Posted by Let’s face it—using a computer with a cluttered drive can be a chore, particularly when there are too many files for you to handle despite using the search feature. You may struggle to find the files you need.
In addition, there is also the computer performance problem. An occupied drive will lead to significant issues with the device’s speed if you are not careful. And this problem might be more prominent than you expect, particularly now when current computer models come with solid-state drives instead of hard drives.
SSDs are superior performance-wise, but they are more expensive, meaning that people choose cheaper options with less total available storage.
If you notice that there is less and less free space on your computer’s drive over time, do not hesitate and take some action. The issue will not solve itself. If anything, it will only snowball. To help you, here are 6 ideas to follow if you want to free up computer’s storage.
Check System Storage State
For starters, you should check what’s system storage situation is like. Right-clicking on the drive or using the control panel will give you access to more data regarding the computer’s drive.
Keep in mind that the recommended amount of free storage should be somewhere around 15 to 20 percent of total disk space. If you see less than that, you will need to work on freeing up the space.
Delete Redundant Files Permanently
Deleting unnecessary files will be one of the foundations of the strategy. However, it is important to note that you need to remove files permanently. Clicking the “delete” button or dragging them in the trash bin is not the same as removing data from a computer for good.
If you have a MacBook, you can use the Option + Command + Delete shortcut after selecting a file. Or, if you drag files in the Trash, remember to empty the Bin each time.
For Windows users, you can right-click on the file and pick the “delete” option. The file will end up in the Recycle Bin, from which you can remove the deleted file. As an alternative, you can use the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut.
Rely More on External Storage
External storage is a good answer to computer drive problems. You may find that deleting files is not always the option because they are too important to remove.
Well, if that is the case, why not transfer them to a different location? Cloud services are great because they offer a few gigabytes of free storage. And if the amount is not enough, you can expand it by paying a relatively low monthly fee.
Managing files digitally with the help of cloud services has its perks, but you may be leaning more toward a physical hard drive. External HDDs work as well, as do USB flash sticks. You can also combine these accessories with a data backup tool and create copies of important files in addition to freeing up the computer’s storage.
Pay Attention to Redundant Data
Most files might not take that much space individually. For example, video game saves, email attachments, app caches, and even localization data may not seem like a problem by themselves. However, once redundant files start accumulating, you are bound to notice a decrease in available computer disk space.
It is important to keep an eye on such files so that you can react and remove them manually to Free Up Computer’s Storage. On the other hand, you could also get a cleanup utility tool that takes care of the problem automatically. You can select what files you want to remove from the computer and let the software do the work for you.
Consider Malware Threats
Some malware attacks lead to significant performance issues. Others are not as dangerous, though they still cause trouble. One example of such trouble is consuming a computer’s space.
If there is a virus on the device, it might slowly take the computer drive’s space without you realizing what is actually happening. That’s why you should get antivirus software and scan the computer to make sure it is malware-free. And if a scan locates corrupted data and potential threats, you can use the same software to get rid of the threats from your computer.
Avoid Large Media Files to Free Up Computer’s Storage
Computer users who like to hoard large media files, such as movies or TV shows, should reconsider their approach and try streaming services.
These days, it is common to use Netflix and other similar platforms to consume media rather than download files directly on your computer. The streaming services are convenient to use, and they also help with computer storage issues.
Sure, you will need to pay a subscription fee, but a small sum of money is worth it if it means that you have a better way to consume media and fewer worries about computer storage problems.