Use Windows Tools to Recover More Disk Space

In Part 1, we covered the easiest ways to free up storage on Windows 11, including deleting unnecessary temporary files, emptying the Recycle Bin, cleaning your Downloads folder, uninstalling unused applications, and finding large personal files.

If your C: drive is still nearly full, Windows 11 has several additional tools that can help you recover more space.

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Method 6: Turn On Storage Sense

Storage Sense is one of the most useful built-in Windows 11 features for automatic storage management.

Instead of manually checking temporary files every time your drive becomes full, Storage Sense can automatically remove certain unnecessary files based on your settings.

How to Enable Storage Sense

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Storage.
4. Select Storage Sense.
5. Turn on Automatic User Content Cleanup if you want Windows to manage supported temporary files automatically.

You can also review the available cleanup settings before enabling automatic cleanup.

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Configure Storage Sense Carefully

Storage Sense can manage several types of data, including temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin.

You may also be able to configure how frequently certain files are removed.

Before enabling automatic deletion, check the available options carefully.

This is particularly important if you store files locally and don't want Windows automatically removing content you intended to keep.

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Method 7: Use Disk Cleanup

The classic Disk Cleanup utility remains useful on Windows 11.

It can identify different types of unnecessary files and give you another way to recover storage.

Step 1

Press the Windows key and search for:

Disk Cleanup

Open the application.

Step 2

Select your Windows drive, normally:

C:

Click OK.

Windows will calculate how much space can potentially be recovered.

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Review the Disk Cleanup Categories

Disk Cleanup may display categories such as:

• Temporary Internet Files
• Temporary files
• Thumbnails
• Delivery Optimization Files
• DirectX Shader Cache
• Recycle Bin
• Windows error reporting files

The exact list can differ depending on your system.

Review each category before deleting anything.

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Use "Clean Up System Files"

Disk Cleanup also includes:

Clean up system files

Selecting this option allows Windows to perform another scan and potentially identify additional system-related files that can be removed.

This can be particularly useful after Windows updates.

Once the second scan finishes, review the categories again.

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Method 8: Remove Previous Windows Installation Files

If you recently upgraded Windows or installed a major feature update, Windows may retain files associated with the previous installation.

These files can occupy a considerable amount of storage.

They may appear in Disk Cleanup or Windows Storage settings as:

Previous Windows installation(s)

or a similar category.

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Should You Delete the Previous Windows Installation?

Only do this if you're confident you won't need to return to the previous Windows installation.

Previous installation files can be useful if you need to roll back after an upgrade.

Once they're removed, that rollback option may no longer be available.

So if your computer is working perfectly and you need the storage, removing these files can make sense.

But don't delete them immediately after a major upgrade simply because they're large.

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Method 9: Clean Windows Update Files

Windows Update can accumulate temporary installation data over time.

If your storage is getting low, Windows may identify some update-related files as removable.

You can check:

Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files

or use:

Disk Cleanup → Clean up system files

Look for Windows Update-related cleanup options.

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Don't Manually Delete Windows Update Folders

You may find instructions online telling you to manually delete folders inside:

C:\Windows

We don't recommend doing this unless you're following a trusted troubleshooting procedure for a specific Windows Update problem.

For ordinary storage cleanup, use Windows' built-in cleanup tools.

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Method 10: Remove Unused Optional Features

Windows 11 includes optional features that some users never use.

Depending on your edition and configuration, these can include additional Windows components or language-related resources.

You can review optional Windows features through Settings.

Go to:

Settings → System → Optional features

Review the installed features.

If you recognize a feature you installed previously but no longer need, you can consider removing it.

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Be Careful With Windows Features

Don't uninstall Windows components simply because their names look unfamiliar.

Some features may be required by:

• Applications
• Development tools
• Work environments
• Older software
• Specialized hardware

If you're unsure what a feature does, research it before removing it.

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Method 11: Remove Unused Language Packs

If you've installed multiple Windows display languages or language resources, they may consume additional storage.

You can review your installed languages under:

Settings → Time & language → Language & region

If you no longer need a language, you can consider removing it.

However, make sure you're not removing the language you currently use.

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Method 12: Find Large Files With Windows Storage

Windows 11's Storage page can help you identify broad categories that consume disk space.

Go to:

Settings → System → Storage

Then review categories such as:

• Installed apps
• Documents
• Pictures
• Videos
• Other

If Other is unusually large, don't immediately delete random folders.

Instead, investigate which applications or directories are responsible.

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Why "Other" Can Be Large

The Other category can include various files that don't fit neatly into Windows' standard storage categories.

