Macbooks do not provide as much storage space as some of the other computers. Thus, if you make a switch to macOS, you may find that keeping every file on the Mac can prove to be too difficult. Moreover, solid-state drives are replacing hard drives to boost the performance at the price of available space on the disk.
Despite some problems with drive space, there are ways to deal with the issue and still enjoy the Macbook’s performance. If you are stuck with just a few gigabytes of free space on your HDD or SSD, continue reading the article and find out which methods can help you deal with the problem.
Method #1 – Remove Temporary Junk Data
Get yourself cleaner software and get in the habit of removing temporary system backup, app extensions, plugins, and other junk data that your computer accumulates over time. It is this one issue that tends to get overlooked simply because you cannot access temporary files like other data. You need to know how to adjust system settings to see hidden data.
On the other hand, a cleanup utility tool eliminates the need to look for hidden files because it detects them and can remove unwanted data automatically. Clearing temporary junk will free up disk space and improve the overall performance of the Macbook.
Method #2 – Clear Unnecessary Apps
There is an option to reinstall an application in case you need to use it again. But as far as your current app list goes, you may want to remove apps you have not used for a while, especially if you want to free up drive space.
Even if an application requires only a few hundred megabytes of space, deleting a few such apps will make a significant difference.
Method #3 – Check for Language Pack Files
Some applications have support for multiple languages. In most cases, users are perfectly fine with just the English version. They do not have any need for 50 or even more languages.
Go through the application list and check if any of them have language pack files. If you do not need those languages, feel free to delete them.
Method #4 – Subscribe to Streaming Platforms
Large media files usually take the most space on the disk: movies, TV shows, and hundreds of songs. However, you do not have to keep media files on a computer. Streaming services allow people access to entertainment with just a few clicks. You can forget about downloading media to the computer thanks to Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, and other streaming platforms.
Method #5 – Use Dropbox and iCloud
You do not have to delete every file. Transfer some of your data to other locations. Cloud services like Dropbox and iCloud are perfect examples. New users can make use of clouds without paying money. Both iCloud and Dropbox offer a few gigabytes of free storage.
Files are kept in a safe location, and you can access them so long as there is an internet connection. If you are happy with the services, there is an option to pay a monthly fee and get even more storage available.
Method #6 – Get External Storage Devices
Similar to clouds, external storage devices also offer you an option to keep your files outside the computer. You will need to spend some money if you do not have any memory sticks or external hard drives yourself. At the same time, important files need to be in a safe location, and if you do not have enough space available on the Macbook, spending money is inevitable.
Method #7 – Scan Macbook for Potential Malware
There are all kinds of malware and viruses. It should not come as a surprise that you can encounter cybersecurity threats that are slowly eating at your system resources, including available storage.
You need reliable antivirus that eliminates threats as soon as they appear. In addition, enable the firewall and avoid shady links that you encounter on the internet. Virtual private networks fortify browsing privacy and are worth considering as well.
It is great if you do not find any cybersecurity threats, but you should still take precautionary measures and prevent any potential dangers.
Method #8 – Reinstall the Operating System
If there is still not enough disk storage despite your best efforts, you still have one option – reinstalling the OS. The process would wipe data and give your Macbook’s drive a fresh start.
Use Time Machine or other means to backup files you want to keep. And if this is your first time reinstalling the OS, find a step-by-step guide, and follow it. As an alternative, you can also take the Mac to a service store nearby and have them reinstall the OS for you.