Although macOS tries to automatically handle all unwanted items and remove them, the truth is that there are always residual items on Mac, especially in applications. And we call them residual and junk files because they are not really essential for the functioning of the computer.
Generally, these files can take up a lot of space of memory and although there are some good tricks to free up space on the Mac, one of the most interesting is the one that is accessed using the three keys that all these computers have. Combining them we arrive at the mother of all macOS folders and where we can locate all those junk files. It also works on any version of macOS.
How to clean your Mac of junk files
Continuing a bit with the definition of junk files, the origin of these elements It’s diverse. These are items that are generally temporary in nature, but nevertheless remain in the system. For example, when we delete an application or a document.
Although we normally take care of deleting files manually, the problem with these junk files is that they are invisible and so your quest to remove them is not so simple.
And that’s where the magic comes in. combine these three keys when we are in any folderhaving to hold all three down at the same time:
Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + Period (.)
Once this is done, you will have activated the option see all hidden files of the file in question. If you don’t see any, that means there aren’t any and therefore there will be nothing to delete.
The key to everything is where to find themfor which the keys are executed from the Finder and are very similar to the previous one, only changing the point of the ‘H’ key:
Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + H
Example of what some junk files look like through Finder
This shortcut will take you directly to the user’s “Home” folder, where the main locations in which to try to locate these residual files will appear. The main ones that we recommend you consult “Downloads”, “Documents” and “Desktop”
Of course you have to be careful about the files you delete and don’t delete anything that’s important. The most recommended are those related to documents and/or applications that you no longer use or for which you have good proof that they are not necessary. In any case, macOS blocks the ability to delete essential files, so the risk of touching something vital to the system is minimal.
He how to delete these hidden files This couldn’t be simpler, since it’s exactly the same as deleting other files. It’s all done by selecting them and dragging them to the dock’s Trash.
Cover image | Moritz Kindler on Unsplash
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