Google Drive is a Google online file storage solution. This allows you to save files in the cloud, share files and collaborate. Everyone gets 15 GB of storage in Google Drive for free. However, many people find that their free storage space of 15 GB is exhausted immediately.
You can increase your storage capacity by upgrading to premium packages. The current package starts at 1.99 per month for 100GB. At 10 TB you will be charged $ 99.99 per month.
The price of Google Drive is lower than that of many of its competitors. Dropbox, for example, charges $ 9.99 per month per 100GB. However, there are several ways in which you can save space to stay at 15 GB for free, and there are ways to get more free space with Google Drive.
If you start running out of your 15 GB Google Drive free space, there are some things you can do to free up some space.
The first step is to figure out how the space is used and remove any large file that you do not need.
If you open https://drive.google.com/#quota in your browser and log in to your Google account, you will see a list of your files with the largest file above. Move any file that you no longer need to discard. Then, empty the bin.
Remember, although the files have been deleted from the trash, they are very difficult to recover.
If you use Gmail, it will consume a portion of your Google Drive data allowance. Large mail attachments can be what occupies space.
You can do a search in Gmail that will find a large attachment for you. You'll find details on how to search Gmail based on the size of the attachments here.
Delete all emails with large attachments that you do not need. Then, empty your Gmail trash
High quality photos are stored free of charge by Google. Only load the original quality that requires space. Change the settings of your Google photos to save images in high quality format, and that will save you a lot of space.
If you use the Google Photos application on a mobile device, you will find the "load size" setting in the Backup and sync option in the three-line menu at the top left of the screen.
Files stored in Google format do not use any Google Drive space. For example, if you save a PowerPoint presentation such as Google Slide, it will consume free space.
You can also convert all MS Word documents to Google Docs. You can do this by changing the settings in your Google account to "Convert uploaded files to the Google Docs editor format."
Students and staff from schools and universities that have registered for the Edu GSuite domain can get unlimited space on Google Drive for free.
If you are a student and you have not offered this to the university, ask the reason! Keep in mind that once you graduate, you will lose your right to get free space.
Sometimes, Google offers free storage space in exchange for completing certain tasks for them. In the past, for example, they offered 2 GB of free space to complete security controls.
Benefits like this are not common, but a search should be done as often as possible to see if there is an offer from Google at this time.
If you have time to help Google improve Google Maps, you can get your own free Google Drive update. Google offers free services for people who contribute to Google Maps.
When you add opinions, images and add new places, you are awarded points for each additional quality you make.
To add content to Google Maps, it must be a local Google Guide. Registering with your Google account is easy. You only need to go to the local Google guides with your Google login and confirm the city where you live.
The easiest way to get points is to write reviews of places in your city. You get one point for posting comments. You also get points for correcting information, uploading images and answering questions. You get other incentives to reach level four as well.
For example, Google has provided free subscriptions to third-party online services as gifts. You can also be given the opportunity to try out the new Google software before it is released to the public.
Google provides free space in Google Drive with Chromebook. Recently, Google has offered two years of free 1TB storage, worth $ 240.
That's the same amount you paid for a low-spec Chromebook. Some other phones and devices also include free space in Google Drive.
So, if you really like to save files in Google Drive, look for devices that include free storage.
If you are someone who likes to leave comments on the places you visit, joining a local Google guide can give you free storage space. If you are a student, you have the right to unlimited Google Drive space. However, both options are limited in time.
Therefore, the easiest way for most people to get more free space in Google Drive is to save all their files in Google format. Some simple changes to Google's default settings and most of your files will be saved in a space-free format.
That, along with some good maintenance on large files and large Gmail attachments, should keep most people within a free limit of 15GB.
Get more detail for how to get free space on Goggle Drive here.
Michael Sherley is a expert in solveing tech problems and write for several blogs. He owns 10 years experience in writing and solving the internet issues for his readers.