Have you noticed that there is less and less free storage on your Macbook’s hard drive? If so, do not wait until you are left with only a few free gigabytes of space. When that happens, you will struggle to use the computer because it will have performance issues.
Macbooks are quite reliable, but they have some downsides as well. One of these downsides is a lackluster amount of available space on the drive.
Do not wait until you encounter the disk full on mac errors. Instead, take a proactive approach and look for methods to free up disk space before it gets too late.
Method #1 – Remember to Delete Data Permanently
Before you start looking for what to remove from the computer, it is important to remember that dragging files in the Trash Bin is not the same as removing them from the system permanently.
No, for that, you will need to right-click on the Trash Bin and select the “Empty the Trash Bin” option. Or, as an alternative, enable the feature that removes the Bin junk after 30 days automatically.
Some Mac users tend to memorize keyboard shortcuts and use them for efficiency. If you want to get rid of Mac files permanently, the keyboard shortcut to use is Option + Command + Delete.
Method #2 – Get Rid of Temporary Data
Temporary data like app extensions, caches, plugins, and system backups is one of the priorities. The sheer number of these files overburdens the system in addition to consuming the Macbook’s drive space.
You can remove temporary junk manually or by using a cleanup utility tool. The latter option is more efficient since cleanup software does the work for you, whereas removing files manually takes time and is monotonous.
Method #3 – Delete Old Apps and Language Pack Files
Check your Macbook’s application list. If there are apps you have not used for a while, perhaps you can remove them? After all, downloading and installing it again should not be a problem.
Some apps come with support for languages other than English. You should keep tabs on that as well, particularly when you are installing a new app. Look through the directories of the apps you have installed and remove any redundant language pack files to free up the drive’s space.
Method #4 – Scan for Malware and Viruses
It may be a virus or malware eating your computer’s storage without you realizing it. Scan the system with reliable antivirus software to confirm that the Macbook is malware-free.
If the scan finds potentially corrupted files, do not hesitate and remove them from the laptop. And do not neglect the importance of cybersecurity in the future because you risk more than just ending up with not enough Macbook drive space. Exposing personal information is also one of the potential issues.
Method #5 – Keep Tabs on Email Attachments and Downloads
Look at both downloads and email attachment folders. You may be surprised by the number of files in them. If you have forgotten about removing email attachments and downloads regularly, switch the default directory for them to the desktop. This way, you will notice each download right away and can remove it from the computer once you no longer need it.
Method #6 – Use External Storage Devices and Clouds
External storage is a different approach to removing data from the computer. Instead of deleting files, you can transfer them to another location.
Cloud services like Dropbox and iCloud are a solid choice. You have a few gigabytes for free with an option to upgrade the plan and receive extra storage. There is a monthly fee, but it is worth it, given how reliable and safe clouds are for data-keeping.
External storage devices are worth a shout as well. Memory sticks and external hard drives are cheap and can serve the data storage purpose fine.
Method #7 – Consume Media on Streaming Platforms
Instead of keeping large media files on the Macbook directly, why not watch movies and TV shows or listen to music on streaming platforms?
Services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify are just a few examples of streaming services that are reshaping the way people satisfy their media needs. Not only is it convenient to access your favorites with just a few clicks, but you can also forget about cluttering the computer’s hard drive.
It may cost money, but if you are struggling with the Macbook’s hard drive space because of large media files, sticking to streaming sites is one of the best suggestions.
Method #8 – Reinstall the Operating System
If you find that there is still not enough drive space despite your best efforts, you still have one last method to consider.
Reinstalling the OS may seem like a chore, but it will give the Macbook a fresh start, which, in turn, will free up the hard drive’s space and solve your problem.
