Available disk space does not increase after deleting files | LaCie Support UK (2024)

FAQs

Why is my disk space not freeing up after deleting? ›

Why is my hard drive still full after deleting files? Available disk space does not increase after deleting files. When a file is deleted, the space used on the disk is not reclaimed until the file is truly erased. The trash (recycle bin on Windows) is actually a hidden folder located in each hard drive.

Sometimes, cached data and temporary files may still take up space even after deleting files. Try clearing cache through the device settings or using storage cleaner apps. Additionally, check if there are large apps or system files using substantial space.

If you've deleted some media files from a USB drive or SD card, yet the deleted files still show up, the issue is likely caused by the presence of Windows Recycling Bin or MacOS Trash Can folders on the USB drive or SD card. Fixing this issue requires emptying the contents of these folders permanently.

Root Cause

On Linux or Unix systems, deleting a file via rm or through a file manager application will unlink the file from the file system's directory structure; however, if the file is still open (in use by a running process) it will still be accessible to this process and will continue to occupy space on disk.

Deleted files don't count against your storage quota, so permanently deleting them won't free up space.

Cached data is mainly used to help your apps perform better, but it's notorious for hogging up storage space. Clearing your cache gets rid of unnecessary data that's just lingering. And then there are cookies, which store user preferences, log-in info, browsing history and other elements of your online behavior.

Delete unused apps: Go through your phone and delete any apps that you no longer use or need. This can free up a significant amount of space. Clear cache and app data: Over time, apps can accumulate a lot of cache data, which takes up space on your phone.

Emptying the recycle bin frees up the storage space occupied by those files, so in the future it simply overwrites the information in that same index. Thus, a deleted file can last invisibly for days, weeks, or months on your computer until the operating system wants to occupy it with a new one.

How do I permanently delete data from a USB drive? ›

To erase a flash drive, you can simply format it using your computer's built-in formatting tools or third-party software. Formatting removes all data from the drive and prepares it for reuse. Keep in mind that formatting doesn't securely erase the data; it can still potentially be recovered using specialized software.

What actually happens in a hard drive or storage disc when data/a file is deleted? Normally, when a file is deleted all that happens is the entry for the file is removed from the directory, and the blocks it used are marked as free. The data itself is still exactly where it always was and is easily recovered.

Caused by open file descriptors

This is because the deleted files could still be held open by (defunct) processes, where the file descriptor handles still point to those files. As a result, the df command assumes the files are still there, and doesn't clear the space.

Your storage might actually be occupied by your operating system, so you may need to uninstall some apps to make more room. If this doesn't work, you can also use a cleaner app to free up some space on your phone.