If you’re having trouble installing new software and your Macbook runs at the speed of a turtle covered in molasses, don’t panic and assume a computer virus is a culprit. The problem could be as simple as the memory space of your computer getting clogged up.
But if that’s the issue, how do you free up storage space to take the pressure off your Mac?
Well, that’s where we come in. With this guide on the top 5 ways to free up space on your MacBook, you’ll have your computer running at full speed again in no time!
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But enough idle chatter, right? Let’s get right into this list!
1. Sort Through Old Files and Applications
One of the best things you can do to clear up MacBook space is going through the different files and applications on your computer and delete the ones you don’t use. You can use the Size heading in the Finder app to sort apps by their data size, so you know which programs are consuming the most significant chunk of memory.
You should also make sure to get rid of duplicate files on your computer, which appear when you download the same thing twice or make minor edits to a file. These are a nuisance to remove “by hand”, so look online to find a program like Gemini or Mackeeper that will find these files and remove them for you.
If you connect your smartphone or iPad to your MacBook, you should also make sure you don’t have hefty backup files weighing your memory down.
2. Store Files Elsewhere to Free Up Space
But what if there are too many files you can’t bear to part with? In that case, you’ll want to start using cloud services or external hard drives to store excess files. Many services allow you to upload and manage photos or videos to free up to save space, and you can utilize free tools like Google Drive to store things like text documents.
3. Wipe Out Cached Data
Another great way to clear out space is to go onto your Internet browser and delete all cached data. This data gets created when you visit a website, creating files that allow the site to pull information about you (like what was in your cart) faster the next time you visit the site.
Over time, these cached files start to build up, putting a heavy strain on your MacBook. If you use Safari, go into the Preferences menu and click the option under the Advanced tab that makes the Develop menu appear in the menu bar. From there, you can go into Develop and clear out the caches.
If you use a different browser like Chrome or Firefox, go into the area where you view and delete browsing history. There should be an option for you to delete cached data from that point.
4. Remove Hefty Email Attachments
All emails you access through the Mail application on your MacBook count towards the memory space on your MacBook, and emails with large attachments weigh your computer down hard. Sort through your email and delete any new messages you see with giant files attached.
5. Check the Trash Can
Finally, make sure to clean out your computer’s trash can. Files in the trash can still count towards memory, and some applications (like Mail) use different trash cans than your computer’s default one. You need to empty the trash can before the files disappear for good and lose their grip on your MacBook’s memory.
A Burden Off Your MacBook
So, now that you have our top 5 tips to free up space on your MacBook, it’s time to go and alleviate the burden big files are placing on your computer!
But what if you run into problems along the way or want more tips to improve your computer’s performance and lifespan? Well, feel free to come back and check out the other posts on our website!
Abdul Qadeer is highly experienced in creating engaging content that adds real value to a blog, website, or brand. He is creating content for multiple niches like technology, SEO, Marketing, Health, Education and Career Development, etc.