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Lack of hard drive space is one of the biggest Macbook disadvantages. It is natural that some users are failing to have everything they want on a Macbook. Not to mention the fact that lack of space leads to a drop in the computer’s performance.
Despite having to deal with relatively small disks, users should not be too negative. There are multiple methods to free up space on a Macbook. If you want to find out what they are, continue reading.
Method #1 – Remove Mail Attachments and Downloads
If you do most of your communications via email, opening attachments will lead to a lot of useless files. Every time you double-click on an attachment, the file saves itself in the mail folder. You will have to clean up mail folder and get rid of old attachments that serve no purpose.
The same idea applies to downloads. In case you have not had an opportunity to see how much stuff has accumulated over the years, you may end up surprised by how many files there are in the download folder.
Method #2 – Find Duplicate Files
Duplicate files are also a problem, and when you think about it, there is really no merit to having the same two files. Media like photos duplicate, and you will need to look for them since these duplicates do not appear in the same location.
Ideally, you should get a utility software that will scan the Macbook and find any duplicates. You will be able to delete them.
Method #3 – Use Cloud-Based Services
Cloud-based software like Dropbox and iCloud is great. The latter offers 5 gigabytes for free and an option to upgrade the plan for 1 dollar per month.
Files transferred to clouds are safe, and you can access them at any time so long as you have an internet connection. This means that you do not have to delete the files but still create more disk space that will lead to a better Macbook performance.
Method #4 – Scan for Viruses and Malware
There are a lot of threats like malware, viruses, or phishing, and no Macbook is safe from them, especially when some users neglect to have anti-virus software in the first place.
There is a myth that Macbooks are safe, and their users do not have any problems with malware or viruses. The myth is anything but the truth.
Whether it is malware, virus, or any other threat, it can do severe damage. And that includes taking disk space.
If you do not have anti-virus, get one immediately. And do not just have it run in the background idly. Perform regular scans, at least one every or two weeks.
Method #5 – Uninstall Old Applications
Old applications also require disk space. When you have not used an app for a long time, it would probably be better to delete it. After all, you can always install it later in case you need to use the application again.
Method #6 – Clear Out Temporary Files
Temporary files like backups and caches take a surprising amount of hard drive space. And it gets tricky since you cannot locate these temporary files easily.
Caches are there to speed up processes of loading, be it an app or a browser. However, when you delete an application, cache files are still on the computer. It would be best to use a cleanup utility software as removing temporary files manually is a big chore.
Method #7 – Get Rid of Language Packs
Some applications come with multiple language packs. And in most cases, a user needs to use English or another language that is his or her native. Thus, if the goal is to make extra space on the disk, then there should be no hesitation as to whether you should keep these purposeless language files around.
Method #8 – Empty the Trash Can
When you delete files, not all of them disappear for good. Some are transferred to the trash bin and remain there, in case you need to restore them later.
In order to remove files completely, you will have to find a trash can application, select it, and click on the “Empty Trash” option.
Keep in mind that there are multiple trash cans. Mail, iPhoto, iMovie, and even different users on a Macbook all have separate trash cans. Make sure not to miss out on any trash cans.
Method #10 – Make Use of External Storage Devices
External storage devices are also known as auxiliary and secondary storage. These devices would contain files that are not on your Macbook.
Some of the best examples of external storage devices are external hard drives, flash drives, and compact disks.
In some cases, it would be better to rely on auxiliary storage devices and transfer your files there rather than keeping them on a Macbook. That will significantly free up disk space.