Macbooks are well-known for their reliability and performance. However, despite being so popular, even Macs have some disadvantages. Lack of available hard drive space is one of the things that stand out the most. Moreover, SSDs are replacing HDDs for the sake of even better performance, meaning that users are left with even less storage space now.
Nevertheless, struggles with disk storage will not stop people from using Macbooks. There are multiple options to free up HDD or SSD space. Follow these tips, and you should be fine.
Tip #1 – Get Rid of Useless Applications
Remove applications that you no longer use. Some apps might not take the most storage space on your Macbook, but if you are looking to free up drive space, keeping useless applications makes little sense. Moreover, there is a more significant link to all of this.
Applications create temporary files, such as extensions and backups. It is not straightforward if you want to delete temporary data. You will have to change system settings or purchase a cleanup utility tool that can do the work for you automatically.
Tip #2 – Subscribe to Streaming Services
Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ are changing the way we consume entertainment. Spotify is another great example as it provides you with music. Such services are great because they eliminate the need to keep files on a computer.
If you like to listen to music or watch movies and TV shows, forget about the days of downloading media directly to a computer. Subscribe to streaming services and enjoy your entertainment in a more modern way.
Tip #3 – Uninstall Redundant Language Packs
Some applications have files for more than 50 languages. And there are hardly any cases when someone would need anything other than the English version. Look at the list of your applications and remove language packs if you find any. You will be surprised by how much space some of this language data takes.
Tip #4 – Empty Trash Bin
Dragging files in Trash Bin does not delete them from the system. You are only transferring files to another location. If you want to remove the file from your Macbook for good, remember to select “Empty the Trash Bin” after you drag the file there.
Tip #5 – Purchase External Storage Devices
External storage devices are a good investment. Even second-hand external hard drives or flash drives will be fine. The most important thing is to find a good deal and purchase an external storage device that will free up Macbook’s space.
Tip #6 – Scan for Viruses
Many people associate malware and viruses with the means to get personal information from them. Examples of that would be credit card numbers or passwords – everybody knows they have to make the computer safe these days. But there are various kinds of cybersecurity threats.
Do not expose your Macbook to viruses and malware. Malware that eats hard drive space exists as well. It is difficult to realize what the problem is if you lack proper tools. Limit the chances of exposure by getting a reliable antivirus and enabling the firewall. Using virtual private networks while browsing the web would help as well.
Tip #7 – Use Dropbox and iCloud
Cloud services are great because they are free. If you are happy with Dropbox or iCloud, you can always pay and upgrade the amount of available storage.
Files in clouds are in a safe location, and you can access them from multiple devices, not just a Macbook. And while transferring all the contents of your hard drive to a cloud is usually impossible, you can still free up plenty of space on a Macbook using Dropbox and iCloud.
Tip #8 – Reinstall the OS
If you are still unhappy with the situation after trying everything you could, remember that there is still the option of reinstalling the OS. The choice might seem like too much, but if you are struggling, giving your Macbook a fresh start is the right decision.
Users that have never reinstalled their OS before will need to look for a guide or have someone experienced do the work for them. Remember to back up the data you want to keep. Time Machine, external storage devices, and clouds will be fine as long as you can access the files after you are finished reinstalling the OS.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, Macbook owners who have problems with a hard drive or solid-state drive disk storage will find the information in this article useful. It will take time to get used to new ways of managing data on a Macbook, but the change is inevitable because you would run out of disk space sooner rather than later otherwise. And lacking drive space will lead to performance problems in addition to a lack of files you can keep on the Macbook.