Examples may include:

• Application data
• Archives
• Virtual machine files
• Large project folders
• Backup files
• Game-related data

The exact contents depend on your PC.

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Clean Up Large Game Files

Games can consume enormous amounts of storage.

A single modern PC game can occupy dozens or even hundreds of gigabytes.

If you're running out of space, check your installed games before deleting system files.

Look at:

Settings → Apps → Installed apps

Sort by size if the option is available.

Then consider uninstalling games you no longer play.

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Don't Delete Game Folders Manually

If a game is installed through a platform such as Steam or another game launcher, uninstall it through the appropriate application whenever possible.

Manually deleting game folders can leave behind files, configuration data, or launcher records.

Using the normal uninstall process is cleaner and safer.

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Compressing Files to Save Space

Windows can support file compression in certain situations, but compression isn't always the best solution.

Compressed archives such as ZIP files can reduce storage usage for some types of data.

However, already-compressed files such as:

• MP4 videos
• JPEG images
• Many modern game files

may not become significantly smaller.

If you need to keep large files but don't frequently use them, moving them to external storage can be a better option.

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Use an External Drive for Large Files

If your computer has limited internal storage, an external SSD or hard drive can provide additional space without replacing your internal drive.

This can be useful for:

• Photos
• Videos
• Backups
• Archived documents
• Large installers
• Old projects

An external SSD is generally faster than a traditional external hard drive, although the cost per gigabyte can be higher.

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Move Your Personal Folders

Windows allows users to change the locations of certain personal folders.

If your C: drive is small but you have another internal drive with plenty of capacity, moving large personal data to that drive can help.

Examples include:

• Videos
• Pictures
• Documents
• Downloads

However, make sure the destination drive is reliable and always available when required.

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Be Careful With Cloud Storage

Cloud storage can also help reduce local storage usage, depending on the service and configuration.

For example, files that are safely stored online may sometimes be made available on demand rather than being stored entirely on your computer.

But don't assume that every cloud file is safely backed up just because you see a cloud icon.

Before removing local copies of important files, verify that the files are synchronized and accessible online.

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Check Your Desktop

The Windows desktop is another commonly overlooked storage location.

Many users treat the Desktop as temporary storage and gradually accumulate:

• Videos
• ZIP files
• Installers
• Screenshots
• Documents
• Large folders

Open your Desktop folder and look for large files you no longer need.

Moving these files to another location can immediately free up C: drive space.

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Check the Videos Folder

Video files are often among the largest files on a computer.

If you record your screen, download movies, edit videos, or create YouTube content, your Videos folder may contain a significant amount of data.

Sort files by size and look for old recordings or exported videos you no longer need.

Before deleting them, make sure you have another copy if they're important.

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Check Your Documents Folder

Documents usually aren't as large as videos, but project folders can become surprisingly large.

Look for:

• Old software projects
• PDF collections
• Large datasets
• Archives
• Backup folders
• Old installers

Move important files rather than deleting them if you're not sure whether you'll need them later.

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Check for Duplicate Files

Duplicate files can consume storage without providing any additional value.

For example, you might have multiple copies of:

• Photos
• Videos
• PDFs
• Downloads
• Installers
• Backup archives

Before deleting duplicates, verify that the files really are duplicates.

Don't delete a file simply because it has a similar name.

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Don't Use Registry Cleaners to Free Storage

Some PC-cleaning applications advertise registry cleaning as a way to make Windows faster.

Registry cleaning isn't a reliable way to solve a storage shortage.

If your goal is to recover disk space, focus on actual storage consumers such as:

• Large applications
• Temporary files
• Old downloads
• Videos
• Games
• Backup files

These are much more relevant to your available disk space.

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Don't Delete the WinSxS Folder Manually

The Windows component store can occupy a significant amount of space.

You may find the WinSxS folder under:

C:\Windows\WinSxS

Do not manually delete files from this folder.

Windows uses this component store for system maintenance and updates.

If Windows needs to reduce its size, use supported Windows cleanup mechanisms instead of manually deleting files.

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Don't Delete System32

This may sound obvious, but it's worth mentioning because misleading "Windows cleanup" guides sometimes recommend deleting system folders.

Never manually delete:

C:\Windows\System32

It contains critical Windows system components.

Deleting files from this location can cause serious problems.

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Which Method Should You Try First?

If your storage is almost full, use this order:

First

Settings → System → Storage

Second

Remove unnecessary Temporary files.

Third

Check the Recycle Bin.

Fourth

Review Downloads.

Fifth

Uninstall large unused applications and games.

Sixth

Find large personal files.

Seventh

Use Storage Sense for ongoing cleanup.

