| How to Free Disk Space on Your Hard Drive Posted: 15 Jul 2021 05:00 PM PDT Computer hard drives are getting much larger—you'd think you can hold on to files indefinitely and never worry about running out of space. But then one day you see a nasty message telling you there is not enough free disk space to save, copy, paste, or download something. How can you clear some space without parting with precious files? This wikiHow teaches you how to use built-in tools in Windows and macOS to get rid of unnecessary files on your computer. [Edit]Windows - Empty your Recycle Bin. This is an easy first step for freeing up disk space. When you delete files in Windows, they are sent to the Recycle Bin rather than immediately being removed from your PC. This means that a bunch of files you think you've deleted may still exist and be taking up space. To empty your recycle bin, just right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop (it looks like a trash can) and select Empty Recycle Bin.[1]
- If you ever want to delete a file and bypass the Recycle Bin completely, select the file you want to delete, and hold down the Shift and Delete keys at the same time to delete it.[2]
- Remove apps you no longer use. Got a lot of apps installed on your PC? You can delete the apps you aren't using to free up some space. Here's how:
- Click the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click Apps to display installed apps.
- You can sort the list of apps by name, install date, or size using the "Sort by" drop-down menu.
- Click an app and select Uninstall.
- See how your storage is used. Windows 10 comes with a great new storage tool (similar to, but more modern than Disk Cleanup) that illustrates which files are using the most space on your hard drive. To get there, click the Start menu, select Settings, click System, and then click Storage in the left panel.
- In the right panel, you'll find the name of your hard drive (such as "C:"), followed by its total size.
- Beneath that is a bar that displays how much of your total space is occupied by files.
- Below that, you'll find a list of categories—these categories reflect types of files on your computer, and how much space they are using.
- Click Show more categories below the different file types to see all possible categories.
- Turn on Storage Sense. Storage Sense automatically monitors the amount of hard drive space you use and cleans up unnecessary files.[3] You can enable this feature in your Storage settings—here's how:
- To allow Storage Sense to run on a schedule, click the switch at the top of your Storage settings. This is optional, as you can actually just use Storage Sense manually if you skip this step.
- Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now just below the switch (even if you didn't enable the feature).
- Choose when to run Storage Sense (during low free disk space, or on a schedule).
- Select which files to delete on the selected scheduled time.
- You can delete temporary app files that are unnecessary, clear your Recycle Bin on a certain schedule, and/or delete files from your Downloads folder that you haven't opened in a specified time frame.
- Click Clean now at the bottom to run Storage Sense now.
- Click the back button to return to your Storage settings.
- Delete other unneeded temporary files. This is another option in your Storage settings. Click the Temporary files category to see files that are meant to be temporary. To mark a type of file for deletion, click the box next to its name and description, and then click the Remove files button at the top to confirm. Just make sure you don't accidentally delete something you'll need later.
- The "Downloads" folder is your default download location. Only check this box if you do not regularly use the files in your Downloads folder.
- "Windows Update Cleanup," "Microsoft Defender Antivirus," "Delivery Optimization Files," and "Temporary Windows installation files" files are non-critical files from older updates. You can safely remove those unless a local admin has suggested otherwise.
- Delete unused or unneeded personal files. The files you store in your Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Downloads folder can consume a lot of space. If you don't want to permanently delete files, you can copy them to an external drive.
- A handy way to view your files is to open your Storage settings—click the Start menu, select Settings, click System, and then click Storage.
- Click Show more categories below the listed categories.
- Click Documents, Music, Videos, or any type of file you want to manage.
- Click the View button to open the folder containing those files.
- Click the View menu and select Details to make sure you can see each file's size.
- Before deleting a file, open it to see what it is. Then, close it so you can delete it if you want.
- To delete a file, click it once to select it, press the delete button on your keyboard, and confirm when prompted.
- Deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin, so technically you haven't yet freed up space. To empty your Recycle Bin, right-click it on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.
- Open your Mac's Storage Management tool. This handy tool can help you figure out which files are taking up the most space, and how to reclaim that space. Once you open the tool, you'll see a list of all types of files on your Mac, and how much space they are using. To open the tool:
- Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner.
- Click About This Mac.
- Click Storage.
- Click Manage.
