How to Remove Files from Startup Disk on MacBook Air

Are you tired of unwanted files cluttering up your MacBook Air's startup disk? If so, you're in luck because this guide will walk you through the steps to remove those pesky files and free up some much-needed storage space.

Before we dive into the process, it's important to note that there are a few different ways to erase all content and settings on a Mac. For newer Macs with Apple Silicon or a T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey or later, you can quickly wipe your Mac using System Preferences. However, if you have an older Mac without these features, you'll need to perform a more complex series of steps.

Method 1: Erasing All Content and Settings on Newer Macs

If you have a newer Mac with Apple Silicon or a T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey or later, you can quickly wipe your Mac using System Preferences. To do this:

1. Click the Apple icon on the menu bar in the upper-left corner of the screen.

2. Select 'System Preferences.'

3. Choose 'Erase All Content and Settings' from the list.

This will open a window where you can select which type of erase you want to perform. For most cases, you'll want to choose the option that says 'Quick Erase.'

Method 2: Erasing All Content and Settings on Older Macs

If you have an older Mac without Apple Silicon or a T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey or later, you'll need to perform a more complex series of steps to factory reset your Mac. Here's how:

1. Shut down your Mac from the Apple menu or by pressing the power button once on your keyboard.

2. Restart your Mac and immediately hold the Command + R keys while booting up.

3. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo, and then select 'Reinstall macOS' to begin the installation process.

Additional Tips

If you're having trouble erasing files from your startup disk, there are a few things you can try:

1. Select the unwanted files and press the Option key while clicking on the File menu in Finder. Choose Delete Immediately to quickly remove the files.

2. If you're trying to erase a file that's being used by another program or process, you may need to quit that program or terminate the process before you can delete the file.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to easily remove unwanted files from your MacBook Air's startup disk and free up some much-needed storage space.

How to remove files from startup disk on macbook air