“Low disk space” on Windows usually comes down to a few big things: an old Windows update, a full Recycle Bin, a Downloads folder of installers, and OneDrive keeping every file on the PC. Clearing those rarely touches anything you care about.
Open Settings › System › Storage, read what is using the drive, then work through Cleanup recommendations and Temporary files one box at a time. Clear system leftovers before personal files, and read every checkbox before you click Remove.
See what is using the drive
- Open Settings › System › Storage.
- Check the drive letter. Most PCs have one drive (C:), but some have a second.
- Look at the categories: Apps, Temporary files, Documents, Pictures, Other.
- Click Show more categories to see the full list.
Microsoft’s Storage settings guide explains each category.
Clear temporary files carefully
- In Storage, click Temporary files.
- Read each box. The list depends on your PC. Items such as Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, Thumbnails and Temporary files are usually safe to clear.
- Tick the boxes you are sure about, then click Remove files.
Think twice about these boxes:
- Downloads: this deletes your whole Downloads folder. Sort it first with the Downloads guide.
- Recycle Bin: check what is in it first.
- Previous Windows installation(s): removes the option to go back to the previous version of Windows. Windows deletes these files on its own 10 days after an upgrade anyway, so only clear them early if you are happy with the new version.
Use Cleanup recommendations
In Storage, click Cleanup recommendations. Windows groups what it finds, and each group has its own Clean up button:
| Group | What to check |
|---|---|
| Large or unused files | Open each one. Copy anything you need to an external drive first |
| Files synced to the cloud | OneDrive files kept on the PC that are also online |
| Unused apps | Apps you have not opened in a while; uninstall what you do not use |
| Temporary files | Same list as above |
Never delete Windows system folders by hand, such as C:\Windows\WinSxS. Use these settings instead.
Make OneDrive files online-only
If OneDrive keeps copies of everything on your PC, you can free space without losing anything:
- Open File Explorer and go to your OneDrive folder.
- Right-click a large folder and choose Free up space.
- The files stay in OneDrive and download again when you open them.
Do not use Delete for this. Deleting in a synced folder deletes from OneDrive and your other devices too. Keep folders you need without internet set to Always keep on this device.
Uninstall apps and games you no longer use
- Open Start › Settings › Apps › Installed apps.
- Use the sort option, if your version offers one, to put the largest apps first.
- Select More (the three dots) next to an app and choose Uninstall.
Save game progress and project files first. Some apps store your work inside their own folders.
Move or archive large personal files
- Copy big folders (videos, old projects, photo exports) to an external drive.
- Open several files from the copy to check they work.
- Only then delete the originals from the PC.
- Keep a second copy of anything irreplaceable.
Set up Storage Sense after checking its settings
Storage Sense can clear temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule (Microsoft). It is off by default and only works on the system drive, usually C:.
- Go to Settings › System › Storage and turn on Storage Sense.
- Select Storage Sense to open its settings.
- Set Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over: to 30 days.
- Leave Delete files in my Downloads folder if they haven’t been opened for more than: set to Never unless you are sure nothing important lives there.
- Check the OneDrive option, Content will become online-only if not opened for more than:, and pick a period you are comfortable with.
If the drive is still full
- Run Disk Cleanup (search for it in Start) and click Clean up system files for older leftovers. Read the boxes there too; only a few are ticked by default.
- Check for a large folder you do not recognize before deleting it; it may belong to an app.
- A small drive (128 GB or less) may simply need an external drive or more cloud storage.
If you are clearing space because the PC is going to a new owner, reset Windows 11 before you sell or donate it instead.
Steps checked against Microsoft Support for Windows 11 in November 2026. Windows 10 uses similar settings with slightly different names.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Storage settings in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Manage drive space with Storage Sense
- Microsoft Support: Free up drive space in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Delete files or folders in OneDrive