- Click to store certain files in the cloud. This optional feature lets you move your Photos, Messages, Documents, and Desktop files to iCloud to conserve space on your hard drive. You can still open and use the files you move to iCloud—just double-click to download the file you want to view or edit, and it will open right up. Keep in mind that while you have some free storage space on iCloud (5 GB), you'll need to pay for additional space.[4] Fortunately, the cheapest plan gets you 50 GB of iCloud space for as low as $0.99/month. To store files in iCloud:
- Click Desktop and Documents to move the files in these two locations to your iCloud Drive.
- Click Photos to add the photos to iCloud Photos.
- Click Messages to store all iMessages and attachments in iCloud rather than on your Mac.
- Click to remove older TV shows, movies, and email attachments. This option does not permanently delete this information—it just backs them up to the cloud. However, unlike using the Store in iCloud feature, the data you optimize will not count against your iCloud space quota.[5]
- If you choose this option, any optimized files will display cloud icons beside them. To re-download an optimized file, just double-click that icon.
- Set up your Mac's Trash to empty automatically. When you delete files on your Mac, they are moved to the Trash, which makes it easy to restore deleted files in the future. However, it also means that deleting files doesn't actually free up hard drive space until you empty the Trash. If you click Turn On next to "Empty Trash Automatically," your Mac will permanently purge all files in the Trash every 30 days.
- You can also manually empty the Trash at any time in Finder by clicking the Finder menu and selecting Empty Trash.[6]
- If you want to delete a file and skip sending it to the Trash first, hold down the Control key when you click the file, and then select Delete immediately.
- Click the button to sort through clutter. The last button at the bottom of the Storage window will display a sortable list of your documents, which can help you identity files you don't need and can delete from your Mac.
- Click a file type/folder in the left panel to view the files of that type.
- Use the tabs at the top of the right panel (Large Files, Downloads, etc.) to browse for files you may not want.
- Before deleting a file, open it to make sure it's something you don't want to keep! Then, close its corresponding app so you can delete it if you want.
- To delete a file, just drag it to the Trash icon on your desktop.
- Remember to empty your Trash to actually free up the hard drive space.
- Delete music and music videos. If you download music through Apple Music, you can periodically delete these files to free up space. As long as you delete something you've purchased through Apple Music, it'll remain in the cloud and you can re-download it at any time.[7]
- Open the Music app on your Mac.
- Hover the mouse over a song or video you want to delete. If you see a cloud icon next to the item, that means it's not actually saved on your Mac, so it's not using hard drive space. Don't try to delete these items.
- Click the three dots that appear and select Remove.
- Once removed from your Mac, a cloud icon will appear next to the item to indicate that it's not on your Mac, but that you can download it from the cloud again by double-clicking it.
- Delete your unnecessary junk mail. If you use the Mail app on your Mac to send and receive email, you may have a lot of messages in your Junk folder. These messages can take up a lot of space. Here's how to delete your Junk folder:
- Open the Mail app.
- Click the Mailbox menu and select Erase Junk Mail. This moves the junk mail to your Trash mail box.
- To empty your Trash mail box and reclaim hard drive space, click the Mailbox menu and select Erase Deleted Items.
- Invest in an external hard drive or USB flash drive if you find yourself constantly running out of space. You can then store your largest files on that drive to retain space on your internal drive(s).
- When you download install programs, delete the installer after you finished installing it.
- Frequently empty the Recycle Bin or Trash.
[Edit]Warnings - Once you've cleared your recycle bin, all those files are gone forever!
- Don't delete files that don't belong to you!
- If you aren't sure what file it is and it's an unfamiliar filetype, don't delete it. If you think it's a virus, scan it with your virus scan.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Deal with Exposed Tree Roots Posted: 15 Jul 2021 09:00 AM PDT As a tree ages, shallow roots can sometimes expand to the point that they become exposed above the surface of the soil. Roots can also become exposed due to soil erosion or cramped conditions forcing the roots to the surface. If your tree has exposed roots that are causing problems, try covering the roots with mulch or an attractive ground cover. As a last resort, consider removing or partially removing a problem root. Prevent problems by planting your trees strategically and choosing species that are less prone to surface roots. [Edit]Covering Exposed Roots with Mulch - Select an organic mulch material. A layer of mulch around the tree's roots can cushion and insulate the roots and minimize soil erosion. Pick a material that won't absorb too much moisture from the soil around the base of the tree. A few options include:[1]
- Pine straw. This material is not absorbent and will allow moisture to reach your tree's roots easily.
