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First check the free space on the drive where the game will be installed. Then use Windows’ cleanup suggestions, move or remove files deliberately, or choose another game-library drive. The amount of space you need depends on the specific game and its current installer or update, so check the game’s current store or publisher requirements before deleting anything.
1. Check the game’s target drive
- Open File Explorer and select This PC. Find the drive where you plan to install the game and note its available space.
- To see what is using space, open Settings > System > Storage. Storage categories can help identify where to look, but make cleanup decisions based on the files themselves.
Freeing space on C: will not help if the game is going to a different drive. Confirm the destination in the launcher or game installer, and check the game’s current store page, publisher requirements, or installer display for the space it needs.
2. Review Windows’ cleanup suggestions
In Windows, open Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. Review the listed categories and the estimated space Windows says each could free before selecting anything.
- Temporary files: Review the items listed and leave anything you want to keep unchecked.
- Large or unused files: Inspect the files before removing them; size alone does not mean a file is expendable.
- Files synced to the cloud: Check whether items are online-only or stored locally, and whether you need local copies available on this PC.
- Unused apps: Remove an app only if you no longer need it.
These recommendations are suggestions, not an instruction to delete every item. Windows also provides Disk Cleanup, but the built-in options should be enough for many routine cleanup tasks.
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Check Storage Sense before using it
Storage Sense can automatically remove items such as temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. Its actions depend on its settings: it works on the Windows system drive, and it does not manage Downloads or cloud content by default unless you configure it to do so. Check the settings before running it, especially if you keep files in Downloads or use locally available cloud files.
3. Delete or move personal files you have reviewed
In File Explorer, inspect large folders such as Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads. Sort by size where useful, then delete only files you no longer need. Deleted files in the Recycle Bin may continue to occupy space until you empty it.
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If you want to keep a file, move it to another internal drive or an external drive instead of deleting it. You will need to connect an external drive to access files stored there. Microsoft’s guide covers checking storage, removing or moving files, and using external storage: Free up drive space in Windows.
Be cautious with the previous Windows installation
Windows may offer a previous installation, such as Windows.old, for removal. Deleting it removes the option to roll back to the previous Windows version. Do not treat it as routine cleanup if you may need that rollback.
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4. Use another drive if the launcher supports it
Changing the install location can be more useful than deleting personal files, provided the destination drive has enough space and is suitable for the game. Launcher controls differ, so do not assume one launcher’s move procedure applies to another.
Steam: add a library or move a game
- In Steam, open Settings > Storage.
- Add a library location on a drive with enough available space, if needed.
- To move a game already installed, select its current drive, choose the game, and use Move.
Steam warns that installing Steam to an external hard drive can cause performance issues. Where available, favor a suitable internal drive for games. See Steam Support’s instructions for moving a Steam installation and games.
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Epic Games Launcher: back up before relocating
Epic’s documented relocation method is more involved than selecting a new location in a move menu. It calls for backing up the game folder, uninstalling the registered install, starting an installation in the new location, canceling after the download begins, copying the backup into the new folder, and resuming installation so the launcher can verify the files. Follow Epic’s current steps and keep the backup until verification is complete: How to move an installed game from the Epic Games Launcher to another directory.
For any other launcher, use its current install-location controls. When starting a new installation, choose the intended destination in the launcher if that option is available.
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5. Recheck space, then install
After each cleanup or move, check available space again on the actual target drive. Use the specific game’s current requirements or the installer’s displayed size to decide whether you have enough room; there is no single free-space figure that applies to every large PC game. If the game or installer states an additional space requirement, account for it before starting.
For details on Windows storage categories and cleanup recommendations, see Microsoft’s Storage settings in Windows guide and Manage drive space with Storage Sense.
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