How to delete MacBook other volumes in container

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Posted by Geeks Callout London

@geekscallout

 05 Aug, 2022

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How to delete MacBook other volumes in container

When it comes to Macbook Other Volumes in Container, you’ll find that the latest macOS versions use a different method of storing essential data for running and maintaining the system based on the APFS file system. This system functions not on traditional disk partitions but rather employs containers that comprise several volumes.

If you go to the storage of your mac and do an assessment, you can see how much space other volumes consume. But understanding how to deal with this is super important before making a move.

This article will discuss steps you can take to manage the Other Volumes in Container and delete them if required.

Three Types of Essential Other Volumes in the MacBook

1- Preboot:

The system’s boot-up process and data exist under Preboot volume in a MacBook. This process uses the APFS boot system. A very negligible amount of data is present under this storage, and it does not pressure the system’s performance.                                                 

2- Recovery:

Recovery volume comprises data related to maintenance and repair. It does not consume a lot of space, and if you spot a large volume of data, there may be a chance that some of it is unnecessary and got there due to a glitch in the system.  

3- VM:

Virtual Memory is a temporary memory that the macOS uses when space in RAM runs low to keep the system running properly. It doesn’t store permanent data. If space issues arise from this volume, clearing the cache or rebooting the system might help free up storage space.

There could be more volumes, and they are likely all important files the macOS requires to run the overall system. One of them holds Macintosh HD system files, while others might also contain important data you have stored on the mac. 

How to view other volumes in a container?

You can use “Terminal” to assess the containers and their volumes. If you come across large data files and cannot ensure the purpose of their presence, it is recommended you try out other methods and avoid the deletion of volumes.

  • To view these volumes, open the Terminal.
  • Type “diskutil list” and press “Return.”
  • Look below the “APFS Container Scheme.”

Other Methods you can try:

1- Make a New User Account:

Making a new user account can help you get storage space without deleting other volumes.

●     Open Apple menu > System Preferences > Groups and Users.

●     Tap on the padlock sign and type in your login details.

●     Tap on the (+) sign available at the bottom on the left side.

●      Choose “Administrator” from the menu, enter the required details and click on “Create User.”

●     Restart the laptop and log in using your new account.

●     Go to “Storage” and check if the other volumes in the container are now taking less space. 

2- Disable Content Caching:

Another way to reduce the storage size consumed by other volumes could be disabling the content caching feature in your mac. This feature smooths your web browsing experience, allows speedy downloads, stores iCloud data, etc. However, it can consume massive space in your notebook’s storage.

 

●     Open System Preferences and click on “Sharing.”

●     In the sidebar, you can see a list of various features; look for “Content Caching.”

●     Uncheck the box next to it.

●     Restart your notebook and analyze the “Storage” again.   

3- Use disk cleaning apps:

Several free apps are available online that help with disk cleaning and storage maintenance. Apps like MacKeeper, Omnidisksweeper, CleanMyMac X, etc., scan storage and free up space by deleting all unnecessary data that also includes other volumes in the container.

How to delete other volumes in a container?

If you have figured out the problematic entries, have backed up your data on Mac, and can use the disk properly, then you can delete the extra AFPS Volume.

  1. Open the Disk Utility.
  2. Press the “View Icon” option and then choose the option “Show all Devices.”
  3. Detect the extra volume and mount it.
  4. Hold the control button and then click the entry. Select the “Delete APFS Volume” option.
  5. Confirm the action.

After the completion of the process, recheck storage to ensure there’s free space.

Final Thoughts: 

It is recommended that you do not mess with Other Volumes in Container. If you’re dealing with space issues, you could try to create space by deleting unwanted data/files from other drives. In the end, if nothing works, the last step you could try is factory resetting your laptop and reinstalling macOS. But remember to backup your data. 

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