Claim 14Gb of HD space - remove BigSur backup installation files (UPDATED)

[Leon1das]

Update (23 April 2021):
Figured why some users (Group A) cannot claim this 14 Gb space and others (Group B) can.

Group A: If you reinstall BigSur using internet (recovery) - you will get the latest OS version and Mac will not create this extra 14Gb backup

Group B: If you reinstall BigSur using offline installer (USB key) - you will still be required to be online in recovery!
Mac will install your offline installer - but during that install it will pull the newest OS version from Apple and place it on Data partition (in MacOS Install Data folder) mentioned below.
If you dont plan to update you can proceed with instructions below and delete this 14Gb folder.


Original post:

Big Sur requires >30Gb for the initial installation.

It splits this 30Gb into = 15Gb system partition + 15Gb for Data partition.
However Data partition has 1Gb of necessary files + 14Gb backup of Big Sur Installation files.

You dont need these files for system to run. Even if you plan to reinstall - reinstallation via Recovery is a standard (either by USB or by re-downloading installation).

Steps how to claim 14Gb:

1. Open Disk Utility, in the left column - right click on the Macintosh HD Data, and click Show in Finder:

2. Look for a folder MacOS Install Data

Delete folders: SFRUpdateBundle, UpdateBundle and delete file BaseSystem.dmg.
Empty Trashbin, and you will have 14Gb at your disposal.

May be useful to people with smaller SSDs.
Also, proves BigSur in reality totals only 16Gb which is impressive.

 

[Quackers]

I don't see that folder in mine.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I don't see that folder in mine.

Hello Quack.

How's things, bud?

Still enjoying your M1?

 

[Quackers]

Hello Quack.

How's things, bud?

Still enjoying your M1?

Oh yes, thanks
And you?

 

[chabig]

Neither my MacBook Pro nor my Mac Mac mini have a MacOS Install Data folder. Maybe those were left over from a failed installation.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Oh yes, thanks
And you?

Been in hospital for a few weeks, so haven't had much use of it.

Making up for it now, though .

Hope you're well, buddy.

 

[Leon1das]

I don't see that folder in mine.

Neither my MacBook Pro nor my Mac Mac mini have a MacOS Install Data folder. Maybe those were left over from a failed installation.

Check if system files were hidden or not. (you can use TinkerTool to unhide them).
Alternative: use Find Any File app to locate any of the above mentioned folders

There is no failed installation - this is after fresh installation following Erase Mac in Recovery.

I confirm I have this folder both on my MBP internal drive and my external SSD BigSur drive.

I also confirm that mentioned files releases space of ~ 14Gb

 

[chabig]

Check if system files were hidden or not.

Even with hidden files shown, I don't have that folder. Can you show the parent of that folder? Your first post doesn't.

 

[Leon1das]

Even with hidden files shown, I don't have that folder. Can you show the parent of that folder? Your first post doesn't.

Here is it below.
Its in main hd (in my case named Mac HD) - System - Volumes - Mac HD.
Note that I deleted the big files so they are not there anymore.
If you still cannot get to the root of this folder - try with Find Any File app to search for any large file/folder on your disk.

 

[chabig]

Not there.

 

[S_Antas]

Big Sur requires >30Gb for the initial installation.

It splits this 30Gb into = 15Gb system partition + 15Gb for Data partition.
However Data partition has 1Gb of necessary files + 14Gb backup of Big Sur Installation files.

You dont need these files for system to run. Even if you plan to reinstall - reinstallation via Recovery is a standard (either by USB or by re-downloading installation).

Steps how to claim 14Gb:

1. Open Disk Utility, in the left column - right click on the Macintosh HD Data, and click Show in Finder:

View attachment 1745443

2. Look for a folder MacOS Install Data

View attachment 1745445







Delete folders: SFRUpdateBundle, UpdateBundle and delete file BaseSystem.dmg.
Empty Trashbin, and you will have 14Gb at your disposal.

May be useful to people with smaller SSDs.
Also, proves BigSur in reality totals only 16Gb which is impressive.

Worked for me.
Thanks!

 

[SegNerd]

There was a time when disks were so small (in capacity) and expensive that I would be okay with poking through system files to try to reclaim every byte I could.

That time ended.

Even for SSDs, IMO.

 

[srbNYC]

I have the macOS Install Data folder, but it's empty.

 

[theSeb]

No such folder on any Macs here. Interesting that some people have this left behind and some do not.

 

[Leon1das]

If you do fresh install and go to Apple logo - About Mac - Storage.

If the occupied storage after fresh install is over 30GB - then you have these files somewhere.
I admit its strange how they can be hidden with symlinks. Try to use FAF to look for their exact location.

My external SSD with BigSur is only 16Gb with these files removed.
(I added 3 Gb of apps so its 20Gb now).

 

[Mac... nificent]

Something doesn’t sound right. Why would Apple just leave so many files laying around?

 

[Leon1das]

Something doesn’t sound right. Why would Apple just leave so many files laying around?

There could be a plan for use of these with later BS builds, who knows...

But importantly if your fresh install is over 30Gb, you have them too - its just a matter of finding them in the mess of symlinks.

 

[Leon1das]

Original post updated with reasons why some users cannot claim this space back...

 

[anonymous888]

256GB M1 Air. Got 14gb back. ?