How to free up disk space on Windows

Windows is warning you that your drive is almost full, or updates will not install. You will see what is using the space and then clear it safely, starting with the lowest-risk steps.

What you need

You need a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC and about 15 minutes. A second place for files you want to keep, such as an external drive or cloud storage, helps if you decide to move photos or videos off the PC.

Step 1: See what is using the space

1. Open Settings then System then Storage.
2. Wait a moment while Windows scans. A bar shows how much of your main drive (usually C:) is used, with a breakdown by type, such as apps, temporary files and documents.
3. Select a category to see more detail.

This only looks. It changes nothing.

Clear space, safest first

Step 2: Clear temporary files

Temporary files are leftovers that Windows and apps no longer need. Clearing them is low risk.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings then System then Storage then Cleanup recommendations.
2. Open Temporary files. Read the list of items and their sizes.
3. Tick the items you want to remove. Leave Downloads unticked unless you have checked that folder.
4. Select Clean up. The space shown as used goes down when it finishes.

The same page also lists Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps. Review each list before you select Clean up.

On Windows 10

1. Select the search box on the taskbar, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
2. Choose the drive, usually C:, and select OK.
3. Tick the types of files to remove. Some, such as Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files and Thumbnails, may already be ticked, so clear any you want to keep.
4. Select OK, then select Delete files to confirm.

Step 3: Turn on Storage Sense

Storage Sense clears temporary files for you from now on.

1. Open Settings then System then Storage.
2. Switch Storage Sense to On.
3. Select Storage Sense to choose how often it runs and how long items stay in the Recycle Bin.

Microsoft notes that Storage Sense works on your main drive only. By default it does not delete files in your Downloads folder, but you can set it to. It runs only when you are signed in and online, so do not rely on it when you need space right now.

Step 4: Uninstall apps you no longer use

1. On Windows 11, open Settings then Apps then Installed apps. On Windows 10, open Settings then Apps then Apps & features.
2. Sort the list by size if the page offers that option.
3. On Windows 11, select the three dots beside an app, then select Uninstall (on some builds it is under More). On Windows 10, select the app, then select Uninstall.
4. Follow any prompts.

Remove only programs you recognize and know you no longer need. Some built-in Windows apps cannot be removed, and that is normal. Your documents are not part of an app, but saved game data may be.

Step 5: Deal with large personal files

1. Open File Explorer and look in Videos, Music, Pictures and Downloads.
2. To find the biggest files, open the folder, select View, choose Details, right-click an empty space, and choose Sort by then Size.
3. Move files you want to keep to a USB drive, an external drive or cloud storage. Delete files you do not need.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin. Space is not freed until you do.

If you use OneDrive, Microsoft suggests turning on Files On-Demand. It keeps small placeholders on your PC and stores full copies online. You need internet access to open those files.

Check that it worked

Return to Settings then System then Storage. The used space should be lower. If Windows still reports too little room for an update, Microsoft advises using an external drive during the update. See Windows Update stuck or failing.

If something goes wrong

• Space does not drop after deleting files: empty the Recycle Bin.
• The drive fills again quickly: check for unwanted software with a scan. See how to run a malware scan.
• Deleted something by mistake: open the Recycle Bin and restore it, if you have not emptied it.
• The PC is still slow: see why your PC is running slow.

Frequently asked questions