system has successfully updated, you can now reinstall deleted applications:

  • Access ‘Managed Software Center’ application.

  • Click on ‘Updates’ on the left-hand side.

  • Check/Update software (may need to click twice).

  • Applications such as Microsoft Office will begin to install.