External storage integrated with internal.

[tonyr6]

I just bought an external SSD drive, and I am wondering is there a way to expand the storage so that the MacBook will see both the internal and external drive as one big drive? I use OneDrive which I would like to move to my external drive but there is no way to do it so combining the storage would be the best choice. Also being able to move some big apps over would be good too.

 

[hobowankenobi]

No easy/good way.

You don't want to move Applications or any other system info or data to external. It gets complicated. And painful.

You can pick large user files (typically video, pictures, music, etc) and move them to the external drive. You can also make aliases to point to the folders on the external drive, so you don't have to navigate to them. Put the aliases where ever you like: In your home directory, in the Finder sidebar, the Dock, or on your desktop.

Explain more about OneDrive...you mean the installed client that syncs a folder to the cloud? You can point it to any folder you want, including an external drive. Keep in mind it will generate errors if the external is not connected.

 

[chrfr]

I use OneDrive which I would like to move to my external drive but there is no way to do it

You can relocate your OneDrive folder easily: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...e-folder-f386fb81-1461-40a7-be2c-712676b2c4ae

 

[ght56]

It is possible to run some applications from an external, but unless you are using apps of exceptionally large size and you rarely use them when on the go, I would strongly recommend against it...it's just not a desirable setup. What Mac do you have? Some of the previous generation Mac laptops do have upgradable SSDs. If just your OS and apps without any user data are completely filling your drive, this may be something to consider if you have a model where it can be done.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

My recommendation is that you DO NOT DO THIS.

Although you might create a "fusion" drive or some kind of RAID between an internal and external drive, once done, if there's ever a failure of one drive (usually the external), ALL your data may be lost completely.

If you have two drives, then...
... let each drive "be its own drive".

Your apps should always be on your "internal" drive (assuming it will remain your boot drive).
Your account should be there, too.

If some files or libraries are filling up the boot drive, these can be moved if necessary, while leaving the existing home folder in place.

It's not hard to manage two drives instead of one.
You'll still "know where things go".
I have FOUR drive icons on my desktop at all times.
Works fine for me.