- Pine bark nuggets. If you choose this material, make sure to remove old nuggets before laying down new ones, or the old mulch may absorb too much moisture from around the tree's roots.
- Shredded wood mulch. Because this material absorbs moisture easily, avoid putting too much at the base of your tree. Use a layer only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- Put down a layer of mulch no more than 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) thick. You will need to put down enough mulch to cover the exposed roots, but take care not to put down so much that you smother the roots.[2]
- Use thinner layers when applying more absorbent mulches (such as shredded wood), and take care that the pile doesn't become too thick when you refresh the mulch.
- Make the area of mulch wide enough to cover the exposed roots. Your mulched area may need to be up to 2/3rds the diameter of the tree's canopy.[3] Don't worry if the mulch covers up part of the lawn around the tree. Allowing your roots to compete with your grass will only lead to further soil erosion.
- Avoid piling mulch against the trunk of the tree. If you pile up too much mulch around the base of the tree, it may cause the bark at the bottom of the tree to become diseased. Leave a little space between your mulched area and the base of the tree.[4]
[Edit]Planting Ground Cover over the Roots - Break up the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of soil around the roots. Use a spading fork to very carefully break up the compacted topsoil between the surface roots. Take care not to damage the roots themselves, and go no deeper than 1 inch (2.5 cm).[5]#*Adding this ground cover means vegetation will hopefully eventually cover the tree roots in entirety.[6]
- Spread no more than 2 inches (5 cm) of garden soil over the topsoil. Add garden soil to your newly broken-up topsoil layer, being very careful not to layer on more than 2 inches (5 cm) of new soil. If you add too much new soil, your tree's roots will suffocate, and the tree will eventually die.[7]
- While you may need to replenish the new soil each year, do not add more than 2 inches (5 cm) of soil to the base of your tree per year.
- Add a light application of general-purpose granular fertilizer. Adding some fertilizer will help keep your tree healthy and prevent the ground cover plants from using up too many valuable nutrients. Following the package directions, sprinkle a little 15-5-10 or 13-13-13 NPK fertilizer over the exposed root area.[8]
- Plant a shade-loving ground cover plant around the base of the tree. Pick a hearty plant that doesn't need a lot of sunlight or moisture. In general, the best times to plant ground cover plants are early spring and late fall.[9] A few good options include:
- Wild violets
- Ajuga
- Periwinkle (vinca)
- Asiatic jasmine
- Monkey grass
- Creeping thyme or dymondia[10]
- Consider what kind of cover fits the microclimate. Depending on how much shade there is, how much sun there, and whether people should be able to walk on the ground cover, you might want to choose a different type of vegetation.[11]
- If you don't need to walk on the ground cover, consider a Red Apple succulent cover because it grows quickly.[12]
[Edit]Preventing Root Exposure - Avoid planting shade trees too close to buildings and paths. Surface roots mainly become a problem when they interfere with footpaths, sidewalks, and structures such as house foundations. Try to plant shade trees no closer than 6 feet (2 meters) from sidewalks and pavements, and 15 feet (5 meters) from house foundations.[13]
- Plant tree species that are less prone to root exposure. Root exposure problems are often associated with fast-growing shade trees, such as Arizona ash, silver maple, poplar, and willow. When selecting trees to plant on your property, consider choosing slower-growing species instead.[14] A few good options include:
- Linden
- Colorado blue spruce
- Sugar maple
- Japanese maple
- Red buckeye
- Take measures to prevent soil erosion on your property. Tree roots are often exposed by soil erosion. If your property has serious erosion problems, you may need to bring in a landscaping expert to install erosion barriers. Other measures you can take include:[15]
- Covering bare patches of soil with mulch or ground cover plants, especially on slopes.
- Not over-watering your plants so that you do not wash away too much soil.
- Using jute netting or coconut fiber mats to keep soil in place until cover plants can become established.
