Windows and macOS can free up storage space for you—here’s how

Low disk space on your computer? Don't worry, both Windows and macOS offer built-in tools to help reclaim valuable storage. Slowdowns and difficulties saving new files are common symptoms of a full hard drive, so proactive management is key. This guide shows you how to free up space on both operating systems.

Windows Storage Management

First, identify your storage hogs.

1. Access Settings from the Start menu.
2. Navigate to System and then Storage.

This overview shows storage usage categorized by apps, temporary files, etc. Clicking a category provides a detailed breakdown.

Windows' Storage Sense is your main tool for automated cleanup. Enable it on the Storage page and configure these settings:

• Automatically clean up temporary system and app files: Keeps Windows running smoothly.
• Automatic User content cleanup: Enable for automatic cleanup of user files.
• Run Storage Sense: Set the frequency of automatic cleaning.
• Recycle Bin: Set how long deleted files remain.
• Downloads folder: Enable automatic cleaning of the Downloads folder.
• Locally available cloud content: Configure how long local copies of cloud-backed-up files (e.g., OneDrive) are kept before deletion.

Manually run Storage Sense anytime via the "Run Storage Sense now" button. The default "During low free disk space" setting is recommended.

Cloud storage services (like Google Drive) offer similar features. Configure settings to "stream" files (download on demand) instead of "mirroring" (always keeping local copies).

Beyond these tools, good digital housekeeping helps. Regularly clear your desktop and Downloads folder, and uninstall unused applications (via Settings > Apps > Installed apps).

macOS Storage Optimization

macOS provides similar tools.

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.

This shows a detailed breakdown of storage usage.

The Recommendations section offers automated options:

• Store in iCloud: Stores files online, downloading them as needed.
• Optimize Storage: Deletes watched Apple TV content (re-downloadable).
• Empty Trash automatically: Automatically deletes files from the Trash after 30 days.

Additional settings exist within apps like Photos. In Photos > Settings > iCloud, enable Optimize Mac Storage to keep lower-resolution images locally while storing full-resolution versions in iCloud.

Other cloud services (like Dropbox) offer similar online-only storage options in their preferences. Manual cleanup (desktop, Downloads, uninstalling unused apps – drag from Applications in Finder to the Trash) remains a valuable strategy.

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