Mac Disk Utility Displays Incorrect Free Space [Causes and Solutions]

"Recently, I noticed my Mac was displaying messages about low storage space. Consequently, I chose to remove some unimportant files and folders. Following that, I also emptied the Trash. Nevertheless, the Finder window did not reflect the increased available space. I would appreciate assistance in resolving this issue."

Have you ever encountered such an issue? There have been instances where Mac users have reported that even after deleting various files and folders, the available storage space hasn't increased.

Translation into English:

Firstly, ensure that you have emptied the Trash. If you have and are still encountering the issue, it might be due to various Mac errors. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind "Mac disk utility showing incorrect free space" and potential solutions.

Why Does Your Mac Disk Utility Display Incorrect Storage Space?

Numerous users have encountered instances where the Mac Disk Utility displays inaccurate disk space usage. This issue can stem from various factors, such as concealed files, system files, and undetected corrupted files. In addition to these, there might be other issues with the file system on the disk, which could lead the Disk Utility to provide incorrect information.

How to Resolve Incorrect Free Hard Drive Space Displayed on Mac Finder?

There are several remedies to address the issue of incorrect display of free hard drive space. However, it's crucial to backup your data beforehand to ensure safety. Let's explore these solutions –

Fix 1: Restart Mac in Safe Mode

The simplest way to rectify the issue of Mac Disk Utility displaying incorrect storage space is by booting the Mac in safe mode. By starting your Mac in safe mode, you allow users to power up the system and address system issues securely. When the Mac enters safe mode, only the most essential applications and files are loaded. This enables you to attempt resolving various problems with your Mac.

Here are the steps you need to follow for Apple silicon: 1. First, ensure your Mac is compatible with Apple silicon. Check the model and year of your Mac; Apple silicon is used in newer models starting from the M1 chip in 2020. 2. Update your macOS to the latest version available. Apple regularly releases updates optimized for Apple silicon. You can check for updates by going to System Preferences > Software Update. 3. Download software specifically built for Apple silicon (ARM64 architecture). Many developers have released universal apps that work on both Intel-based and Apple silicon Macs. Look for "Universal" or "Built for Apple silicon" in the app's description. 4. If an app isn't available in an Apple silicon version, it may still run through Rosetta 2, Apple's translation layer. When installing such an app, macOS will prompt you to download Rosetta if needed. 5. For developers: Use Xcode with the latest SDK to build apps compatible with Apple silicon. Apple provides detailed documentation on how to adapt your code. 6. Verify that all your essential software and tools have Apple silicon support before making the transition. 7. If you're planning to upgrade from an Intel-based Mac to a new Apple silicon Mac, consider migrating your data using Apple's Migration Assistant. This tool transfers your files, settings, and apps to your new Mac seamlessly. 8. After migration, monitor app performance. Some apps might run slower or have compatibility issues until updated by their developers. 9. Keep an eye on updates from developers and Apple for improved compatibility and performance enhancements. 10. Join Apple's Developer Program to stay informed about the latest developments and resources related to Apple silicon.

Step 1. Go to the Apple menu. Select "Restart" from the dropdown options. Wait a few seconds for the system to restart.

Step 2. Press and hold the Power button until you see "Loading startup options" displayed on the screen.

Step 3. Select a volume. Press and hold the Shift key.

Step 4. Proceed by selecting "Continue" in Safe Mode.

Step 5. The device will restart automatically. You will see "Safe Boot" displayed on the screen.

Check out the steps for Intel-based Macs:

Step 1. Turn on your Mac. Press and hold the Shift key until you reach the login window.

Step 2. Log in to the device. If prompted, log in again.

Step 3. You'll find the "Safe Boot" option in the menu bar on the first or second login window.

Solution 2: Free Up Space on Startup Disk Manually

Sometimes, you need to manually free up space on the startup disk so that the Mac Disk Utility app no longer displays incorrect storage space remaining.

Step 1. Empty the Trash Can

Open the Trash icon from the dock. Once it's open, click on the "Empty" button to remove files that you don't need immediately.

