Running out of disk space on your Windows 11 computer can be a real headache, but cleaning it up is easier than you think. By following a few simple steps, you can reclaim gigabytes of space, helping your PC run smoother and faster. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it, one step at a time.
Free Disk Space on Windows 11
These steps will help you free up significant space on your Windows 11 device by removing unnecessary files and optimizing storage.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
First, open the settings to access the storage options.
You can do this by clicking on the Start menu, selecting Settings, then System, and finally Storage. This area will show you a breakdown of how your disk space is being used.
Step 2: Run Storage Sense
Next, enable Storage Sense to automatically clean up temporary files.
Turn on Storage Sense under the Storage settings. This feature can automatically delete temporary files and content in your recycle bin after a specified time.
Step 3: Clean Temporary Files
Manually delete temporary files.
Click on “Temporary files” under Storage settings. Select the categories you want to remove like Windows Update Cleanup, Recycle Bin, and Temporary files, then click “Remove files.”
Step 4: Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
Remove apps you no longer need.
Go to Apps in Settings, then Apps & Features. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any apps you don’t use by clicking on them and selecting Uninstall.
Step 5: Use Disk Cleanup
Utilize the Disk Cleanup tool for deeper cleaning.
Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu. Run the tool, select the drive you want to clean, and choose the types of files to delete. Click “OK” and then “Delete Files.”
Step 6: Move Files to External Storage
Transfer large files to an external drive.
Connect an external hard drive or USB stick, and move large files like movies, pictures, or games. This frees up space on your main drive.
Step 7: Disable Hibernate
Turn off hibernate to reclaim space used by the hibernation file.
Open Command Prompt as an admin, type “powercfg.exe /hibernate off” and press Enter. This will disable hibernation and delete the associated file.
After you complete these actions, you will notice an increase in available disk space. Your system should run more efficiently, with fewer slowdowns and errors due to low disk space.
Tips to Free Disk Space on Windows 11
- Regularly empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete files.
- Clear browser cache and cookies to free up space used by web browsers.
- Use cloud storage services like OneDrive for files you don’t need to access frequently.
- Regularly check your Downloads folder and delete files you no longer need.
- Consider upgrading to a larger hard drive or SSD if you constantly run out of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Storage Sense?
Storage Sense is an automatic cleanup feature in Windows 11 that helps manage disk space by deleting unnecessary files and temporary data.
Can I undo a cleanup if I delete something by mistake?
Unfortunately, once files are deleted using these methods, they cannot be recovered. Always double-check what you’re deleting.
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Running Disk Cleanup once a month should be sufficient for most users to maintain a clean and efficient system.
Is it safe to delete temporary files?
Yes, temporary files can usually be deleted without any issues. They are meant to be short-term storage files.
What files should I not delete?
Avoid deleting system files or anything you are unsure about. Stick to temporary files, cache files, and data from the Recycle Bin.
Summary
- Open Storage Settings
- Run Storage Sense
- Clean Temporary Files
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
- Use Disk Cleanup
- Move Files to External Storage
- Disable Hibernate
Conclusion
Freeing up disk space on Windows 11 is crucial for maintaining your computer’s performance. By following these steps, you can reclaim much-needed storage space, ensuring your system runs smoothly. Regular maintenance like this helps avoid slowdowns and potential system crashes.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more ways to optimize your computer. Keeping your device in top shape not only makes everyday tasks quicker but also extends your PC’s lifespan. For more tips and tricks, check out other articles in our tech series.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.