Freeing up space · Stopping, undoing and apps in the way
Can I stop a clear-up while it's running?
Short answer: Yes. Stop is always available while a clear-up runs; it finishes the folder in progress so nothing is half-removed, then reports what was cleared and what's left. Carry on resumes from there.
Yes, and it's safe by design. A Stop button is there the whole time a clear-up runs. Pressing it finishes the folder already in progress and then halts, so nothing is ever left half-removed.
Afterwards it tells you how much was cleared and how much is left — both counted rather than estimated — and Carry on picks up from exactly where it stopped. See why Stop isn't instant.
To stop all automatic activity rather than one run, use Stop Service in the popover, or quit Storage Studio from the menu bar icon.