Eighth

Use Disk Cleanup for additional system cleanup.

This gives you a practical cleanup strategy without unnecessarily modifying Windows.

Advanced Ways to Free Up Storage on Windows 11

If you've already removed temporary files, old downloads, unused applications, and other obvious storage consumers, but your Windows 11 PC is still running low on space, the next step is to look at files and features that can quietly use a large amount of disk space.

These methods require a little more attention, so make sure you understand what each option does before removing anything.

Check the Hibernation File

Windows 11 can use a file called hiberfil.sys to support hibernation and related power-management features.

On some PCs, this file can occupy several gigabytes because its size is related to system memory and Windows configuration.

You shouldn't manually delete hiberfil.sys from File Explorer.

If you don't use hibernation and want to remove the file, Windows provides a supported way to disable the feature.

How to Disable Hibernation

Open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator.

Then enter:

powercfg /hibernate off

Press Enter.

Windows will disable hibernation and remove the associated hibernation file, potentially recovering several gigabytes of storage.

Important

Disabling hibernation can also affect Fast Startup on Windows.

If you regularly use hibernation, don't disable it just to recover a small amount of space.

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Check System Restore Points

Windows can use disk space to store restore points.

System Restore can be useful when troubleshooting certain Windows problems because it allows you to return system files and settings to an earlier state.

However, restore points can consume storage if Windows has been configured to reserve a significant amount of disk space for them.

How to Check System Protection

Search Windows for:

Create a restore point

Open the result.

Then select your system drive and choose:

Configure

You'll be able to see the amount of disk space currently allocated to System Protection.

You can adjust the amount of space reserved for restore points if necessary.

Should You Disable System Restore?

We generally don't recommend disabling it simply to save a small amount of storage.

System Restore can be useful when troubleshooting Windows problems.

Instead, consider reducing the amount of space allocated to restore points if your drive is critically low on storage.

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Check Windows Reserved Storage

Windows reserves some storage space for system operations, updates, temporary files, and other functions.

You may notice that the amount of space reported as System & reserved is larger than expected.

This doesn't necessarily mean Windows is wasting storage.

Some of this space is intentionally reserved so Windows can continue operating reliably when the drive becomes crowded.

Avoid trying to manually remove system-reserved files.

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Find Large Files With File Explorer

If you're still running out of space, look beyond Windows' standard categories.

Open File Explorer and examine folders on your system drive.

Pay particular attention to:

• Downloads
• Videos
• Pictures
• Documents
• Desktop
• Game folders
• Backup folders

Sort files by size whenever possible.

A few large files can often explain why a drive suddenly appears almost full.

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Search for Large Files

You can use File Explorer's search functionality to locate large files.

For example, you can search for:

size:gigantic

or use other size-related search filters available in File Explorer.

The exact search behavior can vary between Windows versions.

Once you've identified a large file, determine what it is before deleting it.

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Large ISO Files Can Consume Huge Amounts of Storage

ISO files are complete disk images and can be several gigabytes each.

You may have ISO files left over from:

• Windows installations
• Linux distributions
• Software installers
• Virtual machines
• Recovery media

If you no longer need an ISO file and already have the necessary installation media, deleting it can recover significant storage.

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Check Virtual Machine Files

Virtual machines can consume enormous amounts of disk space.

If you've used software such as Hyper-V, VMware, or VirtualBox, check whether old virtual machines are still stored on your computer.

A single virtual machine can occupy tens of gigabytes.

Don't delete virtual-machine files manually if you still use the machine.

Instead, use the virtualization software to remove an old virtual machine properly.

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Check Game Libraries

Games are another major source of storage consumption.

Modern games can require dozens or even hundreds of gigabytes.

If your C: drive is nearly full, check where your game libraries are stored.

You can often recover significant space simply by uninstalling games you no longer play.

Use the game's launcher or Windows' installed-app management rather than manually deleting folders.

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Move Games to Another Drive

If you have a second internal SSD or hard drive, moving games can be more practical than deleting them.

Many game launchers provide options for moving installed games to another drive.

This allows you to keep your games while freeing space on the Windows system drive.

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Check Cloud-Synchronized Folders

Cloud services can sometimes keep large amounts of data locally.

If you use a service such as OneDrive, review which folders are being stored on your computer.

Some services support online-only files or similar storage-saving features.

Before changing anything, confirm that important files are synchronized correctly.

Never assume that a file is safely backed up simply because a cloud application is installed.

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Check Your Browser Downloads

Your browser may have its own download location, which isn't always obvious.

