Chromebook: storage full and how to free space
Chromebooks often have small storage, so they can fill up quickly. When that happens, the device slows and may not update. Here is how to make room.
See what is using space
- Click the time in the bottom right, then the Settings cog.
- Choose System preferences, then Storage management. On some versions, look under Device, then Storage management.
- You will see a breakdown of items such as My files, Browsing data, Apps and extensions and Android storage.
Delete files you do not need
Open the Files app and look in Downloads. Right-click files you no longer need and choose Delete. Check items before you delete them because deleted files are gone for good unless saved somewhere else.
Use Google Drive
Move big files such as photos and videos to Google Drive. Drag them from Downloads to Google Drive in the Files app. Check they have uploaded and open correctly, then delete the local copies.
Clear browsing data
In Chrome, press Ctrl, Shift and Delete. Choose Cached images and files and click Clear data. Do not clear passwords or Cookies unless you want to be signed out of sites.
Remove apps and extensions
Right-click apps you do not use in the launcher and choose Uninstall. In Chrome, click the puzzle piece and choose Manage extensions to remove extras.
Use an SD card or USB drive
Many Chromebooks have an SD slot. Files saved there do not use internal storage. Keep a copy of anything important in more than one place.
Careful with offline files
Offline Google Drive files, downloaded films and Android app data can be large. Switch off offline copies for things you do not need.
When to get more help
Contact us if storage stays full after these steps, if the Chromebook says it has no space for updates, or if you are unsure what is safe to remove. Do not Powerwash just to gain space without a backup.