How to Locate the Biggest Space‑Hogging Files on macOS with Marvis

Running out of disk space on a Mac can be frustrating because you often don’t know which files to delete. The author demonstrates a method that first uses the Marvis AI assistant to identify the truly large files before any removal.

Step 1: Define the Scan Scope

Open Marvis and start a new conversation. The author, using a Mac, entered the prompt:

Help me scan the desktop of this computer, sort by file size, and list all files larger than 1 GB and any large software. Tell me their names, paths, and whether they are safe to delete. Do not delete or move anything yet; wait for my confirmation.

The key instruction is to avoid deleting or moving files during the scan.

Step 2: Review Scan Results Beyond Size

Marvis returns a list ordered by size, including file name, location, size, and a handling suggestion. The author notes that the path is as important as the size. For example, installation packages or exported files are easy to judge, whereas software data directories, system components, virtual‑machine files, and project assets require more context.

If any entries are unclear, the author asks Marvis to explain the originating software and possible impact, marking uncertain items as “needs manual confirmation”.

Step 3: Categorize Results into Three Risk Levels

The author prompts Marvis to reorganize the list:

Please split the results into three categories: 1. Usually safe to clean after confirmation; 2. Better to back up or handle within the original software; 3. Not recommended to delete manually. Explain the reasoning for each category and do not perform any actions.

This turns the size‑ordered list into a actionable plan with clear categories.

Step 4: Act Only on Confirmed Items

After reviewing the categorized list, the author selects specific items to process and sends another prompt:

Only process the confirmed file or project name. Keep all other items unchanged. If the action involves uninstalling software, changing system settings, or deleting files, ask me to confirm again.

The final step frees a reported amount of space, and the author verifies that key applications continue to work normally.

Limitations and Real‑World Experience

The author acknowledges that some suggestions may be inaccurate or miss files, and advises treating the scan as a guide rather than an automatic decision maker.

Who Can Benefit

This “scan → categorize → confirm” workflow is useful for anyone whose computer feels sluggish due to low disk space but cannot identify the culprits. It focuses on answering three questions for each large file: what is it, why is it there, and will removing it affect active software.

Marvis, a Tencent‑provided AI assistant that operates at the OS level, can handle the described “large‑file scan” scenario, though its capabilities depend on OS version, device configuration, file permissions, and installed software.

To try the method, start with the following prompt:

Help me scan the computer disk, list files over 1 GB, describe their purpose, path, and risk, and generate a list without deleting, moving, or uninstalling anything. I will confirm actions later.