Step 2. Clear Unused Downloads

Open the Downloads folder from the dock. Survey the files that have been downloaded within the specified time frame. Right-click on the file or folder that is no longer needed and choose the 'Move to Bin' option.

Step 3. Uninstall Apps that are Not in Use

There are numerous applications that you might have installed on your computer but no longer use. You can locate these files within the Applications folder and delete them if they are unnecessary.

Fix 3: Store Your Files in iCloud

Another method to resolve the issue of Mac Disk Utility displaying incorrect free space is by storing files in iCloud. Follow these steps: 1. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac. 2. Click on the "iCloud" icon. 3. Sign in with your Apple ID, if prompted. 4. In the iCloud window, enable the "iCloud Drive" option. 5. Choose which folders or apps you want to sync with iCloud. You can select "Desktop" and "Documents" to move those files to iCloud. 6. Wait for the synchronization process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of your files. 7. Once the sync is finished, check your Mac's storage again using Disk Utility. The free space should now reflect the files that have been moved to iCloud. By storing files in iCloud, you free up local storage on your Mac, which can help Disk Utility display the correct available space. Remember that an active internet connection is required to access these files from your Mac.

Step 1. Go to "About This Mac." Click on "More Info."

Step 2. A new window will open; click on the Storage option.

Step 3. Next, click on "Store in iCloud" from the Recommendations section. This allows you to transfer images, videos, files, and more to iCloud.

Step 4. Select "Optimize" to remove the watched iTunes files from your system.

Step 5. Additionally, choose the Turn On button next to Empty Trash Automatically. This will delete files that have been in the Trash for 30 days or more.

Step 6. Click on Applications to delete any apps that you don't need.

Step 7. Choose "Documents" to eliminate unnecessary files.

Step 8. Next, click on the "iOS Files, Mail, and iTunes" options to delete items that you no longer need.

Step 9. Navigate to the Trash and click on the Empty Trash option to free up space.

If you failed to clean the Trash using the aforementioned method, you can forcefully empty the Trash.

Fix 4. Reinstall macOS

Sometimes, incorrect free space display can also be attributed to software issues. In such instances, re-installing macOS might resolve the problem. Here are the steps you should follow for this solution:

Step 1. Go to the Apple logo and click on Restart.

Step 2. Press and hold the Command and R keys until you see the Apple logo.

Step 3. You will see the macOS Utilities window on the screen. From here, you can choose to "reinstall macOS."

Step 4: Click "Continue" and follow the instructions provided.

Note: These steps are relevant for Intel-based Mac computers. It is crucial to understand that reinstalling macOS will not erase or delete data from your system. Additionally, you will need to provide your password whenever prompted.

Extra Tip: How to Retrieve Lost Files on Mac

Were you aware that incorrect management of storage space on your Mac can lead to various issues? Amidst this chaos, data loss might occur. While attempting to resolve problems by restarting your Mac, important data can accidentally be deleted. In such situations, a dedicated data recovery tool can come in handy.

The Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is an exceptional data recovery software specifically crafted to assist Mac users in safeguarding their data. Irrespective of the circumstances leading to data loss, such as formatting errors during macOS updates, accidental deletion, hardware failures, deletion without backups, system crashes, virus attacks, and more, this tool empowers you to recover your lost data effectively.

• You can also utilize this superb data recovery software to retrieve various types of data, including images, videos, emails, documents, and more.
• This platform operates flawlessly across all Mac-based devices, enabling you to recover deleted files from an SD card on Mac, as well as HDD, fusion drives, SSD, USB drives, and so on.
• Data Recovery Wizard for Mac assists in retrieving data from Time Machine backups, and it also allows users to send the recovered data to cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and others.
• The tool enables you to perform a quick scan of the files and select the ones you wish to recover.

Furthermore, the software is user-friendly and caters to both experts and beginners effortlessly. Give Data Recovery Wizard for Mac a try and recover deleted files on Mac with just a few simple steps by clicking here.

