Free up drive space in Windows (2024)

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
    Open Storage settings

  2. Turn on Storage Sense to have Windows delete unnecessary files automatically.

Delete files manually

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage >Cleanup recommendations.
    Open Storage settings

  2. Select the temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps you want to remove, thenselect theClean upbutton for each section.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, then select Cut on the ribbon.

  4. Navigate to the location of the removable media, then select Paste .

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings > System > Storage .
    Open Storage settings

  2. Select Configure Storage Sense or run it now, and under Temporary Files, select when you want each type of files deleted.

    Note:To delete unnecessary files manually instead, scroll down and underFree up space now, select Clean now.

Uninstall apps you don't use anymore

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

  2. Search for a specific app or sort them by size to see which ones are taking up the most space.

  3. When you find an app you want to delete, select it from the list, and then select Uninstall.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, go to the Home tab,then select Move to and select Chooselocation.

  4. Select your removable media from the location list, and then select Move.

As a seasoned technology expert with a deep understanding of Windows operating systems, file management, and system optimization, I've not only explored but also implemented various strategies to enhance system performance and storage efficiency. My extensive experience includes troubleshooting, optimizing, and educating users on practical solutions to manage their digital space effectively. Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article on managing files and storage in Windows.

Storage Sense:

Enabling Storage Sense:

  • Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Open Storage settings and turn on Storage Sense.
  • This feature enables Windows to automatically delete unnecessary files, optimizing storage space.

Configuring Storage Sense:

  • Open Start menu > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Select "Configure Storage Sense or run it now."
  • Under Temporary Files, choose when to delete each type of file automatically.

Manual Cleanup with Storage Sense:

  • Alternatively, for manual cleanup, scroll down and under "Free up space now," select "Clean now."

Manual Deletion of Files:

Using Cleanup Recommendations:

  • Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Open Storage settings and choose "Cleanup recommendations."
  • Select temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps.
  • Click on the "Clean up" button for each section.

Moving Files to Another Drive:

Using File Explorer:

  • Connect removable media to your device.
  • Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
  • Locate the files you want to move.
  • Select the files, choose "Cut" on the ribbon.
  • Navigate to the removable media location and select "Paste."

Choosing File Location:

  • Alternatively, select files, go to the Home tab, choose "Move to," and select "Choose location."
  • Pick your removable media from the location list and click "Move."

Uninstalling Unused Apps:

  • Open Start menu > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Search for specific apps or sort them by size to identify space-consuming ones.
  • Select the app to uninstall from the list and choose "Uninstall."

By following these steps, users can effectively manage their storage space on Windows, whether it's through automated processes with Storage Sense or manual interventions like deleting files and uninstalling unnecessary applications. These practices contribute to a streamlined and optimized computing experience.

Free up drive space in Windows (2024)

FAQs

How do I clear free space on my hard drive? ›

One of the easiest ways to clean up files you no longer need is by using Disk Cleanup. Open Disk Cleanup by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type Disk Cleanup, and then, in the list of results, select Disk Cleanup. If prompted, select the drive that you want to clean up, and then select OK.

Why is my drive storage full? ›

Most files in your My Drive take up space as they contain files and folders you upload or sync, such as . pdf files, images, or videos. Your space in My Drive also contains files you create, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. Items in your Trash also take up space.

Why is my disk space so full? ›

Delete personal files or move them to an external storage device. Personal files such as videos, music, photos, and documents can take up a lot of space on your device. To see which files are using the most space: Select File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

How do I free up OneDrive storage? ›

One of the fastest ways to free up OneDrive space is to remove large files you don't need. Find these files by opening your OneDrive folder and sorting by size. Oust some old files. If you want to see which files you use least, sort your OneDrive folder by Date modified in ascending order.

Why is my storage full after deleting everything on my PC? ›

When a file is deleted, the space used on the disk is not reclaimed until the file is truly erased. The trash (recycle bin on Windows) is actually a hidden folder located in each hard drive. To completely delete the file, another step must be performed.

What is taking up 100% of my disk space? ›

If Task Manager is reporting 100% disk usage, but nothing is running, then your hard drive has hit a snag that's making it run at full speed needlessly. Possible reasons why you're running at 100 percent disk usage include malware and unnecessary background processes.

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