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Is your computer slower than it used to be? Are you out of storage but have no idea what is eating it up? A file audit answers one simple question: what is actually on my machine, and do I still need it? You do not need to be a pro to do one. At the end you can grab our free File Audit Tool that does the hard part for you.
Step 1: See what is taking up space
On Windows, check Settings > System > Storage. On Mac, check Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. These give a rough breakdown, but they will not show the messy folders buried deep in your files.
Step 2: Find the big and forgotten files
This is where most people get stuck. Manually clicking through folders is painful. That is exactly what our free File Audit Tool solves: point it at a drive and it lists your largest files, oldest files, and likely duplicates in seconds.
Step 3: Decide what to keep, delete, or back up
Sort everything into three piles: delete (junk, temp files, old installers), keep (active work), and back up (things you rarely use but cannot lose, like photos and old projects). For that last pile, move it somewhere safe first. A reliable cloud backup lets you clear space without risk.
Step 4: Make it a habit
A file audit is not a one-time job. Run one every few months and your computer stays fast and organized. Our tool makes it a five-minute task.
Got questions or hit a snag? Reach us on our Contact page.