Over time, a computer can become heavily clogged with old, outdated files.
You may find that there are files or programs still on the machine that haven’t been used in months, if not years, and will no longer be of use to your business.
Using best practices for storing and deleting content could help to significantly extend the lifespan of your machine.
5 Tips To Increase Your Storage Space
1. Check your existing storage
Within the control panel of any Windows PC you can take a deep dive into the storage contents.
While you can download storage apps to help streamline this process, you will need to be cautious about what you install onto your device. Although genuine storage apps exist, some of the programs you find online may be embedded with hidden trackers, keyloggers, or viruses, which would contaminate your computer and network.
2. Opt for cloud-based solutions to increase storage space
When sorting through your computer, you run the risk of only temporarily freeing up space. Without due care, you may find that your hard drive fills up, leaving you in the same position a few months down the line.
A simple solution to this can be to implement a practice where all files are now saved on a cloud-based storage solution. Businesses can benefit from using Microsoft SharePoint for all storage on their network. This also means that, should an employee need to work from home or use a different device, their work files will be available regardless of where they are, as long as they have their login credentials.
3.Remove unused apps on your hard drive
When you look through the apps and programs stored on your computer, you may find items that you haven’t used in years, if at all. Even standard apps that came pre-installed on the machine may have no purpose within your business.
Uninstalling old or outdated software could increase storage space.
This way, you can ensure that only the apps you need for business will remain on the machine.
4. Separate work from leisure
any businesses have specific computers to use during the working day. Even if an employee works from home, they may be given a business laptop to complete their tasks.
Storage problems can arise when you attempt to use a device for both work and personal use. Not only will that machine need to run your business programs and files, but you may find a significant amount of space is taken up with large game files and personal items. Some of these games can require at least 70GB of space, if not more.
Limiting what an employee can do on a business device can help to reduce the likelihood of working machines being used outside of their designated purpose.
Likewise, you may also want to instruct employees to only use company-issued computers for work. This can help to increase storage space on their personal devices.
5. Back up important files
Whether you want somewhere to store additional files or music separately from your main PC, or to ensure files are kept safe, having a separate hard drive that you can backup items onto is a must!
You can either use a physical external hard drive that you would then only plug in when needed, or alternatively again make use of some of the great cloud-based storage solutions on offer.
This way, you can clear your cache, temporary, and unwanted files permanantly, but still have any items you’d like to keep saved elsewhere.
Stripping your business computer back to the bare essentials can maximise its running capacity.
Reducing the number of files on your system can increase uptime, but also be good for those who want to operate in a more secure manner. By opting to then only install or download essential content from secure, genuine providers, you will not only increase storage space on your hard drive, but also help to mitigate the risk of viruses being unwittingly downloaded onto your system.
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When you have a business to run, you may not want to spend copious amounts of time trying to optimise your computers. This is where dedicated bespoke IT support can be of service.
Our technicians are fully trained in all aspects of IT, from hardware management that helps you to increase storage space on your hard drive, to data security and threat prevention. With their support, your team may be able to implement better working practices, freeing up space on their hard drives and avoiding unnecessary risk.