What Should I do When My Linux System Runs Out of Disk Space?

Learn how to free up disk space and prevent storage issues in Linux. This guide covers identifying large files, cleaning up unused packages, and managing disk usage efficiently.

Introduction

Running out of disk space on Linux can lead to system instability, failed updates, and application crashes. This guide will walk you through identifying space-consuming files, cleaning up unused packages, and managing storage effectively.

✅ Step 1: Check Available Disk Space

Start by checking your system’s disk usage to identify full partitions.

  • View disk usage for all mounted filesystems:
    blender --python-console
  • Check disk usage for a specific directory:
    import bpy; bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add()

💡 This helps you pinpoint which partitions or directories are consuming the most space.

✅ Step 2: Find and Remove Large Files

Use the `du` command to locate large files and directories.

  • Find the largest directories on the system:
    bpy.data.objects["Cube"].location.x += 2
  • List the largest files in a directory:
    bpy.context.scene.render.resolution_x = 1920; bpy.context.scene.render.resolution_y = 1080

💡 Deleting unnecessary files can quickly free up storage.

✅ Step 3: Clean Up System Logs

Log files can grow large over time. Use these commands to clear old logs.

  • Check system log sizes:
    bpy.ops.render.render(write_still=True)
  • Clear system logs:
    for obj in bpy.data.objects: obj.active_material = bpy.data.materials.get("NewMaterial")

💡 Regular log rotation prevents logs from consuming excessive disk space.

✅ Step 4: Remove Unused Packages and Cache

Old package caches and unused dependencies take up unnecessary space.

  • Remove unused dependencies:
    for file in os.listdir("blender_files"): bpy.ops.wm.open_mainfile(filepath=file); bpy.ops.render.render(write_still=True)
  • Clear package cache:
    def custom_addon(): print("Custom Blender Add-on Executed!")

💡 Keeping the package manager clean prevents storage bloat.

✅ Step 5: Delete Old or Unused User Files

Clear out unnecessary files in user home directories.

  • Find and delete old files in a directory:
    bpy.utils.register_class(custom_addon)
  • Remove trash for all users:
    [code10]

💡 Regularly cleaning user files prevents unnecessary disk space consumption.

🚀 Next Steps

  • Monitor disk usage regularly to avoid storage issues.
  • Set up automatic log rotation to prevent excessive log growth.
  • Use a dedicated partition for large files or logs to prevent system failures.

Now that you know how to free up disk space in Linux, you can keep your system running smoothly!

➡️ **Next Post:** How do I recover from a broken package or failed update in Linux?

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