Macbooks are known for their relatively small hard drives, and it can become problematic if you are trying to fit a lot of files on the computer. Veteran Mac users will tell you that it takes time to get used to it. However, if you want to take a proactive approach and manage the situation as soon as possible, there will be a need to create a maintenance routine.
Clutter that accumulates on the Macbook significantly slows down its performance on top of leaving you with less storage space. The tips below will tell you what you need to do to boost the performance and have more disk space on your Macbook.
Tip #1 — Uninstall Old Applications
Some applications you have installed previously are not getting used as much. If there are apps like that on your computer as well, do not hesitate and remove them.
First and foremost, deleting useless applications will free up disk space. On top of that, you will also reduce the risk of PUPs infecting your system with harmful app software. Sure, there are tools like cleanmymac that can solve the issue, but why take a risk when you can consistently remove applications that you no longer use.
Tip #2 — Clear Caches and Other Junk
Caches, temporary backups, app extensions, plugins, and other junk data will accumulate over time. Do not leave the problem hanging because it can get out of hand quite quickly.
The files themselves might not take the most amount of space on the drive, but if there is an abundance of this data, it puts a strain on the system and slows it down. Imagine how much is required to process numerous amounts of files.
You can get rid of these files manually or by using a cleanup utility software. Though if you pick the former, make sure to create backup folders as there is a chance of you accidentally deleting something you should not.
Tip #3 — Clean Downloads and Email Attachment Folders
Old downloads might be there on the computer, idly sitting and forgotten. The same applies to email attachments as those are saved on the disk after double-clicks (unless you change the default settings).
Go to the folders for mail and download and delete files that you no longer need. And remember to empty the trash bin after you drag the files there.
Tip #4 — Trim Startup App List
Trimming the startup app list will noticeably improve the overall performance of the computer and help you with productivity. The list can be changed by going to System Preferences and clicking on the Users and Groups.
By logging into your account, you will see a tab for the Login Items. You can switch things there by removing and adding applications. Since you are looking to boost the loading speed and save time, trim the list. Also, you can consider enabling the auto-login feature that allows you to avoid entering the password every time you log in after booting the Mac.
Tip #5 — Check for Malware
A computer that is infected with viruses and malware will not perform optimally. There is also a chance that you might have a virus that is slowly eating away at the disk and reducing the available storage space.
Scan the computer thoroughly so that there are no problems with cybersecurity threats. Also, consider adding ad block extensions and even using a virtual private network when browsing. Finally, have an anti-malware tool that is running in the background and eliminating potential threats.
Tip #6 — Declutter Desktop
Clutter on a desktop is not something that should happen in the first place. Despite that, some people have a habit of putting their files on the desktop instead of another location.
A cluttered desktop puts a toll on the system’s resources. And the more icons you have, the worse off you will be.
Even if it is convenient to have access to data with a few clicks, there is a search function that will allow you to find anything on the computer.
Tip #7 — Use Clouds and External Storage Devices
USB memory sticks, external hard drives, DVDs, and other devices can help a lot with reducing the burden of the disk. Subscribing to streaming services so that you do not have to keep large media files around also does the work. Not to mention clouds like Dropbox.
Tip #8 — Get Rid of Redundant Data
There are some files that are only taking up disk space for no reason. Larger files like duplicates, or even language packs that come with certain applications are more or less useless and can be removed without any hesitation most of the time.
Tip #9 — Reinstall the OS
OS reinstallation is a bit complicated and takes time. You will have to follow a guide if you have no experience reinstalling it. But the effort is worth it as you will give the computer a fresh start and be able to enjoy it.