---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-much-free-space-does-a-macos-update-need
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-much-free-space-does-a-macos-update-need
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Apps and macOS itself"
question: "How much free space do I need to install a macOS update?"
alt_questions:
  - "not enough space for macos update"
  - "macos upgrade storage required"
  - "software update needs more space"
  - "free space for sequoia update"
  - "can't update mac not enough storage"
short_answer: "Several times the download size while it unpacks and prepares; Software Update says how much more it needs. Free space by emptying the Trash, releasing snapshots and moving big folders off."
tags: ["macos update", "free space", "software update"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-much-free-space-should-i-keep-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-delete-local-snapshots-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How much free space do I need to install a macOS update?

More than the download size. An update has to download, unpack and prepare itself, and macOS usually makes a snapshot first, so a major upgrade can need several times the download size free while it installs. Software Update tells you how much more space it needs if there isn't enough.

To make room quickly: empty the Trash, release local snapshots, delete old installers and device backups, and move big folders or apps to an external drive. Storage Studio's Local Snapshots window can reclaim a specific amount (for example the amount Software Update asked for). See [the Local Snapshots manager](https://storagestudio.us/manual/local-snapshots).