How to Free Up Storage Space on a Windows PC

Quick answer

The quickest way to free up disk space on Windows is the built-in Storage page in Settings: remove temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin, and turn on Storage Sense to keep things tidy. After that, uninstall apps you don’t use and move large photos and videos to an external drive or cloud storage. This guide is for Windows 11 users, with Windows 10 notes, who see a “low disk space” warning or a C: drive bar that has turned red.

Before you start

A few points keep this safe and simple.

• Back up first. Before deleting anything you made yourself, copy important files somewhere else. See Microsoft’s backup guide in the sources.
• Use only built-in tools. Windows already has everything you need. Skip “cleaner,” “booster” and registry cleaner apps; they aren’t needed and some cause problems.
• Don’t delete system files by hand. Leave the Windows, Program Files and ProgramData folders alone. Removing files there can stop Windows or apps from working.
• Know your drive. The C: drive holds Windows and your apps. That is the one that matters most, because Windows needs free room on it to run and to install updates.

See what is using your storage

Windows shows a breakdown of your drive so you know where to focus.

1. Open Settings, then System, then Storage.
2. Wait a moment while Windows adds up the space. You’ll see categories such as Apps & features, Temporary files, and documents, pictures and videos.
3. Select Show more categories to see everything.
4. Note the largest categories. On a family PC, photos and videos are often the biggest. On a gaming PC, it is usually games.

On Windows 10, the same page is in Settings, then System, then Storage, with a slightly different layout.

Free up disk space step by step

Work from the safest steps to the bigger ones. Check the Storage page after each step to see how much you gained.

Remove temporary files

Temporary files are leftovers Windows and apps create while they work, such as old update files and caches.

1. In Settings, then System, then Storage, select Temporary files.
2. Read the list. Windows checks the safe items for you.
3. Look carefully at Downloads if it appears. Checking it deletes everything in your Downloads folder, so leave it unchecked unless you have already moved what you want to keep.
4. Leave Recycle Bin unchecked if you might need something in it.
5. Select Remove files.

You can also use Cleanup recommendations on the same Storage page. It suggests large or unused files, apps you rarely open, and files already synced to the cloud. Review each suggestion before removing anything.

Turn on Storage Sense

Storage Sense automatically clears temporary files and can empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule.

1. On the Storage page, turn on Storage Sense.
2. Select Storage Sense to choose how often it runs and how long files stay in the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder.
3. Leave the Downloads option set to Never if you keep files there.

Uninstall apps you don’t use

1. Open Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps.
2. Sort the list by size to find the largest apps.
3. Select the three dots next to an app you don’t use and choose Uninstall.
4. Don’t remove apps you don’t recognize without looking them up first. Some belong to your PC’s hardware, such as audio or touchpad software.

On Windows 10, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps & features.

Move large personal files

1. Open File Explorer and check your Videos, Pictures, Downloads and Desktop folders.
2. Copy large files you want to keep to an external drive, and confirm they open from there before deleting the originals.
3. If you use OneDrive, you can right-click a folder and choose Free up space. The files stay visible and download again when you open them, but they need an internet connection then.

If this does not work

Try these next, from easiest to hardest:

1. Use Disk Cleanup. Search for Disk Cleanup from Start, choose the C: drive, then select Clean up system files. It can remove old Windows Update files. If it lists Previous Windows installation(s), removing it frees a lot of space but means you can no longer go back to your earlier Windows version.
2. Empty other apps’ caches. Some apps, such as photo, video and game launchers, keep their own large caches or downloaded content. Use each app’s own settings to clear or move it.
3. Check other user accounts. Each person on a shared PC has their own Documents, Downloads and Pictures. Ask them to tidy up too.
4. Move apps or games. Some apps and games can be moved to a second drive from Installed apps or from the game launcher.
5. Add storage. A larger or second drive can solve the problem for good on some PCs. Check the PC manufacturer’s support site for what your model supports.

If the PC is slow as well as full, read How to Fix a Slow Computer. If updates fail because of low space, see What to Do When Windows Update Gets Stuck or Fails.

When to get professional help

Contact your PC manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician if:

• The drive fills up again quickly without you saving anything new.
• You see warnings about drive errors, or the PC makes clicking or grinding sounds.
• The storage numbers make no sense, such as a full drive with almost nothing listed.
• You want to replace or upgrade the drive but aren’t comfortable opening the PC or moving Windows to a new drive.

If space vanishes for no clear reason, run a scan in the Windows Security app as well, because unwanted software can fill a drive.

FAQ

How much free space should I keep on my C: drive?

There is no single rule, but Windows works best with a comfortable amount of free room for updates and temporary files. If the Storage bar in Settings is red, or Windows warns you about low space, it is time to clean up.

Is it safe to delete temporary files?

Yes, when you use the Temporary files page in Settings or Disk Cleanup. Windows only lists files it considers safe to remove. Just check whether Downloads or the Recycle Bin are selected before you confirm.

What is Windows.old and can I delete it?

It holds your previous Windows version after a major upgrade, so you can go back if needed. Windows removes it automatically after a while. Removing it sooner with the built-in tools is safe if you are happy with the current version.

Do PC cleaner apps free up more space?

They rarely find anything the built-in tools miss, and some add ads or unwanted software. Stick with Settings, Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup.

Why is my disk full after a Windows update?

Updates keep backup copies of old files for a while so they can be undone. Once you are sure the update works well, Disk Cleanup with Clean up system files can remove them.