Free up space on startup drive

[harrylarry]

I can't update my system because it says I don't have enough drive space. I copied two 13GB folders to a backup drive, then deleted them from my hard drive. But it didn't free up any space on the hard drive. Why not, and how do I free up space?

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello.

• Which exact model Mac?
• Which version of OS X/macOS?
• Which update are you attempting to install?
• How much free space is it reporting?

I know this is silly, but after you moved the folders and placed them in the Trash, did you empty it?

C

 

[harrylarry]

Hi, Cory.
• Mac Mini 2018 (macmini8,1)
• Running Monterey 12.6
• Attempting to install Monterey 12.6.1
• Reports 24GB free space; after downloading and preparing the updates, 15.67GB

Update:
I used some of the techniques in similar threads, and was able to install Monterey 12.6.1, and then Ventura 13.0.1. So my problem is now solved. Thanks to you and all that responded to my post!