9 Best Tip to Free up Space on Mac
When Mac users were using hard-drives instead of SSDs on older models of Macs, there was more storage space available. People who switched from Windows to macOS also have to adjust to changes in having a smaller computer drive.
On the other hand, SSDs have advantages that help computers run faster. Even though solid-state drives come with less capacity, they bypass hard-drives in speed, power usage, and ability to run quietly.
But how do you keep all the necessary files and not clutter the drive of a Macbook? The article should be a good reference. Read the tips below and find out how you can keep your Mac’s disk in good condition.
Tip #1: Use a Specialized Tool to Free Space
If you want to save time and be sure that your Mac’s disk has as much free space as it can, you can use specialized software to clean your Mac. And the older your Mac is, the bigger the possibility that you will have more files that are difficult to detect manually.
Specialized cleanup software is great for removing system junk files, like Time Machine backups, temporary document versions, outdated system logs, and app localization files. To find examples of such specialized tools for freeing space on a Mac and tips for using those tools, check out https://macpaw.com/how-to/free-up-space-mac.
Tip #2: Reduce Clutter on Your Mac
Reduce Clutter is an option that can be found in the Optimize Storage section. To open this section, click on the Apple icon, then choose About This Mac, click Storage, and Manage. The main function of Reduce Clutter is to remove old files that have no use and only clutter your Mac.
To start, choose Reduce Clutter, click on Review Files, and now you will see a few different file sections called Large Files, Downloads, and File Browser. Simply click the X icon to delete a file you are sure you will not need in the future.
Tip #3: Set the Trash to Empty Automatically
Enable the “Empty Automatically” option, and macOS will delete files in the Trash Bin after those files have been in the Bin for 30 days. To turn the feature on, click on the Finder icon that is located in your Dock. When you open the Finder menu, choose Preferences. Now, click Advanced and check the box next to the option “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days”.
Tip #4: Store Your Files in iCloud
You can keep up to 5 gigabytes of files on the iCloud storage. However, there is an option to upgrade to a better plan. 50GB on iCloud will cost you $0.99 per month, 200GB – $2.99 per month, and 2TB – $9.99 per month.
Tip #5: Use External Storage Devices
Large media files like videos and photos take up a lot of space on your Mac, and if you do not want to delete them, a good solution for you could be investing in an external storage device.
External storage devices are relatively cheap, and even a second-hand hard drive or a memory stick will do the job.
Tip #6: Invest in a Good Antivirus
Suppose you are still experiencing slow Mac issues after you tried several solutions like decluttering your computer, using external storage devices, and specialized tools to clean the macOS. In that case, you might be dealing with some harmful malware and should invest in a trustworthy antivirus.
A virtual private network and a firewall help against cybersecurity threats. In addition, you should avoid shady links even if you receive them from people you know. Ending on a landing page that is crawling with spyware will lead to bigger problems than lacking drive space on the Mac.
Tip #7: Review Files in the Downloads Folder
The Downloads folder is the type of folder where all of the one-time-use data like the installation files end up. You may also find quite a few PDF or image files in this folder.
To start cleaning the Downloads folder, begin with disk images because if you have already installed some game or software, it is very likely you won’t need it anymore.
Tip #8: Delete Mail Attachments
If you use your Mac for work, then it is likely that there are many email attachment files on the Macbook’ drive. Each time you receive an email with one or more attachments, it ends up in the ~/Library/Mail folder.
To ensure that the attachments of already deleted emails are removed as well, go to the Remove unedited downloads in the preferences of your Mail and choose the option After Message is Deleted.
Tip #9: Remove Similar Photos
If you notice that photos are still taking too much space on your external drive or on iCloud, you should take some time to review them and delete similar photos. People tend to take quite a few photos before they capture a perfect one, and that’s how they end up with many photos.
