Running out of disk space on Windows 11 isn’t a big mystery, but it can get pretty annoying when your PC slows down or you’re running low on room for new stuff. Sometimes, those built-in cleanup tools are tucked away or a bit confusing, and you end up thinking you’ve sorted it, but your drive’s still cluttered. This quick guide is here to help you tackle that mess step-by-step, with practical tips that actually work — like really freeing up enough space so your system runs smoother and doesn’t keep nagging you for upgrades or fixes.
Freeing Up Disk Space on Windows 11
It’s not too bad once you get the hang of where your storage’s going and how to reclaim it. Whether you’ve got heaps of junk or just a few stubborn files, these methods should clear the way and give your Windows a bit of a boost — maybe even make your PC run snappier. Just a heads up, sometimes these steps don’t work perfectly on the first go — a reboot after cleaning or toggling some settings can do the trick.
How to Delete Unnecessary Files and Apps
Start with the basics: go to Settings > Apps. Sort through your installed apps and bin anything you don’t use anymore. Yeah, it’s the usual, but a lot of folks forget about the old apps hanging around in the background. Also, have a squiz in your Documents, Downloads, and Pictures folders — those tend to get bulging over time. Drag big, pointless files to an external drive or delete them if you’re sure you don’t need ’em.
Pro tip: Some apps can be uninstalled right from the Start menu too — just right-click and select Uninstall. Sometimes that’s quicker than diving into Settings.
Use Storage Sense
This is a handy feature that automatically tidies up temp files, downloads, and other clutter — so you don’t have to do it manually all the time. To switch it on, jump into Settings > System > Storage. Look for Storage Sense and flick it on. You can also set it to run on a schedule, which is pretty handy, ’cause Windows sorts the cleaning out for ya. On some PCs, I’ve noticed it’s a bit hit or miss — sometimes it misses a few bits, but after a reboot, it usually sorts itself out.
Run Disk Cleanup (the old faithful)
If Storage Sense isn’t chopping it, Disk Cleanup still does the job. Just type Disk Cleanup in the search bar (hit Win + S and type it), then select your main drive (usually C:). The utility scans your drive and shows you how much junk you can chuck out. Temp files, system cache, old updates — they’re all fair game. Tick all the boxes that make sense — especially Temporary Files and System Files. There’s also an option to clean up system files after the initial scan, which can free up even more space if you tick that box.
Tip: Sometimes it won’t work if your system’s busy or files are locked. Running it in Safe Mode or after a quick reboot can help.
Move Files to External Storage or Cloud
Big files like videos, backups, or ISO images? Chuck ’em on an external HDD, USB, or cloud storage (like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox). It frees up heaps of space. Honestly, backups and media libraries can take up lots of gigs — so storing ’em in the cloud or on an external drive is a no-brainer. Just keep in mind, if you want to access those files later, they need to be on a device or cloud service you can reach. Also, some big storage setups can cause Windows to slow down if it’s constantly indexing, so find the right balance.
Empty the Recycle Bin
Sounds obvious, but don’t forget to clear out the Recycle Bin. Files you delete aren’t gone till you empty it. Just right-click the icon and pick Empty Recycle Bin. It’s surprising how many people forget this and keep wasting space without realising.
Note: If you’re worried about deleting something forever, you can review the files first or use recovery software — but for everyday cleaning, emptying the bin is fine.
Once you’ve knocked out these steps, your PC should breathe a bit easier. Sometimes, it’s just about shifting your storage habits or doing a quick tidy-up now and then. Keep in mind, clutter can come back, so setting a monthly reminder to give it a once-over isn’t a bad idea.
Tips for Freeing Up Disk Space on Windows 11
- Uninstall apps you’re not using — no need to keep that weird software you tried once.
- Set Storage Sense to run on a schedule — it’s dead easy, and Windows handles a lot of the cleanup for you.
- Compress old, infrequently accessed files — tools like ZIP or 7z can save heaps of space.
- Back up important photos, docs, and videos to an external drive or cloud, then delete the local copies to free up room.
- Use cloud storage for photos and videos — keeps your main drive lean and makes life easier down the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I tidy up my disk?
Depends. Every few months is usually alright if you’re not dealing with massive files piling up. But if your PC feels slow or storage’s nearly full, give it a good clean-up.
What if Disk Cleanup won’t run?
Sometimes Windows can be a bit stubborn. Try running it as an admin, or boot into Safe Mode. Also, manually clear temporary folders via C:\Windows\Temp or %temp%. If that’s no good, there are third-party tools like CCleaner — just use them carefully.
Is Storage Sense enough?
For a basic tidy-up, yeah — it catches a lot of junk automatically. But if you want a proper clean, pair it with Disk Cleanup or manually removing big files.
Anything to watch out for?
Yep, just don’t delete any system files or anything important by mistake. Double-check what you’re deleting, especially with system files in Disk Cleanup. And always back up anything critical before deleting.
Summary
- Get rid of apps and files you don’t need.
- Turn on Storage Sense and set it to run automatically.
- Use Disk Cleanup to manually clear out system junk.
- Move big files to the cloud or an external drive.
- Remember to empty the Recycle Bin now and then.
Wrap-up