Have you noticed that there is not enough free storage on your MacBook’s drive? If so, do not expect that this problem will solve itself.
Here are different ways to free up storage on Mac. Manage Storage Storage drives have become much more efficient over the years, as have the available software tools that assist in the same way.
Despite its many advantages, Macs are not the best when it comes to total available storage. The issue becomes even more problematic if you purchase a cheaper model with a small solid-state drive.
- You will then be greeted by the files on your Mac that are taking up the most storage from the largest in size down to the smallest in size. You can select what you would like to delete from here to free up storage on your Mac. Simply highlight the file that you would like to delete and then click on the Delete button in the lower right-hand.
- Free Up Storage Space on Mac. The next sections will help you free up disk space on your Mac and Macbook. Click on the Apple Menu located on the upper-left part of your Mac or Macbook’s screen. From the drop-down menu that shows up, click on About This Mac. The screen shows details of your Mac device.
Some might think that lackluster drive space is enough to avoid MacBooks altogether. Well, the reality is quite different. Apple computers continue to be quite popular, and the lack of drive space is not enough of a problem to disrupt the status quo.
There are plenty of ways to deal with storage problems on a computer. If you wish to know how to avoid cluttering your Mac and have it run optimally, the ideas below should come in quite handy.
Get Rid of Old Apps
Let’s start with applications. Since there are so many great apps on the official Mac App Store, you must have installed quite a few yourself. However, there should be some applications that you have not used for a while.
If so, do not hesitate and remove them from the MacBook. Since your goal is to free up the drive’s space, the data you no longer need should go. And in case you decide to use a deleted application in the future, you can download it later.
Keep Tabs on Language Files
Some apps come with redundant language support. Since you need only the English version and maybe one other language, keeping files that translate software into 60 or more languages makes no sense, right?
Look through the applications you have installed and make sure that there is no redundant language pack data. If you find any, do not hesitate and remove them from the system.
Avoid Malware
Cybersecurity threats may find their way into your MacBook and start consuming drive space without you realizing what is happening. In some cases, even reliable antivirus software is not enough to prevent the issue.
Be more mindful about what links you click. It might be worth installing an ad blocker browser extension to prevent aggressive pop-ups and other advertisements that might redirect you to a malware-infected landing page.
Using a virtual private network is another great piece of advice. VPNs cost only a few dollars a month, but they offer both privacy and security online.
Remove Temporary Data
According to this original post about lacking storage space to install macOS Big Sur, getting rid of temporary system storage is one of the most effective methods to free up the drive’s space.
How To Free Storage On Mac Laptop
Also, you do not need to remove this data manually. Instead, get a cleanup utility tool like CleanMyMac X. The software removes unwanted system junk automatically, saving you time.
And since you will want to get rid of app cache, plugins, extensions, old system backups, and other unnecessary data regularly, investing in such a tool is worth it.
Delete Downloads
Downloads might take more drive space than you expect. Some people forget about downloading files online and leave them in the download folder. Email attachments are a good example of this. By default, email attachments you double-click on get saved on the computer.
There are two ways to approach the download folder. The first is two remember to delete its files regularly. The second is to switch the default download location.
You could save downloaded files on the desktop. Doing so would let you notice the files and remove them when they become useless. After all, you do not wish to clutter your Mac’s desktop with random documents or shortcuts.
Invest in an External HDD
An external hard drive costs about 50 dollars at most. It is a neat investment that you can use to free up the drive’s space. Keeping data on a hard drive is quite common among Mac owners.
Another advantage of having an external HDD is the option to back up the MacBook’s data by combining the device with Time Machine.
Free Storage On Mac
Transfer Files to iCloud
Mac System Size
Similar to an external hard drive, you could also transfer files to iCloud. The default service plan offers five gigabytes of storage with an option to extend it by paying a monthly fee. There are three different available plans: 50GB for one dollar a month, 200GB for three dollars a month, and 2TB for ten dollars a month.
Stick to Streaming for Media Consumption
If movies, TV shows, and music are causing you the most problems because you like to hoard media files on the computer, why not take advantage of the available streaming services?
Free Up Storage On Mac Os X Yosemite
Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu are just a few examples of streaming services that offer hours of entertainment. Subscribing to such platforms will help you free up the MacBook’s drive space and provide a more convenient way to consume media.