---
id: freeing-space.what-is-custom-reclaim
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-custom-reclaim
category: "Freeing up space"
subcategory: "Local snapshots and held space"
question: "How do I free a specific amount of space from snapshots before a macOS update?"
alt_questions:
  - "Custom reclaim Local Snapshots"
  - "Need 20 GB free for macOS update"
  - "Reclaim now button"
  - "Free exactly N GB from snapshots"
  - "Make room for a system update"
short_answer: "In Local Snapshots, type the amount you need under Custom reclaim and click Reclaim now. It's useful when, say, a macOS update needs a set amount of free space."
tags: ["local snapshots", "macos update", "reclaim"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-does-delete-all-backed-up-do", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-the-local-snapshots-manager"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I free a specific amount of space from snapshots before a macOS update?

Use **Custom reclaim** at the bottom of the Local Snapshots window. Type the amount you need and click **Reclaim now**; Storage Studio clears snapshots to free that much, following the same safety rules as everywhere else in the window.

It's handy when a specific task needs a set amount of room — for example a macOS update asking for a certain amount of free space. The result is shown in the outcome banner, which you can dismiss.

If snapshots aren't holding enough, look at [What's Using Space](https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-whats-using-space) or [Emergency Space](https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-emergency-space) for the rest.