Is your computer gasping for breath, drowning in a sea of photos, documents, and random downloads? We’ve all been there – that moment when your computer feels like it’s about to burst at the seams, threatening to crash your system and lose those precious memories. Today, I’ll walk you through steps to transfer files and free up space so you can breathe easily and keep your Mac or PC running smoothly.
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Choosing the right external hard drive
First things first, you’ll want to use an external hard drive you already have or purchase a new one. External hard drives offer massive storage for all your digital memories. My favorites are small, portable drives with no moving parts called SSDs – or solid-state drives. When selecting an external hard drive, consider these key factors:
- Storage capacity: Drives range from 128GB to a massive 24TB. For most users, 1TB or 2TB drives are popular choices.
- HDD vs. SSD: HDDs offer larger capacities at lower prices, while SSDs provide faster speeds and better durability.
- Transfer speed and connectivity: Look for USB 3.1 Gen2, USB 3.2 Gen2, or Thunderbolt 4 for the fastest speeds.
- Portability and durability: If you’ll be carrying your drive frequently, choose lightweight, compact drives that don’t require external power.
- Security features: For sensitive data, consider drives with hardware encryption or biometric authentication.
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Connecting your external drive
Once you have your external drive, plug it right into your computer using a USB cable to make sure it’s securely connected.
Transferring files on a Mac
If you’re using a Mac, here’s how to transfer your files:
- Open up Finder
- Scroll through your folders and find the files and photos you want to transfer
- Select the files (To select multiple files, click on the first file, then hold down the Shift key while clicking on additional files)
- Right-click and choose “Copy” or use Command + C
- Open the external hard drive in Finder
- Right-click and select “Paste” or use Command + V
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Transferring files on a Windows PC
For Windows users, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer
- Scroll through your folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) and find files you want to transfer
- Select files (To select multiple files, click on the first file, then hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on additional files. Alternatively, to select a range of files, click the first file, hold down the Shift key, and then click the last file in the range)
- Right-click and choose the “Copy” icon or use Ctrl + C
- Open the external hard drive in File Explorer
- Right-click and select the “Paste” icon or use Ctrl + V
Your files are now safely stored on your external drive.
Freeing up space after transfer
After transferring your files to an external drive or cloud storage, it’s important to note that the original files still remain on your computer. To effectively free up space, follow these steps:
Verify File Transfer
- Open the destination drive (external hard drive or cloud storage)
- Check that all files are completely transferred
- Verify file sizes and contents match the original files
- Ensure no files are corrupted or partially transferred
Delete Original Files
On Mac:
- Open Finder
- Navigate to the original folder containing the files
- Select the files you want to delete
- Right-click and choose “Move to Trash” or press Command + Delete
On Windows:
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the original folder
- Select the files you want to delete
- Right-click and choose “Delete” or press the Delete key
Empty the Trash/Recycle Bin
On Mac:
- Click on the Trash icon in the Dock
- Right-click and select “Empty Trash”
- Confirm the action
On Windows:
- Right-click the Recycle Bin on the desktop
- Select “Empty Recycle Bin”
- Confirm the action
Remember, simply moving files to a new drive doesn’t automatically delete them from the source. You need to manually remove them and empty the Trash/Recycle Bin to fully reclaim space on your original drive. Always double-check that you have a secure backup of your files before permanently deleting them.
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Alternative transfer solutions
If you’re not into the manual method and prefer a more automated approach, there are other transfer solutions available:
Cloud storage services
Cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox let you upload files and access them from anywhere. These services offer automatic syncing and backup, making file transfer and storage more convenient. Popular options include Microsoft OneDrive, Proton Drive, and IDrive. Kurt’s favorite cloud services can be seen here.
File History (Windows)
Windows users can utilize the built-in File History feature to automatically back up files to an external drive. This is suitable for a small number of folders but may be time-consuming for large quantities of data.
Professional backup software
For faster and more efficient transfers, especially when dealing with large quantities of files, consider using professional backup software. These tools often provide features like automatic backups, file compression, and encryption for added security.
Cloud transfer services
For those looking to move data between cloud services, solutions like MultCloud offer seamless file transfer and synchronization between different cloud storage providers. If you have maxed out your iCloud storage, click here to discover what solutions are available.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
No more digital clutter, no more stress. You’ve got this file transfer thing down pat. Whether you choose the manual method for more control or opt for cloud storage for convenience, the key is to regularly back up your important files. Remember, it’s not just about freeing up space on your computer – it’s about protecting your digital memories and important documents. As we move into 2025, the landscape of digital storage continues to evolve. With advancements in SSD technology, cloud services, and data transfer speeds, managing your digital life has never been easier. So go ahead, start that transfer, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-organized digital life.
Have you ever lost important files or photos? Tell us your worst digital storage nightmare in the comments below.
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