Free Up Disk Space on Windows

Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Running low on disk space can slow down your computer and prevent updates from installing.

Check Your Available Space

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E)
2. Click This PC
3. Look at your C: drive - if the bar is red, you're low on space

Method 1: Disk Cleanup (Quick)

1. Press Windows + S and type "Disk Cleanup"
2. Select your C: drive and click OK
3. Check the boxes for files to delete:
   • Temporary Internet Files
   • Temporary files
   • Recycle Bin
   • Thumbnails
4. Click OK, then Delete Files

Method 2: Storage Settings (Windows 10/11)

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click System > Storage
3. Click Temporary files
4. Check items to remove and click Remove files

Method 3: Empty Downloads Folder

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to your Downloads folder
3. Delete files you no longer need
4. Empty the Recycle Bin afterward

Enable Storage Sense (Automatic Cleanup)

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage
2. Turn on Storage Sense
3. Click Configure Storage Sense to customize

What NOT to Delete

• Don't delete files in Windows or Program Files folders
• Don't delete files you don't recognize without asking
• When in doubt, contact our helpdesk

Need more help? Contact our helpdesk and we'll be happy to assist you.