Setting up PCs with 32GB/64GB SSD

[John A]

Many cheaper PCs have either 32GB eMMC, or 64GB eMMC or SSD storage. 

The Windows 10 operating system can take up to 20GB of this storage. 

In order to do major updates, Windows update requires a further 12-20BG free storage.

For PCs with only 32GB storage it is very difficult to juggle the storage so that there is sufficient free space for Windows Updates.  It can be done with some fiddling of the way Updates are done, but it is recommended that these PCs ARE NOT PURCHASED - THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM THE MARKET!

Example: https://www.harveynorman.com.au/lenovo-ideapad-120s-dn-11-6-inch-laptop.html

64GB is the minimum storage requirement to allow effective use of the computer and allow Windows update to work.

Example https://www.harveynorman.com.au/acer-aspire-a114-31-c014-14-inch-laptop.html

To use these computers effectively requires inserting a SD or MicroSD card and storing data and (optionally) large programs on the SD card. 

Preferably use 64GB with a speed of at least 85MB/s such as SanDisk SanDisk Extreme Pro 64gb SDHC Card 95MB/s.

Of course, the card has to be inserted in the PC for Windows to work properly, and the drive letter must always be the same.  If Windows can't find the folders on the SD card, it won't fail but it will complain bitterly about not being able to find stuff.

How to setup an SD or MicroSD card with Windows 10.

1. Unplug any USB storage devices (so the lowest next drive letter is assigned to the SD card)
2. Insert the SD card
   
3. Format the SD/Micro card as NTFS - it is faster, safer, and OneDrive will now ONLY work on NTFS
4. Make new folders on the SD card (If only one user on the computer, no need for the Users/<UserName> parent folders).
   Programs
   Users/<UserName>
               /Documents
               /Pictures
               /Music
               /Videos
               /OneDrive
5. Point Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos to the SD card
   In File Explorer, right click on Documents > Properties
   In the "Location" tab, click Move
   Select the location of Documents on the SD card and follow the prompts
   Repeat for Pictures, Music, Videos
6. If OneDrive is to be used, open OneDrive.  If this is the initial setup, go to next line, otherwise open OneDrive settings and on the account tab, click "Unlink this PC"
   You should see the "Set up OneDrive" wizard
   Enter the email address
   Enter the Password
   On the next screen click "Change location", then select the OneDrive folder on the SD Card
7. If necessary, large programs such as Office can be installed to the SD card/Program

[EuroSCUG Seniors]

Good advice, very similar to flogging printers with tiny amounts of ink available on the first use that then require you spend another $50< replacing them.