Explanation: How local storage works on Chromebook

Chromebooks are affordable laptops that run on GoogleCloud-based ChromeOS. These laptops are intended for students and professionals who do not need to perform high-end computing tasks. A common concern or challenge that many users have with Chromebooks is that Chrome OS Being a cloud-based operating system relies mainly on cloud storage.
That’s true to some extent, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t built-in storage on Chromebooks. Chromebooks have local storage that is just as functional as any other laptop or smartphone and can be used to download files, documents, and other stuff locally, but yes it is limited and there are things you can do. must be remembered when using it.
For starters, Chromebooks have limited local storage. Most Chromebooks come with 64GB of built-in storage. Part of this is taken by the operating system and other system files. Also, storage management is not as organized as on other platforms.
It is therefore important to manage it correctly. So here’s everything you need to know about local file and data storage on Chromebooks.
Local storage on Chromebooks: the most important thing to remember
As mentioned, the built-in storage space on Chromebooks can be used to store files, folders, photos, videos, or pretty much anything you want. However, local storage on Chromebooks is managed by the operating system and it automatically starts deleting items, especially from the Downloads folder in case the storage space approaches 80%. So even though you can save items locally on your Chromebook, you can’t leave them there. You need to make sure that you move the files to cloud storage or other storage service to make sure that they are not deleted.
The local storage is completely erased in the event of “Powerwash”
Powerwash is the term used by ChromeOS for a hard reset or factory reset. It is important to understand that there is no option in ChromeOS to reset the laptop without erasing all data, like Windows or macOS.
So, once the device is “Powerwashed”, the data stored in the local storage will be gone forever.
ChromeOS does not have a Recycle Bin or Recycle Bin
We are all familiar with the Recycle Bin in Windows and the Recycle Bin in macOS. For those who live under the rocks, the recycle bin is a folder where all deleted files are stored and allows users to restore them in case something is accidentally deleted.
But ChromeOS has no such thing. So once the files are deleted, there will be no way to get them back.
Extend storage using an SD card
ChromeOS also supports external storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, network storage, and SD card. But, if you are looking to expand storage space on a Chromebook, SD card is your best bet.
This is because you can insert an SD card and leave it there permanently and use it as a separate drive like we do with Windows laptops.
In the case of USB keys or hard disks, it is not possible to leave it permanently connected to the USB.
Now, another benefit of using an external storage device is that ChromeOS allows users to directly store app data to an SD card. This means that you can directly download files, documents or even configure OTT apps to download movies and shows to the SD card reader instead of your local storage.
You can also change the default storage for Chrome to download everything directly to the SD card.