Mac storage basics · Purgeable space and local snapshots

Why doesn't deleting files free up space on my Mac?

Short answer: A local snapshot is usually still holding the deleted files' space; it returns when the snapshot expires (about a day) or is released. Also check the Trash and Recently Deleted.

Usually because a local snapshot still refers to the files you deleted, so the space stays held for the snapshot rather than for you. Two other common causes: the files are still in the Trash, or an app still has them open.

Check in this order:

  1. Empty the Trash (and the Recently Deleted album in Photos, if you deleted photos).
  2. Quit apps that might have the files open.
  3. Wait a day, or release local snapshots now.

The space isn't lost — it comes back when the snapshot expires. Storage Studio shows this as held space rather than unexplained, and offers Release that space where it applies. See releasing snapshots.

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