All articles tagged with #storage
To extend the life and performance of an external SSD, avoid abrupt unplugging and always eject properly, keep at least 10% of the drive unused (ideally stay below 85% full), skip defragmentation in favor of TRIM-based optimization, ensure good cooling/ventilation to prevent thermal throttling, and don’t treat an SSD as a cold archive—use a 3-2-1 backup strategy and refresh offline backups periodically.
A Tom’s Guide poll finds 83% of phone-storage issues come from two culprits: 42% from photos and 41% from hidden app caches, with forgotten downloads and idle games making up the rest. The fix is four storage traps: offload heavy photos to the cloud (iPhone users enable Optimize Storage; Android users can use Google Photos Free Up Space), clear app caches (Android: Settings > Apps > Storage > Clear Cache; iPhone: use in‑app options or reinstall; Safari data clear), purge downloaded media you forgot about, and offload unused games since saves are often stored in the cloud. You don’t need a new phone to reclaim space.
TrendForce says the iPhone 18 Pro will begin with 256GB of storage, matching the iPhone 17 Pro, while its bill of materials is estimated to be about 38–40% higher. As a result, base prices could rise by roughly $200–$300, with starts around $1,399 for the Pro and $1,499 for the Pro Max, ahead of a September launch amid broader Apple price increases driven by memory-chip shortages.
Final Fantasy XIV is now available on Switch 2 with a free trial that includes the base game and the Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers expansions. Players must create a Nintendo Switch Online account and a Square Enix account, though an Switch Online subscription isn’t required to play. The trial caps characters at level 80 and omits multiplayer features, PvP, and Ultimate Raids. Square Enix will waive subscription fees for about a month after launch; after that, a 30-day free play period begins for new platform registrations, with a separate Switch 2 subscription required for this version. Pre-purchasing Switch 2 editions disables the free trial. The Complete Edition is 30% off through Aug 13, 2026 (about $41.99/£31.49). If you already have a sub on another platform, you can play on Switch 2 at 50% off, though you’ll still be paying twice. A major caveat: the free trial weighs in at roughly 117.2GB, a sizable download that will eat into limited Switch 2 storage.
To free up space on Android without a microSD, you can use cloud storage like Google One/Photos/Drive (15GB free, with backups counting toward your quota) or connect USB-C external storage via OTG (external SSDs or USB drives accessed through the phone’s file manager). Some newer Android versions also let you move installed apps to an SD card on devices that still include a microSD slot. High-end phones capable of 8K recording may even write directly to an external SSD.
Google has begun emailing Android users about a policy change that, in 45 days, will count all Android backups—SMS, call history, device and app settings—toward Google Account storage. The change adds to Photos and MMS already using space and introduces granular backup controls for Android 9+ to choose which data and apps are backed up. Users can monitor backup usage via Google One, free up space, upgrade storage, or disable backups if needed; if over the limit, automatic backups pause. Typical backup size impact is small, around 30–40 MB.
The article outlines how to extend the life of DVDs, CDs, Blu-rays, and LaserDiscs: store them cool, dry, and upright away from sunlight; handle by the edges; clean with air and a soft cloth; avoid label-side contact and labeling; consider ripping to digital copies (with legal caveats); test discs periodically for defects; avoid aggressive resurfacing; watch for disc rot; and keep players well-maintained, noting burned vs pressed discs have different lifespans.
Rumors from Amazon listings hint at Google’s Pixel 11 lineup with similar displays/batteries to the Pixel 10 but notable RAM/storage changes and price jumps: 256GB models on the Pro and Pro XL reportedly ship with 12GB RAM, while 512GB and 1TB versions get 16GB; base Pixel 11 starts at $899 (256GB) or $1,019 (512GB), Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099 (256GB), $1,219 (512GB), $1,449 (1TB), Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299 (256GB), $1,419 (512GB), $1,649 (1TB), and Pixel 11 Pro Fold at $1,899 (256GB), $2,019 (512GB), $2,249 (1TB). Displays: vanilla and Pro around 6.3
A Windows 11 bug can inflate the System or System & reserved storage by hundreds of gigabytes due to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal write-ahead log. Check via Settings > System > Storage (Show more categories) or use a Robocopy check of the CapabilityAccessManager folder to see if the wal file has ballooned. Microsoft has released KB5095093 with builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737 to fix disk-space usage; the update is available through Windows Update optional updates or in the July Patch Tuesday rollout.
A new leak suggests Google Pixel 11 will drop the 128GB base tier in favor of 256GB, with storage options up to 1TB on Pro models, and European prices rising by about €100 across the board (e.g., base Pixel 11 around €999). The lineup includes Pixel 11, Pro, XL, and Fold with various color/storage configurations, and a launch window around August 11–20, 2026; US pricing and official details remain unconfirmed.
An optional June 2026 update (KB5095093) fixes a Windows 11 bug where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal permissions log file could balloon, freeing up disk space.
A Windows 11 bug in the Capability Access Manager can balloon its database file (CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal) to hundreds of gigabytes, potentially filling drives and slowing the system. It’s not obvious from the usual storage view, so use disk-space tools like TreeSize, WinDirStat, or WizTree (or run a robocopy check) to locate the large file. Microsoft has a fix in the June 2026 optional update KB5095093, with full rollout slated for July Patch Tuesday; install via Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates. Do not delete or uninstall the component while the fix is pending.
Microsoft has acknowledged a Windows 11 storage bug where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file can balloon to hundreds of gigabytes, potentially filling the system drive. A fix is included in the July 2026 Patch Tuesday (KB5095093) and starts rolling out July 14. To verify exposure, inspect C:\
Post-Prime Day Lifehacker highlights remaining discounts on essential tech staples: Linkind Matter Smart Plugs 4-pack for about $25 (Matter-compatible with local LAN), Anker Prime Charger blocks 160W and can fast-charge a MacBook Pro quickly but doesn't include a cable, TP-Link Wi‑Fi 7 router (Archer BE550/BE9300) at $149.99, and Samsung T9 Shield 1TB portable SSD at $179.99 with 2,000 MB/s speeds and rugged protection. Deals are curated and can change after publication, but these post‑Prime Day steals focus on reliable basics for staying powered and connected.
Amazon Prime Day is delivering deep discounts on SSDs and hard drives from brands like Seagate, Lexar, Western Digital, Netac, Samsung, and UGREEN, with a range of portable and internal drives and enclosures. Highlights include Seagate’s 2TB Xbox Expansion Card at $259.99, Lexar 2TB Go SSD at $229.99, WD Elements 5TB at $196.99, WD My Passport SSD 1TB at $184.99, Netac 512GB Extreme Portable SSD at $80.31, Samsung T9 4TB at $769.95, Samsung T7 2TB at $373.62, and UGREEN 1TB portable SSD at $180.49, among others, with more editor-vetted Prime Day deals rolling out as the event continues.