Last week we looked at strategies for improving file management, mainly on PCs, with some tips from Scotty about File managers in Android phones.
First – clean up the device and get rid of junk :The Best Way to Clean Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide”
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-way-clean-windows-10-step-step-guide/
Use an app like CCleaner https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner or Windows built-in Disk Clean-up app to get rid of junk.
Now let’s manage what’s left: Here are some tips: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/creating-order-chaos-9-great-ideas-managing-computer-files/ 9 Key Tips for Managing and Organizing Your Computer Files
Look for and delete duplicate files. CCleaner can do this. Or you can choose another third-party app. See: https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/best-duplicate-file-finder/ 11 BEST Duplicate File Finder For Windows 10 [2023 Review]. If you have a Mac check these: https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/best-duplicate-file-finder-mac.html Top 7 Duplicate File Finder Apps for Mac in 2022
(Note: It would be wise to clean up your system before using these tools!)
Tidy up and arrange your files in informatively labelled folders; think of a sensible naming system for your files and stick to it. Pin frequently used files and folders to the Start Menu or Task Bar – you can always unpin them. Use shortcuts to folders on the desktop, rather than leaving stuff there.
Take electronic notes – Google’s “Google Keep” is a useful service which comes with a Gmail account. It works through a browser and as an App on Android and iPhones.
Windows has a search function in File Explorer, though it might be worth looking at these tools: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-best-free-search-tools-windows-10/ The 17 Best Free Search Tools for Windows 10
Make use of Cloud Storage – which is probably also in a mess ! https://www.makeuseof.com/simplify-clean-up-cloud-storage-mess/ How to Simplify and Clean Up Your Cloud Storage Mess There are cloud storage managers to help do this: https://www.cbackup.com/articles/cloud-storage-manager.html 2023 Top 5 Best Cloud Storage Manager [Free and Paid]
Android Phones come with a variety of File managers depending on the phone manufacturer. These work in similar ways. One great advantage of managing files in Android phones is that files of the same type, such as images, are displayed together even if they are in different folders on the phone. If you don’t like your file manager, you can always try another one: https://www.androidpolice.com/best-file-managers/ 12 best file managers on Android in 2023
The screenshot below is of Google Files, an Android phone File Manager.