- Putting a layer of mulch around the bases of newly-planted trees to prevent erosion as the tree grows.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Covering Exposed Roots with Mulch - Organic mulch, such as pine straw, shredded wood, or pine bark nuggets
[Edit]Planting Ground Cover over the Roots - Spading fork
- Garden soil mix
- General-purpose granular fertilizer (15-5-10 or 13-13-13)
- Shade-loving ground cover plants, such as violets, vinca, or Asiatic jasmine
[Edit]Trimming Exposed Roots - Garden spade
- Root saw (for larger roots) or shears or loppers (for smaller roots)
- Root barrier to prevent regrowth
[Edit]Preventing Root Exposure - Slow-growing shade trees, such as blue spruce, linden, or red buckeye
- Mulch
- Soil-retention materials, such as jute netting or coconut fiber mats
[Edit]References
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[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Soft Skin Quickly Posted: 15 Jul 2021 01:00 AM PDT There you are, minding your own business, when you notice that your skin feels rough, dry, or bumpy. Out of nowhere, you decide you want softer skin, and you want to see results as soon as possible! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to get the healthy glow you're going for. Some will work almost instantly, while others will be most effective if you build them into your daily routine—and we'll be here for you along the way! [Edit]Exfoliate your face and body once a week. - Dead skin can make your skin feel rough. There are two main types of exfoliants—chemical and mechanical. Chemical exfoliants use acids like AHAs and BHAs to break down the dead cells on the surface of your skin so you can rinse them away.[1] They're great for sensitive areas like your face. Mechanical exfoliants, like body scrubs, pumice stones, or sponges, use friction to scrub away dead skin. They can be a little harsh, so they're best for tougher areas like your heels and elbows.[2]
- If your skin looks pink or feels tender after you exfoliate, use a gentler exfoliant or exfoliate less often.
- Always put on moisturizer after you exfoliate, since it can strip away the oils in the top layer of your skin.
[Edit]Use a dry brush to smooth the skin on your body. - Brush away dead skin cells before you get into the shower. Start by swiping a long-handled dry brush across your legs in long, smooth strokes, working your way up from your feet. Next, brush your arms, working upward from your hands. Finally, use circular motions to brush your back and torso. Take a warm shower to rinse off, then apply moisturizer and enjoy your glowing, smooth skin![3]
- Brush gently on sensitive areas like your inner thighs, stomach, and neck—and don't use your dry brush on your face.
- Dry brushing can leave your skin looking smooth and healthy because it polishes away dead skin and boosts your circulation. Also, it might be more gentle than other exfoliants because you do it while your skin is dry.
- If you have sensitive skin, you can get a similar effect by gently scrubbing your skin with a dry washcloth before you get into the shower.
[Edit]Keep your showers to 5-10 minutes. - Long, hot showers will dry out your skin. The longer you're in warm water, the more chance your skin has to dry out. Water takes off your skin's natural layer of oils, so try not to shower more than 5 to 10 minutes a day You can even set a timer to help you remember when it's time to get out![4]
- Also, avoid using super-hot water—lukewarm water is gentler on your skin.[5]
- Avoid using harsh scrubbers like loofahs and pumice stones on your skin—exfoliating too vigorously or too often can make your skin rougher over time.
[Edit]Use shaving cream or gel to get smooth results. - Never shave your skin when it's dry. If you're going to shave, do it at the end of your shower, so the warmth of the water can help soften your skin. Lightly exfoliate with a loofah first so the blades don't get clogged up with dead skin. Then, lather up with a foam or gel shaving cream—or even hair conditioner or body oil—so the razor can glide over your skin. This will help you get a closer shave, so your skin will be softer and smoother when you're finished.[6]
- Don't use soap to shave—this will dry out your skin, which could leave it feeling rough.
- Always use a sharp razor to ensure you get a close shave. Also, some people find they get smoother results when they use a razor with multiple blades.
- If you don't want to shave, you could try waxing, sugaring, or using a depilatory cream instead.
[Edit]Choose the right moisturizer for your skin. - Experiment with different brands until you find the right one for you. It might seem like there's an overwhelming selection of lotions and creams out there, but don't worry—the best moisturizers aren't necessarily the priciest ones. It's just a matter of trying out different ingredients until you find one that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.[7] In particular, look for moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides—these attract moisture to the skin.[8] Keep in mind that you'll probably need a thicker lotion on your body and a lighter product for your face.
- Normal skin: Use a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't have a greasy feel.[9]
- Dry skin: Use an oil-based product. Good ingredients include lactic acid and urea.
- Rough, cracked skin: Look for an ointment made of petroleum jelly.
- Oily skin: Try a water-based, oil-free moisturizer.
- Sensitive skin: Opt for a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free product.
