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When you make a switch from a PC to a Mac book, one of the first things you should notice is how relatively small the drive is. Lack of available space can become a bother. People struggle to fit files on a Mac. Some of them choose a reliable hard drive for mac with large room inside. The others want to free up the space on existing drive.
Of course, a lack of disk space should not be a reason for you to discredit the Mac book and switch back to another type of computer. You can still make do with what you have; it is just that you will need to make some adjustments in your computer-using habits. And here are some method suggestions to help you get started.
Method #1 – Subscribe to Streaming Services
Media files like movies, TV shows, and even music take a lot of space. Streaming services cost money, but thanks to competition, companies are fighting to attract more customers every day.
There are services like Spotify that are free unless you want to upgrade and get a premium account. But the bottom line is that streaming platforms eliminate the need to keep large media files on the computer since you can access almost everything with just a few mouse clicks and without the need to download anything.
Method #2 – Get rid of Junk Files
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Caches, temporary files, disk images, app plugins, and extensions are known as other storage and are usually not something you want to keep around. For instance, when you visit site using a browser, the information gets stored in the cache.
The cache grows over time, and on top of taking space, it also slows down the overall performance of the computer. But the browser cache is just one example of junk files that accumulate over time.
You should get rid of junk data regularly using cleanup utility software like CleanMyMac X. Not only will it free up disk space, but you will also notice how it boosts the speed of the Macbook.
Method #3 – Delete Old Files
Removing old applications should not be a big problem as you can reinstall them later in case you need to use any. The number of email attachments in the mail folder might also be something that has grown a lot. Finally, you have the download folder. These files are not worth keeping around unless you actually use them. And if it means freeing up disk space, remove them without hesitation.
Method #4 – Scan for Malware and Viruses
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Malware and viruses are usually associated with ill intent to get access to people’s personal information. But there are some that might make your Macbook their home and slowly consume drive space without you even realizing what is happening.
If you notice that the free drive space is shrinking and you did not make any significant changes that could lead to that yourself, scan the system. It is possible that you have a malware or virus problem.
Method #5 – Purchase External Storage Devices
USB memory sticks or hard drives can help you a lot if you have bigger files that you still want to keep around. And plugging these devices will allow you to access the data immediately. You will need to spend money, but there is hardly any other better method to keep large files so accessible.
Method #6 – Transfer Data to Clouds
Cloud-based services like Dropbox and iCloud are free, and they provide a safe place for your data. Anyone can sign up for an account and transfer their files to clouds. There is even an option to upgrade the plan to get extra space.
Services like Dropbox and iCloud are great because you can access the files with just a few clicks as long as you have an internet connection. And cloud-based services are known for their security, meaning that the data is in a good and safe place.
Method #7 – Empty the Trash Bin
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It might surprise you how common it is for people not to empty the trash bin after they drag the files in it. Putting data in the trash bin does not remove them from the system but instead transfer the files to another location. So whenever you put something in the trash bin application, remember to click on the “empty” button.
Method #8 – Reinstall the OS
Reinstalling the OS will give your Macbook a fresh start. Any junk and other files will get wiped out. And while the process is a bit complicated and takes time, you should still look to reinstall the OS in case everything else fails. Also, remember to back up files that you want to keep after the reinstallation is complete.
To conclude, there are multiple ways that you can free up disk space on a Macbook. If you have been struggling with the problem, implement the methods mentioned in this article and create a maintenance routine that will keep your Mac’s drive in good condition.