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Start with your device’s built-in storage view, then inspect the largest files and decide whether to delete them or move them somewhere else. The steps differ on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook; on Windows and Mac, deleted files may continue using space until you empty the Recycle Bin or Trash.
Before you delete anything
Storage tools can show which categories or files use space, but they cannot tell you whether a particular file matters. Review each candidate before deleting it, especially personal documents, photos, videos, and backups. Avoid manually removing unfamiliar system files or folders; use your operating system’s built-in cleanup controls instead.
- Delete: Choose this for files you recognize and no longer need.
- Move to external storage: Choose this when you want to keep a file but do not need it on the device. Copy it to a compatible USB drive or other external device, verify the copy, and only then remove the original.
- Use cloud storage: This can reduce local storage use when the service and device settings support it. Check whether the file will remain available offline or require an internet connection.
Find and remove large files in Windows 10 or 11
Check storage and cleanup recommendations
- Open File Explorer, select This PC, and check the available space shown under Devices and drives.
- Open Settings > System > Storage. Review the storage categories and open Cleanup recommendations if it is available.
- Review the suggested temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps. Check the items and the displayed space savings before selecting anything to clean. Microsoft describes these options in its Windows drive-space guide.
Sort your files by size
- In File Explorer, open likely locations such as Downloads, Videos, Music, and Pictures.
- Switch the folder to Details view, then select the Size column to sort the files and bring the largest items to the top.
- Delete only files you recognize and no longer need. To reclaim their space, open the Recycle Bin and empty it; items left there still occupy storage.
Use Storage Sense carefully
Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense lets Windows automate some cleanup. Microsoft says its default settings target temporary files and Recycle Bin content; Downloads and cloud content are not managed unless you configure those options. Storage Sense works on the system drive only. For eligible cloud files, its online-only setting is not permanent deletion: files can be made locally available again when there is space and network connectivity. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense guidance before changing its settings.
Be cautious when removing a previous Windows installation: deleting it removes the option to roll back to that version.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Find and remove large files on a Mac
Review storage by category
On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. On earlier macOS versions, use Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. The storage overview helps identify which categories are using space. Apple explains the available options in its Mac storage guide.
Inspect files and clear Trash
- Use Finder’s storage management or file browser to review documents, apps, books, movies, backups, and other files.
- Look for the largest items and sort by size where available. Apple’s Finder guide covers finding and deleting files.
- Move files you want to keep to connected external storage, or delete only items you no longer need.
- To reclaim space from deleted items, empty Trash. Moving a file to Trash alone does not make its storage available.
Large media libraries can use substantial storage, so review them if the storage overview points to media as a major category.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Find and remove large files on a Chromebook
- Open the time or status area, then go to Settings > System preferences > Storage management.
- Review the remaining capacity and categories, which can include Downloads, offline files, browsing data, Android storage, and other users’ local data.
- Use the built-in cleanup options to remove local files you no longer need, clear browsing data, uninstall unused apps, remove extra local user data, or move files to Google Drive. Google lists the options in its Chromebook storage guide.
Before deleting a local copy, make sure important files are backed up or available elsewhere. Google notes that a Chromebook low on space may automatically remove downloaded files, browsing data, cache, or unused accounts in some circumstances.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check that the cleanup worked
Return to your device’s storage overview and check the available capacity again. If you still need space, review another category or folder rather than deleting unfamiliar files. On Windows, check whether enough space has been freed before moving on to additional cleanup measures.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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Choose the right way to reclaim space
| Approach | Best when | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Delete | You recognize the file and no longer need it. | On Windows and Mac, empty Recycle Bin or Trash to reclaim the space. |
| Move to external storage | You want to keep the file but do not need it stored on the device. | Check that the drive has enough capacity and works with your device. Verify the copy before deleting the original. |
| Use cloud storage or sync | You want another way to access files without keeping every eligible file locally. | Availability depends on the service and settings. Confirm whether files will be accessible offline; an online-only file may need a network connection. |
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