Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo see what is using storage on your Windows PC, open Start > Settings > System > Storage. Windows breaks usage into categories such as installed apps, temporary files, and system-reserved space. For a list of items you can review, open Cleanup recommendations. You can inspect these screens without deleting anything.
See what is using storage in Settings
- Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Wait for Windows to calculate and display storage use.
- Start with the largest category, then open it for more detail where available.
Windows may show categories such as Installed apps, Temporary files, and System & reserved. Names and breakdowns can vary by Windows version and PC configuration. Storage categories help narrow down the source of usage, but they do not necessarily identify every large individual file.
If Installed apps is large
Open the category to review apps and their displayed sizes. Decide whether an app is no longer needed before uninstalling it; viewing the list alone does not remove anything.
If Temporary files is large
Open the category and inspect the listed item types before selecting anything for removal. Do not assume every item is disposable simply because Windows groups it under temporary files.
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If System & reserved is large
This category accounts for Windows operating-system and reserved space. Its exact breakdown depends on the PC. Do not try to reclaim it by manually deleting Windows system folders.
Review Cleanup recommendations
In Storage settings, open Cleanup recommendations to see potential cleanup candidates. Depending on your PC, the list can include temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps. Windows shows estimated savings for listed items.
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- The available storage capacity may vary.
Review the candidates and select only what you are comfortable removing. Opening the recommendations is an inspection step; cleanup happens only when you choose items and confirm the action.
Check free space on each drive
For a quick capacity check, open File Explorer > This PC. The listed drives show how much space remains. This view is useful for comparing drives, but it does not explain usage by category.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
If your PC has multiple internal or external drives, note which drive you are checking. To see category-level usage for another drive, return to Settings > System > Storage and open the view for storage used on other drives, if available.
Choose what to do after you identify the space consumer
- An app is using space: Review its size and whether you still need it before uninstalling.
- Personal files are using space: You can move photos, videos, music, or documents to an external USB drive, or another suitable drive.
- Future files should go elsewhere: Windows lets you choose another save location for new content in supported settings.
- You are considering automated cleanup: Check Storage Sense settings first so you know which items Windows is configured to remove.
Moving personal files is optional; it is not required to find out what is using storage.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
How Storage Sense differs from inspection
Storage Sense is a maintenance feature, not the main screen for diagnosing storage use. It works on the system drive, usually C:, and can automatically remove configured temporary files and Recycle Bin items. Downloads and cloud content are not managed unless you configure Storage Sense to handle them.
Microsoft’s consumer guidance says Storage Sense is off by default, with a qualification that Windows may turn it on to manage selected temporary files and notify you when space is low. Because settings can vary, check the Storage Sense page on your own PC rather than assuming a particular cleanup schedule or deletion behavior.
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Which Windows view should you use?
| Windows view | Best for | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Storage settings | Finding which categories use space | Category-level usage and, where available, usage on other drives. |
| Cleanup recommendations | Reviewing potential items to remove | Candidate files and apps, with estimated savings where shown. |
| File Explorer > This PC | Checking remaining capacity | Free space for each listed drive, not a detailed category breakdown. |
| Storage Sense | Automating configured maintenance | Cleanup behavior based on the settings you choose; it is not needed to inspect storage. |
These built-in views are available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, though exact labels and options differ by release. For more detail, see Microsoft’s guides to Storage settings in Windows, freeing up drive space, and managing drive space with Storage Sense.
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