4 Laptop Storage Issues and Its Simple Solutions
Computers come with disks that offer a certain amount of storage. These days, solid-state drives have overtaken hard drives.
The former is a superior option performance-wise, so the change is understandable.
However, SSDs are more expensive, particularly if you want to have a decent amount of storage. A high price causes fewer people to opt for a computer that offers a significant amount of available space.
The problem becomes even bigger when talking about laptops with integrated hardware rather than a custom-built desktop computer.
Laptop storage is not as straightforward as some people might think, and mismanaging it could lead to some problems with your computer.
The purpose of this article is to cover laptop storage-related problems and solutions to these problems.
Problem #1 – Sluggish Computer Performance
Let’s start with the overall computer performance. Not enough free storage causes sluggishness that tends to snowball over time.
The fix to this problem is not that straightforward. Ideally, at least 25 percent of the total available disk space should be free, but even this number is not always enough. Besides, treat it as an arbitrary metric.
You aim to free as much system storage as you can. Focus on files that you no longer need and remove them permanently.
Get a cleanup utility tool that takes care of temporary system junk. If you do not know how to clear cache and other junk, learn about it and get in the habit of doing it regularly.
There should be files that you might be reluctant to remove. For instance, a video game that you might want to play later.
Remember that you can always download and reinstall the game later when you need it. Our current focus should be on freeing up the storage.
In case you struggle to free up enough space despite your best efforts to remove useless data, you still have the option of utilizing external storage.
Cloud storage options and external storage options let you transfer files to a different location and keep them there instead of on your computer.
Problem #2 – Corrupted Data
Corrupted data is usually the result of cybersecurity threats. Not taking care of malware can do more harm than just deleting or corrupting individual files.
Certain types of malware are malicious enough to slowly consume the free space available on the disk.
If you are not careful, you might end up with even less free space on the computer than before. And if the malware works slowly by taking little space over time, noticing it is not easy.
The rule of thumb is pretty clear—you need to have a reliable anti-malware tool that scans and protects the computer from cybersecurity threats.
Also, be smart about what you do on the Internet. Do not open shady attachments or visit websites that are probably filled with malware.
Problem #3 – Data Loss
Data loss is another example of a storage problem you might encounter as a laptop user.
As already mentioned, cybersecurity threats could be the primary reasons behind this issue existing on your computer in the first place.
The problem with data loss is that not every file can be recovered. Certain recovery tools come in handy, but you should not count on them all the time.
Instead, it is recommended to be cautious and back up data.
Depending on how much data you have to back up, a free iCloud or Dropbox account can be enough. For more storage on a cloud service, you will need to pay a monthly or yearly fee.
The advantages of cloud platforms are their security and digital approach. There is no need to bother with physical storage accessories. Besides, you can modify files directly on your cloud account.
The second method to back up data is via external storage accessories, such as USB flash sticks and external SSD/hard drives.
Both options are viable, and you might go as far as utilizing both as an extra precaution. It is better to be safe than sorry, and having two copies of backed-up data is exactly that.
Problem #4 – Lack of Storage
The final problem related to laptop storage is the lack of storage itself. You might end up in a situation where you do not have enough space to download and install things on your laptop.
Just like with the first problem, the solution for this one is to continue deleting files you no longer need or moving data to external storage.
There are some exceptions, though.
For example, if you want to hoard media files, such as movies or TV shows, remember that you also have the option of streaming content on platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
Streaming network subscriptions cost money, but they are convenient to use and usually justify the subscription fees.
The majority of these remedies we have discussed are just temporary.
Due to the continuous use of your laptop, temporary files will reappear, your cloud storage will fill up, and you will continue to store music, movies, and other items.
So you will be forced to repeat this procedure every few months, but it will ultimately get tedious or you will run out of things to remove.
So, if you start seeing that storage warning on your laptop, it is best to upgrade to a larger disc shortly.
If the storage on your laptop is upgradeable, you may easily purchase a larger capacity 2.5-inch SSD or an M.2 hard drive, whatever your laptop supports.
Upgrades of storage drives are simple in most laptops. If your laptop storage isn’t upgradeable, you’ll have to make do with the interim choices described above during its life cycle and ensure that your future laptop has the capacity you require.
Don’t forget to acquire a laptop with expandable storage. It will cost more initially, but you will save money in the long term.
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