How to Deal With Storage Issues on Your Computer

Running out of free storage space on a computer’s drive is not that difficult, particularly when you are not that tech-savvy. Even experienced computer users face this problem because of their bad habits and overall neglect.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to maintain a computer’s drive at an optimal place so that you can enjoy a properly performing device. As a rule of thumb, once there is less than 15 percent of the total drive free, you can expect to encounter slower loading speeds, random crashes, FPS drops, and other computer problems.

Now, as for how to counter the issue, there are quite a few methods. Certain suggestions will be more effective for some people, while other suggestions will work better for the rest.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to free up computer storage so that you can create a proper maintenance routine and keep your computer’s drive healthy.

Start With Virus Scan

A virus scan might not seem like an obvious way to solve the drive storage issue, but there are some cybersecurity threats that slowly manifest and consume drive space without users realizing what is happening.

To be safe, scan the computer using reliable antivirus software and see what the scan shows. There will most likely be no corrupted files or other signs of a cybersecurity threat, but if a scan detects anything suspicious, remove it from the system.

Memorize Ways to Remove Files Permanently

It is important to emphasize that you need to delete files permanently. Otherwise, the storage problem will persist.

For instance, some MacBook users like to drag files in the Trash Bin and leave them there because they think that it is enough. The fact of the matter is that they also need to empty the Trash Bin to get rid of a file permanently.

While these little things might not seem that relevant, they still have a role, so be sure to remove unwanted files properly.

Check Cloud Storage

Sometimes, you might find too many useful files on a computer, and you do not wish to delete them. If so, you can take a different approach and transfer some data to external storage. Cloud services are one of the best available options for that.

The likes of Dropbox and iCloud offer a few gigabytes for free, and the amount should suffice for some users. However, if you find that you need more than a few gigabytes of cloud storage, you still have the option to pay a small monthly fee for additional gigabytes or even terabytes.

Invest in External HDD or USB Flash Stick

Other than clouds, you also have the option of purchasing an external hard drive or a USB flash stick. These accessories are relatively cheap and should not cost more than 50 dollars so long as you are reasonable with your choice.

Transferring files to an external device is as easy as connecting it to a computer with a cable and simply copying files from the computer to the accessory.

Get Cleaner Software

The accumulation of temporary storage is more or less inevitable. Software, system, browsers, scratch disks, and other computer utilities create temporary files for more efficient performance. Take internet browsers as an example. They store cache to speed up website loading speeds. However, when there is too much cache, an internet browser slows down.

A similar thing applies here. While tolerating some temporary storage is viable, too much of it will snowball and put a toll on the computer’s performance.

Removing the clutter will also free up drive space. We recommend using a cleanup utility tool instead of cleaning the system junk manually. Relying on proper software will make the task easier, not to mention the possibility of deleting a file accidentally.

Delete Old Files

When you are trying to free up a computer’s drive space, deleting old junk is one of the best ways to approach the problem. If anything, it is probably the most effective method.

Some people might not even be aware of how many unnecessary files they have on a computer. From old downloads and localization files to duplicates and old video games, there are bound to be some data you can remove from the computer.

Checking every folder thoroughly might take a while, but it is necessary to solve the computer clutter issue.

Use Streaming Platforms to Consume Media

These days, there is hardly any need to keep media files on a computer. Streaming services are more convenient because they allow consumers to watch or listen to media right on their platforms.

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon are just a few examples of prominent streaming networks that continue to produce original content and have rights to some of the best movies or TV shows ever made. Instead of hoarding media on your computer’s drive, stick to streaming sites.