No matter what kind of computer you own, you can’t expect it to run as it should if your hard drive is close to full. Having too many files and programs on your local disk can quickly cause your device to lag, which can be incredibly frustrating. In some cases, using too much of your hard drive space can even cause your computer to stop functioning entirely.
Properly managing hard drive storage is essential to optimising performance. However, this is easier said than done given the sheer volume of downloads most of us make on a regular basis.
Thankfully, there are some practical ways of making the most out of hard drive storage while still retaining the files and applications we need. Keep reading to learn what these strategies are.
Compress Your Files
File compression is an easy hack you can use to clear up some space in your hard drive without having to delete important documents.
Decreasing document sizes is easier than ever, especially if you’re dealing with PDFs: there are plenty of tools that will allow you to compress your PDF files to 100kb or any other size you need without sacrificing the readability of your content. It’s also possible to compress other file types including JPEGs, Microsoft Word documents and MP3s.
While decreasing the size of an individual document or audio file might not move the needle too much, compressing large numbers of files makes a big difference when clearing up hard drive space.
A common strategy used to compress multiple files is to compress them into ZIP format. While you won’t be able to access zipped files individually, it’s incredibly easy to unzip them when the need arises.
Creating more hard drive space doesn’t necessarily mean having to get rid of your documents. Compressing your documents is a low-hanging fruit that anyone looking to optimize their computer’s performance should take advantage of.
Choose a Device With the Amount of Storage You Need
Sometimes, the best way of getting the best possible performance out of your device is simply to choose one that has enough storage space for your needs.
Before committing to a purchase, first determine what you’re going to use your new computer for. Are you seeking a gaming PC or a sleek, portable laptop you can take with you to work?
Once you’ve assessed your needs, you can then choose a device that carries sufficient storage space. Typically, the amount of space available on most computers will range from 128 GB for budget options to several terabytes for more high-powered devices. Of course, you’ll need to take other factors into account too, like price and battery storage.
Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to learn about the various gadgets and gizmos on the market. A simple Google search can give you the complete specs of a particular laptop or PC.
Alternatively, you can request a catalogue from a specific supplier or get in touch with a customer service representative for a deeper dive into the benefits of a specific model. Doing your due diligence is key if you’re looking for a device with enough storage space to suit your needs.
Purchase External Storage Accessories
If your internal hard drive is starting to run out of space, a simple way to clean it up without getting rid of its contents is to purchase an external hard drive or a USB flash drive.
While both are storage devices, hard drives typically give you much more storage than USBs, which are best for moving files between multiple devices.
Just like when you’re selecting a computer, you should also perform plenty of research before buying an external drive. Come up with a shortlist of the different accessories on the market, look up their pros and cons and read user reviews.
Some models will give you more storage room than others. You should also decide whether to get an external hard disk drive (HDD) or an external solid-state drive (SSD): the former typically costs less per GB of storage space, while the latter offers better performance.
By securing the right external accessories, you can ease the load on your computer’s hard drive and improve its performance.
Regularly Clean up Your Hard Drive
While there are other strategies you can resort to beforehand, sometimes saying goodbye to a few of your old files and programs is necessary.
This process doesn’t have to be painful: we’re willing to bet that a quick scan through your computer will reveal plenty of items that you didn’t even know were there. For instance, you might have some files from an old job that you no longer need. Or, if you’re a gamer, you might still have a few old games you haven’t touched in years.
It’s a good idea to clean your hard drive on a regular basis. While this can be done manually, many devices offer automated disk clean-up tools that can speed up the process tremendously.
Whether you’re personally sifting through your files and programs to delete those you don’t need or using a clean-up tool, setting aside some time to cleanse your hard drive can help your device run like new.
Extra Things to Keep in Mind
Regularly uninstall any programs you no longer use – it frees up space and keeps things tidy. Also consider your file system; some, like APFS and ext4, are built to minimize fragmentation, so you might not even need to defragment as often.
If you do want more control, third-party defragmentation tools can offer advanced features to fine-tune performance.
And don’t forget about power settings. Choosing the right power mode can help you balance performance and energy efficiency, depending on what you need.
Keep Your Hard Drive Happy
And that’s a wrap on hard drive maintenance! Which method works best for you?
Whether you prefer using built-in system tools or an all-in-one optimization solution, the key is to stay proactive in keeping your device running smoothly. Some methods may take a bit more time, while others offer a more streamlined approach – it all depends on what works best for you.
Over time, computers tend to slow down. While there are many factors behind this, among the biggest is an overcrowded hard drive. In order to improve overall performance and prevent potential issues like data loss, it’s essential to make sure your hard drive always has plenty of space to spare.
No matter which route you take, regular maintenance will go a long way in keeping your hard drive in great shape. Here’s to a faster, more efficient computer!
