Edited: October 31, 2024
If you receive a message in Design Space for Desktop that your computer is running low on available memory or disk space, use the tips below to increase available memory or free up disk space. Learn about Design Space system requirements here.
How to increase available memory
Here are some guidelines for freeing up or increasing available memory on your computer:
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Close/Quit programs: Other applications running on your computer may consume significant amounts of memory – including internet browser windows with multiple tabs open.
- Windows: Regularly check the Task Manager to see which applications are using the most memory and close those you don’t need.
- Mac: Open the Activity Monitor to identify apps consuming excessive memory and quit them.
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Disable startup programs:
- Windows: Go to Task Manager > Startup tab and disable programs that you don’t need to run at startup.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove unnecessary startup items.
- Optimize background processes: Use tools or settings to limit applications and processes that run in the background.
- Uninstall unused applications: Remove programs you no longer use.
- Reboot computer: Rebooting clears out unimportant and temporary data and stops tasks that may be bogging down your device.
- Upgrade RAM: If you frequently run out of memory, consider adding more physical RAM if your device supports it.
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How to free up disk space
Here are some guidelines for freeing up disk space on your computer:
- Delete unnecessary files: Start by going through your documents and desktop folders to delete files you no longer need or use.
- Clean up Downloads folder: The Downloads folder often accumulates large files over time; clear it out regularly.
- Check for large files: Use disk space analyzer tools to identify large files or folders that may be taking up unnecessary space.
- Uninstall unused applications: Check your installed programs and remove any applications you rarely use.
- Empty the Trash/Recycling Bin: Make sure to empty your trash or recycling bin to permanently remove deleted files.
- Clear temporary files: Use built-in tools to clear temporary files. For Windows, you can use Disk Cleanup; for macOS, use the built-in storage management feature.
- Remove duplicate files: Use software to find and delete duplicate files that may be taking up unnecessary space.
- Use cloud storage: Move large files, such as photos and videos, to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud.
- Transfer files to an external drive: Consider moving large files to an external hard drive or USB stick.
- Manage system restore points: If you’re on Windows, you can manage the amount of space allocated for system restore points.
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Important: Before proceeding to make unfamiliar or complex changes to your system, such as deleting certain types of files, installing third-party tools, reinstallation of the operating system, or hardware/system upgrades, etc., seek assistance from a computer professional. They can help ensure important files and data are backed up, recommend suitable/compatible upgrades for your device, troubleshoot issues that may arise with your hardware or operating system, and provide guidance on optimizing system settings for enhanced performance.