3. Add cloud
If you have taken out or use a Microsoft 365 subscription, there is a high probability that you have stored a lot of data in the cloud. Finally, in this case you get the option to claim 1 TB of cloud storage space via OneDrive. If you store your data there anyway, that is an argument for not storing it locally (unless you want it that way for reasons of reliability).
However, there are also some ways to limit OneDrive’s storage requirements. For example, by configuring the tool so that certain cloud folders are not synchronized with your computer. To do this, go to OneDrive’s Settings. Then select “Account,” followed by “Select Folder.” In the following window you can select which folders should (no longer) be synchronized with your PC in the future.
Apart from that, OneDrive also has the option to turn files into online files and thus free up local storage space. To do this, simply right-click on the file within the OneDrive folder and select the appropriate option. The next time you open the file, OneDrive will automatically reload it from the cloud.
4. Use memory optimization
In both Windows 10 and 11, “Storage Optimization” is another on-board tool available to free up storage space. This can be found under “Settings” -> “System” -> “Storage” -> “Storage Management”.
Once you enable the Storage Optimization slider, you can set cleanup times for your system to automatically delete files in the Trash or Downloads folder, for example. Under the “Cleanup Recommendations” option, you can also have the system make appropriate suggestions to free up storage space.
5. Delete duplicates
If you suspect that there are more than one duplicate file on your Windows computer, we recommend a tool to locate and delete these duplicates. For example the free dupeGuru. (fm)
