On a computer, the hard drive is a crucial component for storing and managing data. Today, I’ll share how to view and check hard drive capacity on Windows and MacBook computers for optimal memory management.
I. Benefits of Checking Computer Memory Capacity
Ensuring Stable Performance: Insufficient storage can impact computer performance. Checking memory capacity ensures your computer has enough space to run smoothly.
- A general rule is to keep at least 10-15% of your drive space free. This not only helps your computer run more stably but also allows for temporary file creation and management, software and operating system updates, and data backups.
- For example, if you have a hard drive or SSD with a total capacity of 256GB, try to keep at least 25.6GB (10% of 256GB) unused. This will ensure your computer has enough space to run smoothly while still allowing you to store and create more data as needed.
Avoiding Hard Drive Overload: When your hard drive is almost full, you’ll be warned in advance so you can proactively move or delete unnecessary data, preventing hard drive damage.
Efficient Data Management: Knowing your available memory capacity helps you decide whether to download new data and understand what data to delete or archive.
Planning Upgrades: If your memory is frequently at high levels, consider upgrading your hard drive to increase storage capacity.
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II. 3 Ways to Check Computer Capacity on Windows 10, 8, 7
1. Checking in My Computer
Clicking My Computer under Devices and drives displays all drives running on your computer. The blue section shows used and free space; the bottom shows the exact amount of free and used space (free space is after “Free of”).
2. Checking Capacity using Properties
For detailed information, right-click the drive you want to check and selectProperties.
This shows detailed drive information, including Used Space (blue) and Free Space (white).
3. Checking in Disk Manager
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, enter diskmgmt.msc, and press OK.
View free space and percentage remaining.
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III. 2 Ways to View Hard Drive Capacity on MacBook
1. Viewing in About
Select the Apple icon in the top-left corner> Select About This MacThis
The main screen shows your computer’s information. The window displays an overview of storage capacity and RAM.
To view remaining free space and identify large data files, select Storage.
This shows your used and free storage space.
2. Checking in Disk Utility
To open Disk Utility, press Command + Space; the computer displays a search box. Type Disk Utility.
In Disk Utility, select Check hard drive capacity.
This shows your computer’s total hard drive capacity: used, free space, operating system, etc.
IV. Options for Adding Storage Capacity
Most Windows laptops allow you to replace the default hard drive with a larger one; typically up to 1 TB (1024 GB).
Some Windows laptops have an empty space to install an additional HDD or SATA SSD. If your laptop supports this, the packaging should include a bracket to facilitate installation.
For MacBooks, replacing the hard drive is nearly impossible – a longstanding limitation of this laptop line.
Besides replacing the hard drive (Windows laptops), two other ways exist to increase storage (for both MacBooks and Windows laptops):
- Purchase external hard drives for additional data storage.
- Purchase subscriptions for online storage services (cloud storage) like Google Drive or Tera box.
This article guides you on how to view and check hard drive capacity on Windows and MacBook computers. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. Good luck!
