If you’re looking to increase the storage space on your computer there are some steps you can take. Use your slimmed down files to replace your existing storage drive with a smaller, but faster, solid state drive. Read more about the benefits of an SSD. 

Delete unused programs

Look through the applications you’ve download or that came pre-installed on your computer. Chances are good that there are some programs you no longer use, or have never used. Getting rid of these applications will go a long way to clearing space on your storage drive.

Microsoft® Windows® 10

  • Click the window icon, then select the gear icon
  • Select System, then Apps & features
  • A list of the programs installed on your computer will appear. Click on an app you don’t want anymore, and an Uninstall button will appear. The system will not let you remove anything that’s necessary to run the computer.

Windows 8

  • Right-click the Start button and select Control Panel
  • Under Programs, select Uninstall a program
  • A list of programs will appear, select the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.

Earlier Windows versions

  • Click the Start button and select Control Panel
  • Click Add/Remove Programs
  • A list of programs will appear, select the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall

Store rarely used files externally

You can move rarely used files such as documents, photos, and other media files to either an external drive or cloud storage. You can preserve your memories while freeing up space on the drive in your computer. External drives are cheap to buy and plug into your computer using a USB cable. An external drive can also serve as your backup drive. Cloud storage is available for purchase. Cloud storage just means your files are stored on a server in a remote location. One of the advantages of cloud storage is that it serves as a backup in case something happens to your computer.

Run the Disk Cleanup utility

When you browse the internet, small files are kept by your computer. Although these files are small, they can add up. There are also versions of documents, and other files that can clutter up your disk. Windows has a utility, Disk Cleanup, that removes temporary files, clears the browser cache, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of other files and items you no longer need.

Windows 10 and Windows 8

  • Right-click the Windows icon, select Control Panel
  • Click System and Security, select Administrative Tools
  • Select Disk Cleanup and check the boxes for files you want to delete
  • Click OK, then click Delete files to confirm the operation

Windows 7

  • Click the Start button, select All Programs
  • Click Accessories, select System Tools
  • Click Disk Cleanup, check the boxes for the files you want to delete, click OK, then click Delete to confirm the operation

Be sure to keep Windows up-to-date with regular Windows Updates. Read about other ways to clean up and speed up your computer.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with a lack of room on your storage drive, these tips can help. Using the cloud to keep older documents and photos and cleaning up old programs will provide you with more storage space.