I have an internal SSD with 120GB of free space after installing Windows 10 and removing unnecessary files, and I have also compressed the entire drive. In addition, I have a 128GB USB thumb drive for extra storage. However, I need to download a 200GB file, and the program that assists with the download checks the available disk space.
Therefore, I am looking for a way to make Windows recognize my USB drive as the primary storage instead of a separate drive, effectively combining the 120GB SSD and 128GB USB into a single usable space of 248GB.
Is this possible?
2 Answers
Introduction
Running out of storage space is a common problem for many computer users. It is especially frustrating when you have a large file to download, but your hard drive doesn’t have enough space to accommodate it. In such a scenario, you may consider adding additional storage space to your C drive. This blog post will explore the various ways in which you can add more storage to your C drive and increase your available space.
Upgrade Your Hard Drive
One of the most effective ways to add more storage space to your C drive is to upgrade your hard drive. If you have a desktop computer, you can easily replace your existing hard drive with a larger one. However, if you have a laptop, the process may be a bit more complicated. In such a case, you may need to take your laptop to a professional for an upgrade.
When upgrading your hard drive, you should consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, and price. You should also ensure that the new hard drive is compatible with your computer.
Use an External Hard Drive
Another option for adding more storage space to your C drive is to use an external hard drive. External hard drives are portable and easy to use. You can connect them to your computer using a USB cable and use them to store your files and documents.
When choosing an external hard drive, you should consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, and price. You should also ensure that the external hard drive is compatible with your computer.
Use Cloud Storage
If you don’t want to use an external hard drive or upgrade your hard drive, you can consider using cloud storage. Cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to store your files and documents online.
Cloud storage has several advantages, including accessibility from anywhere, automatic backup, and easy sharing. However, you should be aware of the security risks associated with cloud storage and take appropriate precautions to protect your data.
Use Disk Cleanup
If you don’t want to add more storage space to your C drive, you can consider using disk cleanup to free up space on your hard drive. Disk cleanup is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to remove unnecessary files and temporary files from your hard drive.
To use disk cleanup, you need to open the tool and select the files you want to remove. You can remove temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary files. Disk cleanup can help you free up several gigabytes of space on your hard drive.
Use Disk Management
Disk Management is another built-in tool in Windows that allows you to manage your hard drives and partitions. You can use Disk Management to shrink or extend your partitions, create new partitions, and format your hard drives.
To use Disk Management, you need to open the tool and select the hard drive or partition you want to manage. You can then perform various operations on the selected drive or partition. Disk Management is a powerful tool that can help you manage your hard drives and partitions effectively.
Conclusion
Running out of storage space is a frustrating experience for many computer users. However, there are several ways to add more storage space to your C drive. You can upgrade your hard drive, use an external hard drive, use cloud storage, use disk cleanup, or use Disk Management. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. With the right approach, you can increase your available storage space and enjoy a better computing experience.
It is unlikely that you can install the file, even if you split it into smaller pieces or had someone else do it using software like 7-Zip. This is because you would require additional disk space that is contiguous to the current space. However, you can opt for larger SSDs such as a 240 GB drive that can be purchased for approximately US$32.