- Aging skin: Use a topical retinoid on your face to increase your skin's turnover of new cells.[10] You can also find body lotions that contain retinol for all-over rejuvenation.
[Edit]Moisturize right after your shower. - Blot your skin gently with a towel but leave your skin damp. Don't rub your skin roughly with your towel—pat it gently and leave it slightly damp.[11] Then, smooth lotion or cream over your whole body and wait until your skin absorbs it before getting dressed.[12]
- Applying lotion to damp skin helps trap moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- If you have really dry skin, you might need to put on moisturizer 2-3 times throughout the day instead of just once. For instance, you might moisturize when you wake up, after your shower, and before you go to bed.
[Edit]Use a hydrating face mask for a quick moisture boost. - Relax under a sheet mask when you need an extra glow. Face masks are more than just a soothing indulgence—they can help give your skin a quick infusion of nourishing ingredients. That makes them perfect when you feel like the skin on your face is a little dull or dry. Just wash your face first, then apply a mask loaded with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Skip masks that are brightly-colored or highly fragrant though—these can irritate your skin.[13]
- Sheet masks are especially great at getting moisture into your skin, but cream masks can be a good option as well—especially if you're trying to treat a specific skin concern like rosacea or acne.
- You can even make your own face mask out of ingredients like avocado, banana, pumpkin, or oatmeal.
[Edit]Use a humidifer to combat dry skin. - This is especially helpful in the winter. When it's cold, dry air can leave your skin feeling dry and rough. That doesn't mean you have to stay hidden under sweaters and wool socks, though—running a humidifier at about 60% can help keep your skin hydrated and nourished, no matter what the weather is like outside.[14]
[Edit]Wash your face twice a day to keep it clear and smooth. - This will help prevent acne and keep your skin balanced. Use warm water and a gentle facial cleanser designed for your skin type when you wash your face. Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day—when you first wake up and before you go to bed. Even if you're pressed for time, though, be sure to wash your face every night to get rid of dirt, oils, and makeup that could clog your pores and lead to acne.[15][16]
- Follow up with a facial moisturizer for your skin type.
- Preventing acne is a big step toward getting soft skin, since breakouts and scars can make your skin bumpy and rough.
[Edit]Wear sunscreen every day. - Use at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun damage. You probably already know that wearing sunscreen during the day can help prevent long-term damage, but did you know that it can help keep your skin feeling softer in the short-term, too? That's because the sun can be really drying for your skin, which can leave it feeling rough.[17]
- If you'll be out in the sun, cover your whole body in about of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass. On normal days, use about to cover your face.[18]
[Edit]Eat a healthy diet. - The foods you eat can actually have a big impact on your skin. Try to stay away from sugar, processed foods, unsaturated fats, dairy, and carbs. These can cause your skin to be irritated or inflamed, and they might even lead to breakouts. Instead, reach for healthy foods that contain nutrients like:
- Omega-3s—these are essential for having soft skin. The best source is in fish like salmon and herring, but you can also get it from walnuts, flaxseed oil, or edamame.
- Vitamins and antioxidants—these keep your skin looking glowy and youthful. Eat a variety of fruits and veggies to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need!
[Edit]Drink plenty of water. - Stay hydrated. How hydrated you are affects your skin, so keep on top of your water intake. If you have trouble drinking enough water each day, try adding fruit slices to your water to help increase your intake.[19]
- By some calculations, men should be getting of water a day, and women should be getting .[20]
[Edit]Avoid skincare products with ethyl alchohol. - Opt for products labeled alcohol-free. Ethyl alcohol is sometimes used in skincare to make a product absorb more quickly. Unfortunately, it's really drying for your skin, too. Try to avoid this entirely when you're scanning the label of your next purchase.[21]
- Fatty alcohols like cetearyl, stearyl, and cetyl are not drying, so they're fine if you spot them in the ingredient list.
[Edit]Talk to a dermatologist. - They can help you with any skin conditions you might have. There are several skin conditions that can affect your skin, leaving it rough or bumpy instead of soft and smooth. If treating it yourself isn't working, set up an appointment with a dermatologist―they'll help you create a personalized plan to get your skin looking its best.[22]
- Eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris are all examples of skin problems that a dermatologist may be able to treat.
- Your dermatologist might also recommend procedures like microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing to help you get soft, smooth skin.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References __LIST__
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