Have you noticed that there is less free storage on your Mac’s drive every day? If that is the case, it will not take too long before you see a sudden drop in the Macbook’s performance.
A computer’s drive should have at least 15% of total storage free. Instead of pushing it to the limit, you should take some action and free up your Macbook’s drive using the methods mentioned below.
Method #1 – Use Cleanup Utility Software
A cleanup utility tool like cleanmymac is a good future investment. You will want to get rid of temporary system junk regularly, and having to remove app extensions, system backups, caches, and other redundant data manually is a monotonous and time-consuming chore.
Meanwhile, cleaning software does the work for you. You can launch the tool and select what kind of files you want to remove from the Macbook. Run the app and have it clean the system in the background while you move on with the rest of your day. And once the cleanup is over, the Macbook’s drive will have more free space.
Method #2 – Discard Useless Applications
Applications that you have not used for a while may be better off if you delete them. In addition to the main app files, you will also not have to deal with temporary plugins and extensions that an application creates.
Moreover, some apps come with files for 50 or even more languages. The support is more or less unnecessary because most users need only the English version and maybe one more language if they are fluent in it. But the rest are useless.
Finally, if you ever need to use an app again, there is the option to download and reinstall it.
Method #3 – Check for Potential Viruses
Given the variety of malware and viruses, it should not come as a surprise that some cybersecurity threats consume drive space.
Scan the system with reliable antivirus software and eliminate any corrupted files if the antivirus finds them after the scan is over.
Method #4 – Delete Old Downloads and Email Attachments
Check your download and mail folders. They may surprise you. Some people forget about downloading stuff from the internet and leave it in the download folder. A similar thing happens with the mail folder because email attachments you double-click on get saved on the computer by default.
There is no need to keep old downloads and email attachments if you have no use for them. After you are finished clearing both folders, get in the habit of deleting these files regularly.
Method #5 – Transfer Data to iCloud or Dropbox
The computer data management plan does not have to revolve around deleting files. You can use cloud storage services and transfer data to iCloud or Dropbox. The two platforms are free to use, and if you are happy with what they provide, there is also an option to upgrade the plan for even more storage, though it will cost you.
Method #6 – Buy External Hard Drives
Similar to clouds, external hard drives and memory sticks are another neat option that lets you move data back and forth between the computer and another location.
If you do not have that much money to spare, wait for the holiday season and look for discounts. Or, as an alternative, check local ads and see whether someone is selling second-hand external storage devices.
Method #7 – Remove Files Permanently
Remember to remove files from the computer permanently. If you drag data into the Trash Bin and forget to empty it, then the files will remain on the computer. At the very least, enable the option in the Trash Bin that removes data from the Bin after 30 days automatically.
You can also avoid dragging files to the Trash and use the Option + Command + Delete keyboard shortcut after selecting a file.
Method #8 – Consume Media via Streaming Services
Streaming services can be a life-saver for those Macbook users that like to watch movies, TV shows and listen to music. There is no need to keep large media files on the computer anymore because most of your favorite entertainment pieces are available on streaming platforms.
Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify are just a few of the most popular streaming services. New platforms appear every year, and it is no surprise to see more and more people choosing to consume media on the go rather than download it to the computer.
Method #9 – Reinstall OS
If you feel like the situation is not improving despite your best efforts and the Macbook’s drive still lacks free space, you still have an option to reinstall the OS.
The reinstallation wipes data from the computer and gives your disk a fresh start. It is complicated, so be sure to check in-depth guides or ask someone who can help you.
