Free Up Space On Your Computer
If your computer is running out of space, you’re risking slow performance and cluttered files.
SecureCloud lets you keep files in the cloud while controlling which folders stay on your computer. This article explains practical steps to manage storage without losing access to important files.
Why free up space with SecureCloud
Full hard drives slow your PC. Temporary files accumulate. Large media libraries take up gigabytes. SecureCloud stores files securely in the cloud while letting you keep only what you need locally.
Example: A photographer with 500GB of client images moves older projects to SecureCloud. Only current projects remain on their laptop. The system runs faster and backups are automatic.
Selective sync avoids downloading files you rarely use while keeping everything accessible online.
Step 1: Install SecureCloud Drive
Download and install SecureCloud Drive on your PC. This tool lets you sync selected folders between your computer and the cloud.
Example: You install SecureCloud Drive and connect it to your account. By default, all folders appear available in the cloud, but you decide which stay local.
Step 2: Organise your folders in SecureCloud
Before syncing, create a clear folder structure. Organised folders make selective sync easier.
Suggested structure: • Work/Current Projects • Work/Archived Projects • Personal/Photos • Personal/Documents
Example: A small business moves completed client work into “Archived Projects” in SecureCloud. These folders do not need to be stored locally.
Step 3: Enable selective sync
SecureCloud Drive allows you to choose which folders sync to your PC. Others remain only in the cloud.
Steps:
- Open SecureCloud Drive preferences
- Select folders to keep on your computer
- Deselect folders you want to remain in the cloud only
Example: A designer keeps “Current Projects” on their laptop but moves “Archived Projects” and old photos to cloud-only. Local storage is reduced by 300GB.
Step 4: Move large files to cloud-only storage
Identify large files or folders taking up space. Move them into SecureCloud and mark them as cloud-only.
Example: A student moves past assignments and old lecture recordings to SecureCloud. Files remain accessible from any device but do not consume local storage.
Step 5: Access cloud-only files on demand
Files marked as cloud-only still appear in your folder structure. Download them when needed.
Example: A photographer accessing last year’s wedding photos clicks to download a specific folder. The rest of the archive remains in the cloud, saving space.
Selective access gives you full visibility without the storage cost.
Step 6: Regularly review local storage
Periodically check which folders are stored locally. Move completed or rarely used files to cloud-only storage.
Example: A marketing team moves finished campaigns to cloud-only every quarter. Local drives remain clear for new work.
This habit prevents slowdowns and keeps your PC responsive.
Step 7: Use SecureCloud for backups
Even files marked cloud-only remain backed up. SecureCloud protects your data while freeing local storage.
Example: A lawyer stores sensitive contracts in cloud-only folders. The files are safe in SecureCloud and can be accessed whenever needed.
Cloud storage replaces old backup methods while saving physical disk space.
Step 8: Enable notifications for space management
SecureCloud can alert you when local storage is running low or when cloud-only files are accessed.
Example: A small business receives notifications that “Archived Projects” folders are rarely accessed. They can confidently leave them in cloud-only mode.
Notifications help you manage storage without guessing which files are critical.
Step 9: Maintain security
Even cloud-only files need protection. Enable two-factor authentication and strong passwords in SecureCloud.
Example: A photographer uses 2FA to ensure client photos remain private even if someone gains access to their PC.
Security keeps files safe while reducing local storage.
Practical scenario
A Wellington design studio frees 400GB of space:
- Organises folders into “Current Projects” and “Archived Projects”
- Installs SecureCloud Drive and enables selective sync
- Marks archived folders as cloud-only
- Accesses cloud-only files on demand
- Keeps only active projects locally
Result: Laptop runs faster, backups are automated, and all files remain accessible from any device.
Benefits of using SecureCloud selective sync • Reduce local storage without losing access • Keep files organised in folders • Access cloud-only files on demand • Automatic backups protect data • Manage space easily with notifications
Selective sync makes it practical to free up storage without deleting important files.
Tips for effective space management • Regularly move inactive files to cloud-only • Keep current work local • Maintain a clear folder structure • Use SecureCloud Drive for automatic syncing • Review storage needs periodically
Following these steps keeps your PC responsive while maintaining access to all files.
Final thoughts
Full hard drives slow your workflow and risk data loss. Using SecureCloud and selective sync keeps your files accessible, organised, and safe while freeing up local space.
Install SecureCloud Drive, enable selective sync, and start clearing your local storage today. Keep your computer fast and your files secure.