How do I automatically empty the trash on my MacBook Pro M4

Steps to Automatically Empty Trash

1. Launch Finder: Click on the Finder icon in the Dock or click anywhere on the desktop to ensure Finder is active.

2. Access Finder Preferences: Go to the menu bar at the top of the screen and select Finder > Settings (or use the shortcut Command + ,**).

3. Navigate to Advanced Tab: In the Finder Preferences window, click on the Advanced tab.

4. Enable Automatic Trash Emptying: Locate the option labeled Remove items from the Trash after 30 days and check the box beside it. This option ensures that any files or folders moved to the Trash will be automatically deleted after 30 days.

5. Confirm and Close: Once you've checked the box, you can close the Finder Preferences window. Your MacBook will now automatically remove items from the Trash after the specified time period.

Important Considerations

- Permanent Deletion: Once items are automatically removed from the Trash, they are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered unless you have a backup. Consider setting up Time Machine or another backup solution if you might need to retrieve deleted files.

- iCloud Files: Files moved to the Trash from iCloud Drive may behave differently, as they can be automatically deleted after 30 days regardless of your Finder settings. However, this behavior is primarily related to iCloud Drive files rather than local files.

- Disabling the Feature: If you decide you no longer want to automatically empty the Trash, simply follow the same steps and uncheck the Remove items from the Trash after 30 days box.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your MacBook's storage by automatically clearing out unnecessary files from the Trash.