Hard drives of a Macbook are not as spacious as some might think. Some people may be in the habit of keeping their files on the computer, and they will run out of available storage eventually.
When you are left with only a few free gigabytes, the Mac slows down. Using it becomes a chore, and restoring the performance to an optimal level can be difficult. Thankfully, there are ways to free up Macbook’s drive space and make it run like it did before all the trouble began. Here are some ideas on how you can accomplish it.
Idea #1 – Reduce the Amount of Temporary Data
Temporary cache on Mac is just one of the examples of junk data that accumulates regularly. You need to get in the habit of removing these files at least once a week. In addition to freeing up disk space, it will also give the Macbook’s system more breathing room since it will not have to process as much data.
You have two options. The first is clearing the junk manually. That will require some patience as the work is quite monotonous. Moreover, you risk deleting something accidentally, so prepare to create data backups.
The second option is to invest in a cleanup utility tool. While software like this will cost you, it is still a worthy investment. You select the types of files you want to remove and let the software do the work for you.
Idea #2 – Get Rid of Unnecessary Apps
There should be some applications you have installed months or years ago. And it is possible that a few or even more of these applications are no longer of any use to you.
Look at the app list and remove the ones you no longer need. And keep in mind that you may download and install a deleted application later if you need to use one.
Idea #3 – Check for Potential Malware
There are malware and viruses that do more harm than just slowing down the overall computer performance or trying to access your personal information.
Some cybersecurity threats make the Macbook’s system their home and slowly eat the drive’s storage. You will not detect these hindrances without proper antivirus software. Get one and have it run in the background, so it eliminates detected threats.
Idea #4 – Remove Redundant Language Pack Files
An app or two may come with unexpected support for multiple languages. For the most part, people need only the English version and maybe one other language they understand. However, there is no real need to have files of 50 or more languages. Check the folders of your apps. If you find redundant language support files, get rid of them.
Idea #5 – Check Mail and Download Folders
The number of email attachments and downloads on the laptop may surprise you. Each email attachment you double-click in the Mail is saved on the Macbook by default. As for downloads, some forget about these files after using them.
Keep closer tabs on both email attachments and downloads folders. In fact, you may benefit from changing the default location for these to the desktop. It becomes easier to note downloads and email attachments that are no longer necessary.
Idea #6 – Memorize Ways to Delete Files Permanently
Remember that it takes more than dragging a file to the Trash Bin to delete it permanently. You need to empty the Bin every time. Or, as an alternative, enable the feature that deletes files for you automatically after 30 days.
Macbook users can delete files permanently using a keyboard shortcut as well. Option + Command + Delete sequence works if you select a file you want to remove from the computer. Confirm the pop-up, and the item will disappear from the Macbook.
Idea #7 – Keep Files on External Storage
There are two external storage methods. Cloud services are the first. Dropbox and iCloud offer a few gigabytes for free with an option to expand available space for a monthly fee.
The second method is external hard drives and memory sticks. The devices are relatively cheap, and you can even wait for a sale to buy them for a lower price.
Idea #8 – Subscribe to Streaming Platforms
Instead of downloading and keeping media files on the computer, why not subscribe to streaming platforms? The likes of Spotify, Netflix streaming, Hulu, and Disney+ provide hours of entertainment, and the media is available with a few clicks.
Idea #9 – Reinstall Operating System
If you are struggling with the hard drive’s space despite your best efforts, you still have one choice. Reinstalling the operating system takes a while, and the process can be difficult if you have little experience. However, it is still a good way to give the Macbook a fresh start, and after you are done, the woes of hard drive storage should no longer be there.
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