Fix “The Operation Can’t Be Completed Because the Disk Is Full”

Often such notifications as the “Operation can’t be completed because the disk is full” contain troubleshooting tips in the error notification itself. The error message tells you that Mac can’t complete the process because there isn’t enough space on your drive to create, save, or edit new files.

Basically, the only solution to this problem is to create more disk space. We have listed several ways to do this here.

What Causes the “Operation Can’t Be Completed Because the Disk Is Full” Issue on Your Mac

You may encounter the error message “The operation can’t be completed because the disk is full” on your Mac for several reasons. Here are the most common causes:

• Large files: Having files that take up much space on your Mac leaves less for other files.
• Too many files: If you have a lot of files on your computer, they can also take up a lot of space. Some of them may even be useless for you.
• Temporary files: Those files are created by various applications and programs on your Mac. These files are supposed to be deleted automatically, but sometimes they are not, causing them to take up space on your hard drive.
• System files are essential for your Mac to function correctly. However, these files can also take up a lot of space on your Mac.
• HD errors: If your hard disk includes errors, it can cause it to fill up quickly, leading to the error message.

How to Deal with the “Operation Can’t Be Completed Because the Disk Is Full” Problem

We have compiled several solutions to fix the “operation cannot be completed because the disk is full” error on your Mac. You can try each one one at a time and see if the problem persists.

I. Delete Large Files

Files of a considerable size buried deep within your hard drive consume a significant amount of space on your Mac. Let’s see how to find and delete files that take the most of your space on Mac. You can free some space by deleting them and fix the “Operation can’t be completed because the disk is full” problem.

a. Use the macOS Storage Manager Tool

macOS Ventura includes a feature that enables effortless management of large files in your storage. It is called Storage Manager. Here is how to use it to find large files:

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
2. Click the (i) icon near the Documents to see the file categories.

3. In the opened window, you will see the files grouped by size. Delete those you do not need. 

b. Use Finder

Using Finder will also help you to detect and remove files that take up much space on your Mac:

1. Open Finder.
2. Click on the magnifying glass on the top-right corner of your Mac’s screen and type anything in the search box.

3. Then click on the + icon that appeared. 

4. Sort the files by Size > select Size is greater than 1GB > delete those files you do not need.

II. Delete Unneeded Files

Another way to free up storage is to go through all the folders on your Mac and delete your files. This way, you will get rid of data you don’t need and fix the “Operation can’t be completed because the disk is full” issue. 

There are 3 methods to move your files to Trash:

1. Drag and move the unneeded files to the Trash folder.
2. Right-click the folder or file you want to remove and click on Move to Bin.
3. If you are using a desktop, select a file and use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + Delete to move the file or folder to the Trash.

To fully delete a file, you need to empty the Trash.

III. Delete Temporary Files

Various applications and programs on your Mac create temporary files. These files are supposed to be deleted automatically, but sometimes they are not, causing them to take up space on your hard drive. 

To delete temporary files on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open Finder.
2. Click on the Go menu and select Go to Folder.
3. Type ~/Library/Caches in the box and click Go.

4. Select all the files and folders in the folder that opens.
5. Right-click on the selected files and folders and select Move to Bin.
6. Repeat this process for the ~/Library/Logs folder.

IV. Delete System Files

System files are essential for your Mac to function correctly. However, these files can also take up a lot of space on your hard drive. 

To delete system files, follow these steps:

1. Open Finder.
2. Click on the Go menu and select Go to Folder.
3. Type /Library in the box and click Go.
4. Review the folders and files in the Library folder.

5. Delete any unnecessary files or folders.

Note: Be very careful when deleting system files. Make sure you do not delete any essential files.

V. Repair Disk Errors

If your hard disk has errors, it can cause it to fill up quickly, leading to the error message. To repair disk errors, follow these steps:

1. Run your Mac in Recovery Mode.
2. Select Disk Utility from the macOS Utilities window.

3. Select your Mac HD from the list on the left.
4. Click on the First Aid button.

5. Wait for the disk to be scanned and repaired.
6. Restart your Mac.

How to Restore Deleted Files?

Stellar Data Recovery Professional is a tool that can help you recover lost or deleted files on your Mac. 

Here’s a short instruction on how to restore files using Stellar Data Recovery:

1. Download & install Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac on your system.

2. Select the type of data you want to recover and click Next.

3. Choose the location where the files were stored before they were lost or deleted. If you’re not sure, select the Can’t Find Volume option, and click Scan.

4. Wait for the scan to complete, once the scan is complete, you can preview the recoverable files in the scan results window.

5. Select the files you want to restore and click on Recover to start the recovery process.

Wrapping Up

Following simple tips, you will clear some memory on your Mac, thus fixing the “Operation can’t be completed because the disk is full” issue. 

The primary advice is to monitor if there is a free space on your Mac. Remember to clean the Trash and check your computers for unneeded downloads and duplicates once in a while. 

Before you start cleaning your Mac from unneeded files, don’t forget to have a back of your important data or install apps that will help you to get your files back in case you accidentally delete important ones.

Read more:

• Fix the macOS Could Not Be Installed on Your Computer Problem
• How to Fix Apple Cannot Check It for Malicious Software in 2023
• How to Solve the “Erase Process Has Failed on Your Mac” Issue

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About The Author

Ruslana Lishchuk

Ruslana is a tech content writer whose true passion is finding out about everything Mac-related. She specializes in creating macOS guides and tips & tricks. In her spare time, you’ll find her doing yoga or discovering local coffee shops in search of the best filter coffee.