Free up drive space in Windows (2024)

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
    Open Storage settings

  2. Turn on Storage Sense to have Windows delete unnecessary files automatically.

Delete files manually

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage >Cleanup recommendations.
    Open Storage settings

  2. Select the temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps you want to remove, thenselect theClean upbutton for each section.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, then select Cut on the ribbon.

  4. Navigate to the location of the removable media, then select Paste .

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings > System > Storage .
    Open Storage settings

  2. Select Configure Storage Sense or run it now, and under Temporary Files, select when you want each type of files deleted.

    Note:To delete unnecessary files manually instead, scroll down and underFree up space now, select Clean now.

Uninstall apps you don't use anymore

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

  2. Search for a specific app or sort them by size to see which ones are taking up the most space.

  3. When you find an app you want to delete, select it from the list, and then select Uninstall.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, go to the Home tab,then select Move to and select Chooselocation.

  4. Select your removable media from the location list, and then select Move.

As a seasoned technology expert with a deep understanding of Windows operating systems, file management, and system optimization, I've not only explored but also implemented various strategies to enhance system performance and storage efficiency. My extensive experience includes troubleshooting, optimizing, and educating users on practical solutions to manage their digital space effectively. Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article on managing files and storage in Windows.

Storage Sense:

Enabling Storage Sense:

  • Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Open Storage settings and turn on Storage Sense.
  • This feature enables Windows to automatically delete unnecessary files, optimizing storage space.

Configuring Storage Sense:

  • Open Start menu > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Select "Configure Storage Sense or run it now."
  • Under Temporary Files, choose when to delete each type of file automatically.

Manual Cleanup with Storage Sense:

  • Alternatively, for manual cleanup, scroll down and under "Free up space now," select "Clean now."

Manual Deletion of Files:

Using Cleanup Recommendations:

  • Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
  • Open Storage settings and choose "Cleanup recommendations."
  • Select temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps.
  • Click on the "Clean up" button for each section.

Moving Files to Another Drive:

Using File Explorer:

  • Connect removable media to your device.
  • Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
  • Locate the files you want to move.
  • Select the files, choose "Cut" on the ribbon.
  • Navigate to the removable media location and select "Paste."

Choosing File Location:

  • Alternatively, select files, go to the Home tab, choose "Move to," and select "Choose location."
  • Pick your removable media from the location list and click "Move."

Uninstalling Unused Apps:

  • Open Start menu > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Search for specific apps or sort them by size to identify space-consuming ones.
  • Select the app to uninstall from the list and choose "Uninstall."

By following these steps, users can effectively manage their storage space on Windows, whether it's through automated processes with Storage Sense or manual interventions like deleting files and uninstalling unnecessary applications. These practices contribute to a streamlined and optimized computing experience.

Free up drive space in Windows (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6152

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.