iCloud & iCloud Photos · Online-only files and Optimize Mac Storage
Why hasn't Optimize Mac Storage freed any space yet?
Short answer: macOS only frees iCloud files when it decides space is needed, starting with older files, so turning it on frees nothing immediately. For space now, tap Run Tuhi in Storage Studio or use Finder's Remove Download.
Because macOS only frees iCloud files when it decides it needs the room — typically when free space is running low — and it starts with files you haven't opened for a while. Turning the setting on doesn't free anything immediately.
If you need the space now:
- Tap Run Tuhi in Storage Studio. Its cloud step makes large downloaded files online-only straight away and shows how much it freed.
- Or right-click a large folder in iCloud Drive in Finder and choose Remove Download.
Either way the files stay in iCloud and download again when you open them.