The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/windows-storage-full/
Your Windows computer is full. Here's how to make room.
When a Windows computer runs low on space, it can slow down and refuse to install updates. Windows has a built-in way to find what you can safely remove.
This page is for you if
- A message says you're low on disk space
- Updates won't install because there's no room
- The computer feels slow and the drive is nearly full
Before you start
Some things you delete can't be brought back. Before you remove files, copy the photos and documents you care about to a USB drive or ask someone you trust to help.
Do these steps
-
Step 1: Open Storage settings
Click Start, then Settings. Click System, then Storage.
-
Step 2: Open cleanup recommendations
Click Cleanup recommendations.
-
Step 3: Look at each list
Check Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps. Tick only the things you're sure you don't need.
-
Step 4: Clean up
Click the Clean up button under each list you picked.
-
Step 5: Empty the Recycle Bin
Files you delete go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop first. Empty it to get that space back.
Good to know
- To see how much space is left, open File Explorer and click This PC.
- Storage Sense can clean up temporary files for you. Turn it on in Settings, System, Storage.
- Microsoft warns that if you delete Previous Windows installations (Windows.old), you can't go back to the older version of Windows.
- You can also move photos and videos to a USB drive to free space.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- Microsoft: Free up drive space in Windows https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/free-up-drive-space-in-windows
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.