Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIf deleting videos did not free much space on your Mac, first empty Trash, then check which storage category is still using space. If the videos may be needed later, make sure you have another copy before removing them—especially if they were in iCloud Photos, where deleting on one device can delete them on others.
1. Empty Trash to remove the deleted files
Files moved to Trash still occupy storage until Trash is emptied. Open Trash from the Dock, check that it contains only items you are ready to remove, then choose the option to empty it. Apple explains: “When you move a file to the Trash, its storage space doesn’t become available until you empty the Trash.” Apple Support: Free up storage space on Mac
For files stored in iCloud Drive, Recently Deleted is a separate recovery area; its behavior is not the same as local Mac Trash. Check the relevant iCloud location before assuming a file is permanently gone. Apple Support: Manage your iCloud storage on your Apple device
2. Find out what is still using storage
Open the storage overview for your macOS version:
- macOS Ventura 13 or later: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
- Earlier macOS versions: Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
Review the categories and open their details where available. The overview can help show whether the remaining space is used by applications, documents, photos, or another category. It updates as you follow Apple’s storage guidance, but Apple does not specify a fixed refresh time. Apple Support: Free up storage space on Mac
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What “System Data” does—and does not—tell you
System Data is a broad, changing category. It can include caches, logs, temporary files, app support files, fonts, plug-ins, and other resources that do not fit another category. A large System Data figure does not identify a particular folder as safe to delete. Avoid removing unknown system files based on that label alone. Apple Support: Find and delete files on your Mac
3. Locate large media and move it if you want to keep it
If you want to retain videos but reduce the space they use on the internal drive, move them to another storage device. Apple also describes moving a Photos library or iMovie library to an external storage device. An external SSD is one option; choose a drive and connection compatible with your Mac and large enough for the media you intend to keep.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
- Use the storage overview and Finder to identify the video files or media library taking up space.
- Copy or move the files or library to the external destination.
- Open the files or library from that destination and confirm they work before removing any duplicate from the Mac’s internal drive.
Apple’s storage guidance also suggests targeted checks of Downloads, media you can stream or download again, old iPhone or iPad backups, unused applications, mail junk or deleted items, and old or unused user accounts. Review these only when the storage overview indicates they are relevant; deleting unrelated files will not necessarily address the category using your space. Apple Support: Free up storage space on Mac
4. Use storage recommendations with their trade-offs in mind
Depending on your Mac and macOS version, Storage settings may offer options such as Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage, or automatic Trash emptying. These can make some files available on demand, keep optimized versions locally, remove watched Apple TV content, retain recent email attachments, or remove Trash items older than 30 days. Check the option’s description before enabling it so you know what will be stored locally and what may be removed automatically. Apple Support: Optimise storage space on your Mac
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Using iCloud can shift some storage pressure from the Mac’s internal drive, but it uses space in your iCloud plan; it does not make storage needs disappear. macOS also removes certain caches and logs when space is needed. Safe Mode can temporarily clear some caches, which are later recreated. Apple presents that as a possible short-term measure, such as when you need room to complete an update, not as a guaranteed way to recover a large amount of video storage. Apple Support: Optimise storage space on your Mac
5. Check iCloud Photos before deleting anything else
If iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting a photo or video on one device also deletes it on other devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Before deleting synced media you might want later, make an independent copy and verify that it is accessible. Apple Support: Manage your iCloud storage on your Apple device
Rank #4
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
6. Leave Time Machine snapshots to macOS
Local Time Machine snapshots count as available storage and are automatically removed as they age or when the Mac needs room. They are not the first place to look when deleted videos have not freed space. Apple Support: About Time Machine local snapshots
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
