Free up disk space on Mac and Windows: the big ones first

When storage runs low, deleting hundreds of small files does little. A few big files often make up most of it. The trick: find the big ones first, then decide.

Get an overview first

1. Mac: Open System Settings, then “General” and “Storage”. You see which categories take how much space and get recommendations.
2. Windows: Open Settings, then “System” and “Storage”. Under “Temporary files” you can safely delete caches.
3. Then check your own folders: Downloads, Documents, Movies and Pictures.

Find big files on purpose

On a Mac, open Finder search with Command + F, click “+”, choose “Other …” and then “File Size”. On Windows, File Explorer lists all files over 128 MB for the search term size:gigantic.

What usually eats space

Movies and screen recordings, installers, backups, old project folders and photo series. Ask for each big item: do I still need this, or is there a copy?

How it works with GetSpace

While sorting, GetSpace shows you live how much space you gain.

1. Choose the folder and set “100 MB+” or “1 GB+” in the filter.
2. Go through the big files. The top bar shows how much storage the marked files free up.
3. The summary lists the biggest files first. You can bring each one back before it goes to the trash.

Download for MacDownload for Windows

GetSpace is a program for Mac and Windows and doesn’t run on phones. Send yourself the link and download it on your computer.

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