Windows 8.1 Tablet Storage: Tips to Maximize Space
Optimizing Storage on Windows Tablets
Certain Windows tablets are equipped with only 32 GB of internal storage, and upcoming models could potentially offer as little as 16 GB.
This limited capacity presents a challenge for a full Windows operating system, making efficient storage management crucial.
Expanding Storage Options
Fortunately, the majority of Windows 8.1 tablets include either a Micro SD card slot or a USB port.
These ports allow for the addition of removable storage, effectively increasing the tablet’s overall capacity.
This provides a significant advantage over devices like iPads or Nexus tablets, which often have more restricted storage expansion possibilities.
Strategies for Maximizing Space
Beyond external storage, several techniques can be employed to optimize the use of available space on your Windows tablet.
- Consider utilizing cloud storage services for files you don't frequently access.
- Regularly uninstall unused applications to free up valuable storage.
- Employ disk cleanup tools to remove temporary files and system clutter.
By combining these methods with the use of expandable storage, users can effectively manage and extend the capabilities of their Windows tablets.
Deleting the Recovery Partition in Windows 8.1
All computers running Windows 8.1 are equipped with a recovery partition. This partition contains the necessary operating system files required to refresh or reset the PC to its factory settings. While this feature offers convenience, it consumes a significant amount of disk space – approximately 6 GB on devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro 2.
Reclaiming this storage space is possible by transferring the contents of the recovery partition to a USB drive and subsequently removing it from the computer. Having this USB drive will be essential should you ever need to restore or refresh your system.
The process begins by accessing the Start screen by pressing the Windows key and initiating a search for "recovery drive". Launch the "Create a recovery drive" utility to duplicate the recovery partition onto a USB drive.
Once the copying process is finished, you will be presented with an option to remove the recovery partition from your computer’s hard drive. Selecting this option will free up the previously occupied space.
Important Note: Ensure the USB drive is sufficiently large to accommodate the entire recovery partition before beginning the process.
Expanding Storage on Your Windows Tablet
A significant number of Windows tablets are equipped with Micro SD card slots. Inserting a Micro SD card allows for persistent storage expansion, effectively increasing the device’s capacity.
While the speed of access may not match that of the internal storage, it provides an ideal location for storing media files and other data.
SD Card Functionality in Windows
Previously, Windows 8 allowed for the installation of Windows Store applications directly onto SD cards. However, Microsoft removed this capability with the release of Windows 8.1.
Currently, Windows Store apps are required to be installed on the tablet’s internal storage. Desktop applications, conversely, can still be installed on removable media.
Utilizing USB DrivesUSB drives offer another method for expanding storage, functioning similarly to Micro SD cards. However, their larger form factor can present a practical issue on tablets, often protruding significantly.
Consider selecting a compact, low-profile USB drive to minimize obstruction. A sufficiently small drive will remain relatively flush with the tablet’s port, resembling a small extension.
If a USB port is available, the drive can be connected and remain in place for convenient, ongoing storage access.
Utilizing Micro SD Cards for StorageWindows 8.1 provides the functionality to personalize where your device saves files by default. This capability enables you to designate your Micro SD card as the primary storage location for media, thereby maximizing the available space on your device’s internal memory.
Furthermore, the option exists to relocate your existing libraries to the SD card for enhanced storage management.
Configuring Default Save Locations
Accessing this feature is straightforward. Begin by launching the PC Settings application.
From within PC Settings, navigate to the "PC and devices" section, then select "Devices."
Subsequently, locate and click the "Set Up" button positioned under "Default Save Locations." This will allow you to modify the default save locations to a removable drive, such as your Micro SD card.
- This process ensures new files are automatically saved to the selected external storage.
- Existing libraries can be moved independently for complete storage control.
By implementing these changes, you can effectively optimize storage utilization on your Windows 8.1 device.
Relocating OneDrive to a Micro SD Card
Related: The Integration of SkyDrive Everywhere in Windows 8.1
For desktop users leveraging the integrated OneDrive cloud storage solution, it’s possible to modify the storage location of your OneDrive files. This is achieved by right-clicking the OneDrive folder within File Explorer, then selecting 'Properties' and navigating to the 'Location' tab.
Within this tab, you have the ability to designate a new storage path for your OneDrive data – including transferring the entire OneDrive folder to a Micro SD card, effectively freeing up space on your primary drive.
It's important to understand that OneDrive employs a system of on-demand file downloads and storage. Not all of your files are automatically saved to your device.
You can choose to store files within OneDrive and subsequently remove them from your computer’s internal storage. Access to these files remains available on demand, minimizing their local storage footprint.
Benefits of Using a Micro SD Card
- Increased Storage Capacity: Expand your device’s storage without needing to upgrade the internal drive.
- Portability: Easily transfer your OneDrive data between devices by swapping the Micro SD card.
- Cost-Effective: Micro SD cards often provide a more affordable storage solution compared to internal SSDs.
By utilizing a Micro SD card, you can optimize your device’s storage and maintain access to your important files through OneDrive.
Utilizing the Disk Space Utility
Related: Screenshot Tour: What's New in Windows 8.1 Update 1
With the release of Windows 8.1 Update, a Disk Space utility was integrated into the PC Settings application. This enhancement provides Windows 8.1 users with a streamlined method for identifying storage consumption and initiating cleanup procedures.
The tool analyzes various categories, including Windows Store applications, diverse media file types, and the Recycle Bin, to assist in reclaiming disk space.
Users are also able to organize their installed Store apps based on their size, facilitating the removal of those that are excessively large.
Access to this utility is achieved by opening PC Settings and then navigating to PC and devices > Disk space.
Optimizing Storage Capacity in Windows
Related: 8 Methods for Reclaiming Disk Space on Windows
Windows 8.1 tablets function as standard Windows computers, meaning the strategies for increasing available disk space on Windows are equally effective for these devices. Even if the desktop interface isn't frequently utilized, it’s likely the tablet’s manufacturer pre-installed several desktop applications that consume storage.
When utilizing an SD card or USB drive, it's important to remember that these devices are removable. Consequently, anyone gaining physical access can view the files stored on them without password protection. BitLocker To Go can be employed to enhance file security if you are running a Professional edition of Windows.
However, standard versions of Windows 8.1 lack a native feature for securing data on removable media. For highly sensitive data, consider employing Truecrypt to encrypt the removable device.
Image Credit: Vernon Chan on Flickr, Pete on Flickr
