When Time Machine deletes old backups?

[nelly22]

I have 120 GB internal SSD and 40 GB is used.

What is the GB limit when Time Machine starts to delete old backups because there is not enough space in external Time Machine drive?

 

[chscag]

I have 120 GB internal SSD and 40 GB is used.

What is the GB limit when Time Machine starts to delete old backups because there is not enough space in external Time Machine drive?

Time Machine will warn you that it will delete the oldest backup when there is not enough space remaining on the drive to complete the current backup.

 

[nelly22]

Thanks, but then it's already deleted stuff and it's too late to save any stuff if needed.

 

[Weaselboy]

I have 120 GB internal SSD and 40 GB is used.

What is the GB limit when Time Machine starts to delete old backups because there is not enough space in external Time Machine drive?

Here is the purge criteria Time Machine uses. It is not based on GB, but space available on the external backup destination. If you had a fairly small amount to backup with few data additions or changes, and a large external disk, you could have those weekly backups still on there from years ago.

 

[nelly22]

Thanks. I had over 300 GB space in external TM drive and backup was about 300 MB and still TM deleted old backups!?!?!

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks. I had over 300 GB space in external TM drive and backup was about 300 MB and still TM deleted old backups!?!?!

I shouldn't. It should keep the weekly backup as long as there is space left.