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To free up disk space on a Windows PC, first check which storage categories are filling the drive, then use Windows’ cleanup tools to remove only what you recognize and no longer need. Start at Settings > System > Storage; review suggested items before confirming deletion. For files you want to keep, move them to another drive instead.
Find what is using your disk space
In File Explorer, open This PC to see how much free space is available on each drive. Then open Settings > System > Storage. Windows groups usage into categories such as installed apps, temporary files, and system and reserved storage, helping you choose a cleanup method that targets the actual problem. Menu labels and availability can vary by Windows version and configuration. See Microsoft’s Storage settings in Windows.
Choose the cleanup method that fits
| Method | What it targets | Review and risk |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup recommendations | Temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps | Windows estimates potential savings; you choose what to remove. |
| Storage Sense | Temporary files and, depending on your settings, Recycle Bin, Downloads, and eligible cloud files | Configurable recurring cleanup; its scope is the system drive. |
| Disk Cleanup | Selected temporary and system-file categories | You select categories and can use Clean up system files; review each before deletion. |
| Personal-file review | Files such as videos, photos, documents, music, and Downloads | You decide whether to delete a file or move it elsewhere to keep it. |
| Uninstall apps | Installed applications you no longer use | Use Windows’ uninstall options; some built-in apps cannot be removed. |
Review Cleanup recommendations in Windows 11
Open Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. Windows may list Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps, along with estimated space savings. Select only items you understand and want to remove, then confirm cleanup. The estimate is a guide, not a promise of an exact amount reclaimed. Microsoft describes the feature in its Free up drive space in Windows guidance.
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Set up Storage Sense deliberately
Storage Sense can automatically remove temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. Open Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense to choose whether it runs and configure its cleanup options. Downloads and cloud content are not managed by default; set those options only if their deletion or online-only behavior suits you. Storage Sense works on the system drive, usually C:, rather than automatically cleaning every drive. See Microsoft’s Manage drive space with Storage Sense.
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Understand what happens to cloud files
When configured to do so, Storage Sense can make eligible locally stored cloud files online-only. That frees local space without permanently deleting the cloud copy, but you need an internet connection and available disk space to download an online-only file again. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt from this change.
Review personal files and move what you want to keep
Large videos, photos, music, documents, and files in Downloads are useful places to look. In File Explorer, browse folders and sort by size where that option is available. Delete only files you recognize and no longer need. If you want to retain a file but use it infrequently, move it to another storage location, such as an external USB drive or SD card.
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Deleting a file usually sends it to the Recycle Bin first. Empty the Recycle Bin when you are sure you do not need those items; until then, they may still occupy disk space.
Uninstall apps you no longer use
On Windows 11, open Start > All apps and use the app’s uninstall option, or go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. On Windows 10, use Settings > Apps. If an app is not listed in Settings, Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features may offer another uninstall route. Remove only apps you recognize and no longer need; some apps built into Windows cannot be uninstalled. Microsoft lists the available routes in Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows.
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Use Disk Cleanup when you need a manual review
Disk Cleanup is another built-in option, including on systems without Storage Sense. Search for Disk Cleanup from Start, choose a drive if prompted, and review the categories it presents. Select Clean up system files when appropriate, then review the newly available categories before confirming. Do not assume every category is expendable simply because Windows lists it. Microsoft also covers Disk Cleanup in its drive-space guidance.
Decide whether to remove the previous Windows installation
After a Windows upgrade, previous installation files can take up space and support returning to the earlier version. Deleting them removes that rollback option and cannot be undone through the cleanup. Microsoft says the previous version is automatically deleted ten days after upgrading. If you may need to go back, keep the files during that period; otherwise, you can remove them through Windows’ temporary-file cleanup options. Details are in Microsoft’s Delete your previous version of Windows.
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If the drive is still low on space
Recheck Settings > System > Storage after cleanup to see which categories remain large. Low storage can interfere with Windows updates; Microsoft recommends using Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, and Windows may allow external storage to help complete an update. See Free up space for Windows updates.
If free space disappears quickly again and the displayed categories do not explain why, do not delete unfamiliar Windows or system folders manually. Microsoft documents a possible Store-related Temp-folder issue and specific troubleshooting steps in its update-space guidance.
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