how do I get more storage space?

I use a MacBook Air (2015) and someone commented about buying a storage drive? How does that work? Beginner here! lol

MacBook Air 11″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 2:16 AM

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Mar 22, 2025 5:48 AM in response to crazyguymorgan

yes, if you are running low on space, you can purchase an external HDD or SSD of sufficient capacity and move your larger files (videos, pictures, documents, etc...) to it. once they are on the EHD, you can simply erase the same files from your internal drive. and, if it's just going to be used for storage, you can use an HDD and save a few bucks over the cost of an SSD. FWIW, i personally keep very little on my internal drive.


additionally, you want to keep ~ 20% of your local drive as free space for proper operation of macOS.


also, please see Free up storage space on your Mac.


and as far as actually moving the files to the external drive, you can open two finder windows. one for the Mac, and one for the external drive. then it's just a matter of "drag and drop" from one location to the other. that might not be the easiest method, but it is the method I use.

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how do I get more storage space?

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