Newbie question re Backup Storage

[deskjetian]

Newbie question...
I just got my first mac a week ago and have started using Time Machine.
When I look at About This Mac>Storage I have 5+GB allocated to Backup Storage on the internal ssd.
I had assumed that whenever I attached my external TM drive and do a backup, the disk allocated to Backup Storage would be released but I've noticed it doesnt do this.
Assuming now that my original assumption was wrong, when does this allocation get released ?
Thanks.
Ian.

 

[Weaselboy]

Your assumption is incorrect. That is Time Machine's local snapshots and they will stay there until the disk begins to get full, then the OS will start to shrink it down. Once the disk hits 80% full it will start to get deleted. You can read more about it here.

 

[deskjetian]

Your assumption is incorrect. That is Time Machine's local snapshots and they will stay there until the disk begins to get full, then the OS will start to shrink it down. Once the disk hits 80% full it will start to get deleted. You can read more about it here.

Thanks for your reply.