How To Free Up Space On Gaming Laptop

Introduction

Gaming laptops offer the best of both worlds – the ability to game from anywhere and the freedom to take the laptop wherever you need to go. However, with gaming there comes the challenge of limited storage space for games, videos, and other applications. This can lead to slow performance, difficulty in loading new applications or updates, and the inability to properly store data. Fortunately, there are various ways to free up storage space on gaming laptops and increase their performance.

Eliminating Unnecessary Files

The easiest way to free up storage space is to eliminate any unnecessary files. Most laptops come with pre-installed applications and software that can be uninstalled or removed. Similarly, any applications or programs that aren’t being used should be removed. Music, videos and other non-essential files can also be removed if they are taking up storage space. Transferring them to an external drive or cloud storage is also an option.

Cleaning up the Hard Drive

Another way to free up space on a gaming laptop is to clean up the hard drive. This involves deleting temporary and duplicate files, removing old cookies and temporary internet files, and running regular scans for viruses and malware. Performing “disk cleanup” can also help. This is an easy way to free up space but it does require some technical knowledge.

Using the Cloud

A third way to free up space on a gaming laptop is to utilize cloud storage. This is especially useful for storing large files such as games, videos and music. Most cloud storage services offer free options with limited storage capacity. There are also paid options that offer larger amounts of storage space.

Upgrading the Laptop

Finally, it may be necessary to upgrade the laptop. Some laptops only have a limited amount of memory, which can be upgraded with additional RAM chips. It is also possible to upgrade the hard drive to a larger capacity. This is usually an expensive option, but it may be necessary if all other methods have been exhausted.

Auditing Applications

Using Applications Wisely

When it comes to freeing up storage space on a gaming laptop, it’s important to be mindful of which applications are installed and running. Keeping track of all the applications can be difficult, but it’s necessary in order to prevent slow performance and uneccessary use of storage space. Uninstalling any non-essential applications can help to improve performance and free up space.

Analyzing Usage Stats

Another way to save storage space is to analyze usage statistics. Most laptops have a ‘task manager’ application that will show which programs are actively running and taking up system resources. Looking at the statistics can help to identify applications that aren’t being used and can be removed. This can be the easiest way to free up limited storage space.

Short Term Fixes

If there are applications that are regularly used but are taking up too much space, it may be necessary to find ways to reduce the amount of space used. This can be done by disabling unnecessary features or ‘closing’ applications after they’ve been used. Reinstalling applications can also help to reduce their storage footprint.

Taking Precautions

Finally, if storage space is limited on a gaming laptop, it’s important to take precautions when installing new applications. Always check how much space the application will use and if it’s necessary. Alternatively, downloading the application in ‘demo’ mode can help to avoid taking up too much space.

Defragging The Hard Drive

What is Defragging?

Defragging is a process that reorganizes the hard drive so that the data is stored in an organized format. This process can help to free up space and improve performance. Most computers will perform regular defrags so it’s important to monitor this process and ensure that it’s functioning properly.

Benefits of Defragging

Defragging a gaming laptop’s hard drive can help to improve performance and free up space. By reorganizing the data on the hard drive, it’s easier to delete unnecessary files and optimize the storage space. It can also help to reduce the amount of time it takes to load games and applications, resulting in faster performance.

Types of Defragging

There are two types of defrags that can be performed on a gaming laptop – standard defrags and deep defrags. Standard defrags are relatively quick and can be done without any technical knowledge. Deep defrags, on the other hand, are more thorough and will require some technical know-how.

Defragging Tips

When performing a defrag on a gaming laptop, there are some tips that should be kept in mind. First, it’s important to ensure that the laptop is plugged in and that all applications are closed. Additionally, it’s important to remember to back up any important data prior to performing the defrag.

Deleting Old Drivers

What are Drivers?

Drivers are small software programs that allow a computer to communicate with a device. This includes things such as printers, scanners and webcams. Updating these drivers is important in order to maintain performance, but old drivers can take up valuable storage space.

Removing Old Drivers

Removing old drivers is an important step in freeing up storage space on a gaming laptop. Over time, drivers can quickly accumulate, especially if the laptop is being regularly updated. The best way to remove old drivers is to use a third-party software such as Driver Booster or DriverFighter.

Checking Device Drivers

It’s important to regularly check the device drivers and ensure that they are up to date. This can be done by going to the device manager and checking for any out-of-date drivers. If the device driver is found to be out of date, it should be updated or uninstalled.

Installing Drivers

When installing new drivers, it’s important to only install those that are necessary. Installing unnecessary drivers can take up valuable storage space and can slow down the performance of the laptop. Only install necessary drivers and make sure to uninstall any that are no longer needed.

Regular Maintenance

Schedule Cleanups

Performing regular cleanups is an important step in freeing up storage space. This can be done by deleting any unused applications, programs, and files. Additionally, it’s important to regularly back up any important files in order to free up additional space.

Uninstall Unused Applications

Uninstalling any unused applications is also an important way to free up storage space. Many laptops come pre-loaded with applications that may not be necessary, such as trial versions of programs or games. Uninstalling these can help to reduce storage space.

Invoke Automated Cleaning

Many modern laptops come with automated cleaning tools that can be used to free up storage space. These tools include things such as disk cleanup, which is used to remove temporary and duplicate files. Running these tools regularly can help to prevent storage space capacity issues.

Delete System Restore Points

System restore points are also worth considering when it comes to freeing up storage space. These points can accumulate over time, taking up valuable space. Deleting any unused restore points can help to free up some space.

Consider External Storages

What Are External Storages?

External storages are a great way to save storage space on a gaming laptop. These are small, portable devices that can be used to store data and applications. They are usually accessed externally, meaning they do not take up any storage on the laptop itself.

Types of External Storages

There are many types of external storages that can be used to free up storage space. These include flash drives, external hard drives and optical media such as CDs and DVDs. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them carefully before deciding which one is best.

Advantages of External Storages

External storages are a great way to free up space on a gaming laptop. Since they are not stored on the laptop itself, they don’t take up any of the internal storage space. This can be extremely helpful for those with limited storage capacity. Additionally, external storages are usually very portable, meaning they can be used on multiple computers.

Getting the Most Out of External Storages

In order to get the most out of external storages, it’s important to backup any important files. This will ensure that the data is safely saved in the event of a hardware failure. Additionally, the external storage should be regularly checked for any signs of damage or malware.

Rose Jackson is an expert in gaming-related technology. She has been researching and writing about game controllers, headsets, and other peripherals for the past two years. With a wealth of knowledge on the topic, she provides clear and detailed reviews to help gamers make informed decisions on the best accessories to buy. Rose also writes a regular column on the website that she contributes to which covers topics such as gaming industry news, upcoming releases, hardware in advent video gaming and more. She believes that having access to quality content and information can help everyone become better gamers.

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