Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To free up space on a Windows gaming PC, first check what is using the drive, then remove files or apps you have reviewed and no longer need. Start at Settings > System > Storage; Windows can identify cleanup candidates and estimate the space selected items may reclaim. You can also uninstall unused games, move personal files to another drive, and choose a different destination for future content. None of these steps guarantees a particular amount of space or a performance boost.
1. Find out what is using your drive
Open Settings > System > Storage and select Cleanup recommendations. Windows groups storage use and may suggest temporary files, large or unused files, files synced to the cloud, and unused apps. Review the items in each category and check Windows’ estimated space saving before selecting anything. The estimate is specific to your PC and your selections.
If you have multiple drives, the Storage settings page can also show a detailed view of storage use on other connected drives. This helps you distinguish a full system drive from a separate game or media drive. Microsoft documents these views in its Windows storage settings guidance.
2. Uninstall games and apps you no longer use
A game you no longer want installed is a straightforward candidate for removal. In Windows, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, and choose its uninstall option. You can also uninstall through the game’s launcher. Before removing anything, confirm you are selecting the right title and consider whether its saves or other local files need separate attention.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
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If you want to keep a game but remove it from the crowded drive, a second drive may be an option. The transfer steps differ by launcher, so use the current instructions for the specific launcher rather than moving installation folders manually. Uninstalling means you may need to download or install the game again before playing.
3. Remove temporary files with Windows tools
In Settings > System > Storage, inspect Temporary files and select only categories you understand and want removed. Windows also offers Storage Sense, which can automatically remove temporary files and Recycle Bin content according to its settings. Microsoft describes Storage Sense as a way to free space by removing items such as temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin: Microsoft’s Storage Sense guidance.
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By default, Storage Sense does not remove files from Downloads or OneDrive and other cloud-provider files; those require a settings change. Review carefully before enabling cleanup for either location. Storage Sense works on the system drive, while other drives have their own storage views.
You can also use Disk Cleanup to review temporary and system-file categories. Search Windows for Disk Cleanup, choose a drive, review the category descriptions, and use Clean up system files only when you intend to review additional system-file options. Do not delete arbitrary folders from Windows or game installation directories.
The Tool Desk
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4. Move personal files you want to keep
Large personal files can be moved off the system drive instead of deleted. Microsoft calls out Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads as folders that may contain large files. In File Explorer, sort a folder by size, review the largest items, and move keepers to another internal drive or an external drive. Gaming-PC examples might include recorded clips, screenshots, installers, or personal media; check each item before moving or deleting it.
Files on a disconnected external drive do not use space on the PC, but you cannot access them until that drive is connected. If you delete files rather than move them, empty the Recycle Bin to complete the removal. See Microsoft’s instructions for freeing drive space and moving personal files.
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5. Send future content to a roomier drive
If your PC has another drive, Windows lets you choose where new content is saved. Open Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved, then select a destination for the relevant content types. This helps prevent future downloads and content from repeatedly filling the original drive; it does not necessarily move games that are already installed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Use OneDrive placeholders only for OneDrive files
For files stored in OneDrive, Files On-Demand can keep a smaller placeholder on the PC while the full-size file remains in OneDrive. This applies to supported OneDrive files, not installed games, and opening a cloud-stored file depends on access to the account and an internet connection. It is useful only if you use OneDrive and are comfortable relying on cloud access for those files. Microsoft explains the feature in its OneDrive Files On-Demand guide.
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7. Treat Windows.old as a rollback decision
If Windows offers a previous installation under temporary or system files, deleting it removes the Windows.old files needed to return to the previous Windows version. Microsoft warns that this rollback option cannot be restored after removal. Delete it only after deciding you no longer need to go back to that installation; see Microsoft’s guidance on going back to a previous Windows version.
Which option fits your situation?
| Option | What it targets | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup recommendations or temporary-file cleanup | Windows-identified files such as temporary items | Review selections; Windows estimates savings for your PC. |
| Uninstall an unused game or app | Installed software you no longer use | You may need to reinstall or download it later. |
| Move personal files to another drive | Files you want to keep | External-drive files are unavailable while that drive is disconnected. |
| Choose a different save destination | Future content | Helps prevent repeat pressure; does not necessarily relocate existing games. |
| OneDrive Files On-Demand | Supported OneDrive files | Cloud access and account availability matter; this does not shrink installed games. |
| Delete Windows.old | Previous Windows installation files | Removes the option to roll back to the earlier Windows version. |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 notes
Settings labels and paths can vary by Windows version. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; if you still use Windows 10, consider its support status as well as the applicable menu path. Microsoft’s Windows 10 support information covers the end date.
Quick Recap
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