Step 1. Search for Missing Files

Choose the disk location to search for missing files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external storage device) on macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or the latest Sonoma. Then, click the "Search for lost files" button.

Note: Before data recovery, it's recommended to click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to prevent additional data loss. Once backed up, the software can retrieve data from the Mac backup, and your computer can proceed to write new data.

Step 2. Review the scanning results

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and recover

In the scan results, select the file(s) you wish to preview and click the "Recover" button to retrieve them.

Closing Remarks

Is your Mac's Disk Utility displaying incorrect free space? Have you attempted to delete files? Does the issue persist even after emptying the Trash? If so, the problem might be due to software errors or glitches.

Fortunately, there are several solutions you can employ to address this specific issue. You can attempt to restart your system in Safe Mode or reinstall macOS. However, you might still face file loss. In such a scenario, opting for a trustworthy data recovery tool would be the ideal solution.

The Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a professional and efficient data recovery solution. This software enables you to recover various types of data effortlessly. User-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced users, it makes data recovery a seamless experience.

Begin using the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool today!

FAQs: Mac Disk Utility Displays Incorrect Free Space

The issue of the Mac Disk Utility displaying incorrect free space is certainly a cause for concern. However, you can obtain more insights by reviewing the questions and answers provided below:

< strong > 1. Why does my Mac say "Your disk doesn't have enough space"? < /strong >

Your Mac indicates that your disk lacks sufficient free space primarily because the system is filled with "purgeable" space. Essentially, this refers to the space taken up by unnecessary data on the device. The issue can also be caused by software problems.

2. How do I free up space on my Mac?

To free up space on your Mac, you need to delete unnecessary music, files, photos, videos, and so on. Remember to also empty the Trash.

3. How do I delete the free space partition on my Mac?

To delete the free space partition on a Mac, follow these steps: 1. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac. 2. Within System Preferences, click on "Security & Privacy." 3. Disable "FileVault" if it's currently enabled. 4. Restart your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys to enter "Recovery Mode." 5. In the Recovery Mode menu, select "Disk Utility." 6. In Disk Utility, select the main Mac drive (usually named "Macintosh HD"). 7. Click on the "Partition" tab at the top of the Disk Utility window. 8. You should see the free space partition listed here. Click on it and then click the "-" button at the bottom of the screen to remove it. 9. Confirm the deletion when prompted. 10. Once the deletion is complete, exit Disk Utility and restart your Mac normally. The free space partition should now be removed.

4. How do I reset my Mac system storage? To reset your Mac's system storage, you'll typically want to erase the content and settings and then reinstall macOS. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Backup Your Data**: Connect an external drive and use Time Machine or another backup solution to save your important files and data. 2. **Restart in Recovery Mode**: Shut down your Mac and turn it back on. Immediately press and hold `Command` + `R` keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. 3. **Enter Recovery Tools**: You'll be presented with the Utilities menu. Choose "Disk Utility." 4. **Erase Mac Storage**: In Disk Utility, select your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD") from the left sidebar, then click "Erase." Choose a format (APFS is recommended for newer Macs), give it a name, and click "Erase." 5. **Quit Disk Utility**: Once the erasing process is complete, exit Disk Utility by clicking "Done" or the red close button in the top-left corner. 6. **Reinstall macOS**: Go back to the Utilities menu and select "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall macOS Catalina," etc., depending on your macOS version). Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install a fresh copy of macOS. 7. **Restore from Backup (optional)**: After the installation is finished, you can use Time Machine or your preferred backup method to restore your files and applications. 8. **Set Up Your Mac**: Finally, follow the on-screen prompts to set up your Mac as if it were new, including creating or logging into your user account. Remember that resetting your Mac will remove all data, so ensure you have a recent backup before proceeding.

You can reset the system storage on your Mac to perform a clean installation of the operating system. This process will erase everything on your Mac, including personal files, so it's crucial to back up your data beforehand. Furthermore, no application should be able to delete files from the system folders, and you should avoid doing so yourself.