If you just bought a Macbook model with a solid-state drive, you should be happy in terms of performance expectations. However, while the recent trend to replace HDDs with SSDs is understandable, one downside is apparent.
Performance improvements in a solid-state drive sacrifice the available storage, and some people may find it hard to manage Macbook data properly.
You will eventually need to look for ways to solve the issue i.e. free up Drive space on Macbooks. Ending with just a few free gigabytes will spell trouble for the laptop’s performance. Thankfully, there are multiple methods to reduce system storage on Mac computers. You can build your Macbook data management strategy around the methods mentioned below.
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Method #1 – Memorize How to Delete Files Permanently
Many Mac users believe that putting files in the Trash Bin is the same as permanently removing them from the system. That is not how Macbooks work. You need to right-click on the Bin and empty it every time. Or, at the very least, enable the feature to delete files in the Bin automatically after 30 days.
There is an alternative to using the Trash Bin. You have the option to select a file and hit the Option + Command + Delete keystroke sequence. Confirm the pop-up, and the computer will delete the file permanently.
Method #2 – Discard Useless Applications
If you like to try different applications regularly or have not checked the list of installed Mac apps in a while, there may be too many of them now.
Deleting the ones you no longer need should free up the system storage. And remember that if you need an app again, you can download and install it later.
Method #3 – Look for Potential Language Pack Files
Some applications come with language pack files that support languages other than English. For the most part, there is no real need to keep this kind of data on the computer because you are perfectly fine with just the English version.
Since the pack of language support data consists of up to 50 or even more languages, it takes up a hefty amount of computer drive’s space. If language pack files are present on your Mac, getting rid of them would improve the drive’s well-being.
Method #4 – Get Rid of Old Downloads and Email Attachments
The Macbook saves each email attachment you open in the Mail app by default. You may not be aware of it, and the junk accumulates over time. A similar thing applies to downloads. The folder may hold more files than you expect.
If you tend to be forgetful, make Mac’s desktop the default location for email attachments and downloads. This way, you will see the files when the computer loads and can delete them.
Method #5 – Scan the Mac Drive for Potential Viruses
Potential malware and viruses are posing a threat to more than just personal data and the overall Macbook computer. There are cybersecurity threats that eat away the drive space and figuring that this is happening can be almost impossible without proper antivirus software.
In addition to having antivirus in the background, you should also get in the habit of running custom disk scans to confirm that there are no corrupted files. And if the antivirus finds any, eliminate them from the system without hesitating.
Method #6 – Invest in External Storage Devices
External hard drives and memory sticks work as a good alternative to deleting data. You can transfer files to external storage devices and use them when you need to access a file. It will cost money, but you can also wait for the holiday season when various products go on sale, which includes external storage devices. It will help save money.
Method #7 – Remove Temporary System Junk Data
App extensions, plugins, caches, and system backups are a hindrance for reasons other than just taking valuable storage space. The system has to process these files, and when there are too many of them, it is no surprise that it takes longer for the computer to restart or for applications to load.
It would be worth investing in a cleanup utility tool that removes the temporary system junk automatically & free up Drive space on Macbooks. Otherwise, you would have to delete the data manually, which is time-consuming and monotonous.
Method #8 – Use Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services like Dropbox and iCloud are similar to external storage devices. However, the first few gigabytes you get are free, and if you want more storage, you can pay a monthly fee.
Clouds are one of the safest locations for data, and plenty of companies and individuals use them as a data backup solution.
Method #9 – Subscribe to Streaming Platforms
Large media files like videos are available on streaming platforms. There is no need to download movies, TV shows, or music when you can access them with a few clicks, thanks to services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Spotify.
So these are some ways to free up Drive space on Macbooks. Please do let us know if you have any more tricks or have a query regarding this.
