There’s nothing worse than constantly getting alerts from your computer that your disk is almost full. These alerts interrupt your work, and, worse yet they also bring unwanted stress and anxiety to your day-to-day duties. You need to free up disk space, of course, but how exactly do you do that?
Are you one of the many professionals having trouble freeing up disk space on your computer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, especially the longer they have and use their computers (which means there’s been plenty of time for the hard drive to fill up).
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to free up disk space on your computer using various tips and tricks. We will also provide helpful resources that can guide you through the process. So don’t wait any longer — free up disk space and shut down those alerts today!
How to Free Up Disk Space on PC
Thankfully, almost all computers have some sort of disk cleanup tool available for use. On a PC, this tool is called simply “Disk Cleanup.” During moments when you’re desperately trying to free up some disk space so you can get some work done, you can use the Disk Cleanup function by opening the Start menu and typing in “Disk Cleanup.” If Disk Cleanup fails to help, or if there’s some reason why you do not want to use the Disk Cleanup function, here’s a look at 6 other ways to free up the space on a PC.
1. Swipe Your Desktop
A cluttered desktop can be a real productivity killer. Not only is it visually distracting, but it can also make it difficult to find the files you need. And, of course, those files sitting on your desktop take up valuable disk space.
If your desktop is starting to look like a war zone, there are a few simple steps you can take to tidy things up. First, get rid of any unused shortcuts and icons. If you don’t need it, ditch it. Second, create folders to organize your files. You can even color-code them for extra points. The simple process of creating folders for organizational purposes will help you identify files that can be deleted permanently. And finally, take a few minutes every day to keep your desktop clean. A little bit of effort now will save you a lot of headaches down the road. So go on, give it a try. Your desk (and your sanity) will thank you for it.
2. Address Your Downloads
So you’ve finally finished that huge download, and now you’ve also been wondering how to free up disk space on your PC. The answer is simple: delete your downloaded files! But before you do that, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure you have a backup of the file. Downloaded files are typically copied into other folders on your PC, so you likely have a saved copy if you delete the version in your downloads folders. But you should check first.
Second, check to see if the file is still needed by any programs on your computer. If it isn’t, then go ahead and delete it!
Finally, don’t forget to empty your recycle bin once you’re done. Placing something in the bin doesn’t clear up space — deleting it from your bin clears the space.
By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily free up disk space on your PC.
3. Get Rid of Temporary Files
One way to help improve your computer’s performance is to regularly remove temporary files. These files are created when you use programs like your web browser or word processor. While they can help allow you to quickly access recently used files, they can also take up a lot of space on your hard drive. If you find that your computer is running slowly or that you’re running out of storage space, removing temporary files is a good place to start. Here’s how to do it:
First, open the Start menu and type “Disk Cleanup” into the search bar. Select the “Disk Cleanup” option from the list of results. This will open the Disk Cleanup tool, which will scan your hard drive for temporary files.
4. Remove Large Files
We all know how important it is to keep our computers running smoothly. One way to do this is to regularly delete large files that are taking up valuable disk space. But how do you know which files are safe to delete? Here are a few tips:
- Look for files that are over 100 MB in size. These are usually safe to delete unless they’re critical system files.
- Check the file extension. Files with .tmp or .old extensions are usually temporary files that can be safely deleted.
- If in doubt, leave it out! It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to deleting files.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your computer running
5. Compress Files
Have large files that you need to keep long-term? That’s fine. Just be sure to compress them. Compressing files and deleting the original, uncompressed versions frees up more space. You can always uncompress the file when you need to use it.
6. Delete Programs You Don’t Use
Most of us have several programs installed that we never use. These unused programs take up valuable disk space and slow down our computers in the process. The good news is that it’s easy to get rid of these unwanted programs. Simply open up your Control Panel and look for the “Add/Remove Programs” icon. From there, you can scroll through a list of all the programs installed on your computer and remove any that you don’t need. So go ahead and give your computer a spring cleaning by deleting those unused programs — your hard drive will thank you for it!
How to Free Up Disk Space on Mac
You can use almost all of PC tips listed above to clear disk space on your Mac, too. There’s no Disk Cleanup on a Mac, though, which means you’ll need to follow a slightly different process. Here’s a look at how that process goes:
- From the Apple Menu, choose “About This Mac.”
- Click on “Storage.”
- Click the “Manage” button.
- Choose from the available features like Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage and Reduce Clutter.
- Look at the amount of available space shown at the top of the window to keep track of your progress.
Keep in mind, finding just a few large files that you don’t want or need can be a game-changer for your disk space. For example, if you move raw video files into the recycle bin (and then delete them), your hard drive will soon have valuable capacity that you be used for other files.
The Benefits of Clearing Disk Space
A clean computer is a happy computer! Just like you feel better after decluttering your room or workspace, your computer also benefits from a good cleaning. When you clear out all of the unnecessary files taking up space on your hard drive, your computer can breathe a sigh of relief.
Not only does clearing disk space make your computer happier, but it can also help it run faster and more efficiently. When there are too many files bogging down your system, it can cause your computer to lag and even crash. But with a clean hard drive, your computer will be able to run smoothly.
In addition, deleting old files and programs that you no longer use can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. If you have an infected computer, you have bigger problems than disk space. By clearing disk space, you help prevent viruses and malware.
Make Things Easy By Using the Best Cloud Storage
Have you considered external storage? We’re not talking about external hard drives and thumb drives that plugin via USB ports like in decades past. We’re talking about finding a good option from among the best cloud storage providers on the market.
There are plenty of good reasons to use cloud storage instead of keeping files on your desktop or in hard drive folders. First of all, cloud storage is much more convenient. You can access your files from anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about carrying around a physical device with you. Second, cloud storage is more reliable. If something happens to your computer, your files will still be safe in the cloud. And third, cloud storage is usually cheaper than buying extra hard drives or upgrading your computer’s storage capacity. So if you’re looking for the best way to store your files, cloud storage is the way to go.
I actually wrote about the best cloud storage providers in a recent post. Check them out, and choose the provider that meets your unique needs. The best part is: Many of the starter plans are absolutely free!
What’s Your Computer Cleanup Routine?
Do you have a disk-cleanup routine that includes other strategies and tactics? If so, let us know about them in the comments or by getting in touch with us.
