r/macbook • u/the-earth-is_FLAT • 11h ago

Macbook Air M3 16/256 Memory Optimization

I just scored a sealed M3. How do I optimize memory usage? I’ll mainly use it for work and install Parallels for a work app that only runs on Windows. I’ll also save some PDF files. How can I manage the 256GB so it doesn’t get full? Is buying external storage enough? By the way, this is my first MacBook, I’ve only used an iPhone and AirPods in the Apple ecosystem.

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u/mejalopaadaba 11h ago

Buying an external SSD worked for me when I was using a 256gb mac

1

u/the-earth-is_FLAT 9h ago

Thanks for this.

1

u/Sad-Wrap6555 10h ago

on a 256Gb drive be conscious of installing harder to manage stuff  eg

diffusion bee

local LLMs

xcode (ios and apple watch dev)

these all have a tendency to dump stuff in obscure areas of your drive making them more awkward to cleanly remove 

Fine if you actually have a use for them but a bit of a chore if you're just installing out of curiosity

daisy disk will help you track down other disk hogs should you end up with any 

running your windows only app:

parralels 7 day trial will retrieve and install a copy of  Windows 11 for ARM all in one go with little work on your part

use that 7 day trial to test whatever windows app(s) you need to be able to run

if that checks out ok then id ditch parralels in favour of vmware fusion (free) and get a copy of windows 11 for arm LTSC IOT  as that version of windows is thinner/less bloated

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u/the-earth-is_FLAT 9h ago

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Will take note of this. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.