If you've downloaded large files such as:

• Videos
• Software installers
• ZIP archives
• ISO files
• Documents

they may remain in your Downloads folder long after you finished using them.

Sort the folder by size and remove files you no longer need.

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Remove Old Installation Files

Software installers can remain on your computer after an application has been installed.

Examples include:

• .exe
• .msi
• .zip
• .iso

If you no longer need an installer and can download the software again later, deleting the old file can free up space.

However, keep installers for software that may be difficult to obtain again if you need them.

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Check the Desktop for Large Files

Your Desktop is often overlooked because users think of it as a temporary workspace.

Over time, it can become filled with:

• Screenshots
• Videos
• Installers
• ZIP files
• Documents
• Project folders

Move files you want to keep into appropriate folders or another drive.

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Delete Old Screenshots

Screenshots are usually small individually, but hundreds or thousands of screenshots can accumulate over time.

Review your Pictures or Screenshots folders.

Remove duplicate or outdated screenshots you no longer need.

If you regularly take screenshots, consider periodically organizing them into folders.

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Remove Duplicate Files Carefully

Duplicate files can consume unnecessary storage.

For example, you may have multiple copies of the same:

• Photo
• Video
• PDF
• Installer
• ZIP archive

Before deleting duplicates, verify that they really contain the same information.

Don't rely solely on filenames.

Two files with similar names may contain completely different content.

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Check the Recycle Bin Again

If you've deleted a large number of files during your cleanup, check the Recycle Bin again.

Deleted files remain there until the Bin is emptied.

If you're certain that you don't need the files, emptying the Recycle Bin can immediately recover their storage space.

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Don't Delete the Windows Folder

When users see that Windows is consuming a lot of storage, they may be tempted to browse through:

C:\Windows

and delete large folders.

Don't do this.

Windows contains many files required for the operating system to function.

Removing the wrong files can cause:

• Application failures
• Windows errors
• Update problems
• Boot problems
• System instability

Use Windows' built-in cleanup tools instead.

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Don't Manually Delete WinSxS

The WinSxS component store can appear surprisingly large.

However, its reported size can be misleading because Windows may use hard links and shared components.

Do not manually delete files from:

C:\Windows\WinSxS

If Windows needs to reduce component-store usage, use supported Windows maintenance and cleanup tools.

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Don't Delete System32

Never manually delete files from:

C:\Windows\System32

This folder contains essential Windows components.

Deleting files from it can seriously damage the operating system.

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Don't Delete Random AppData Folders

The AppData folder can contain a large amount of data, including application caches, settings, databases, and other files.

Some folders can safely be cleaned by the applications that created them.

Others contain important application data.

Therefore, don't simply open:

%appdata%

and delete everything you see.

If a particular application is consuming a large amount of storage, identify its data first and follow the application's recommended cleanup procedure.

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Use Storage Settings to Investigate "Other"

If Windows reports that Other is consuming a large amount of storage, investigate before deleting anything.

Large amounts of "Other" data can come from:

• Application files
• Game data
• Archives
• Project files
• Virtual machines
• Backup data

The category itself doesn't tell you exactly what can be safely deleted.

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Use Storage Analyzer Software Carefully

If Windows' built-in tools aren't enough to identify what's consuming your storage, a reputable disk-space analyzer can provide a visual representation of folders and files.

These tools can make it easier to identify unusually large directories.

However, a disk analyzer should primarily be used to find large files.

Don't delete a file just because an analyzer shows that it's large.

First determine what the file does and whether it's safe to remove.

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What to Do If Your C: Drive Is Still Full

If you've completed the normal cleanup methods and still have very little free space, consider these options:

Option 1: Move Personal Files

Move videos, photos, and other large files to another drive.

Option 2: Uninstall Large Programs

Remove applications and games you no longer use.

Option 3: Use External Storage

Move archives and large personal files to an external SSD or hard drive.

Option 4: Use Cloud Storage

Move appropriate files to cloud storage while confirming they are properly synchronized.

Option 5: Upgrade Your SSD

If you consistently run out of space despite regular cleanup, your internal drive may simply be too small for your needs.

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A Better Long-Term Storage Strategy

Freeing space once is useful, but preventing the problem from returning is even better.

A simple routine can help:

Every few weeks:

• Review Downloads.
• Check large files.
• Empty the Recycle Bin when appropriate.
• Remove unused applications.
• Review temporary files.

Every few months:

• Review large videos and projects.
• Check old installers and ISO files.
• Review game installations.
• Check cloud-storage settings.
• Review System Restore storage.

This keeps your Windows 11 storage under control without constantly deleting system files.

Keep Your Windows 11 Storage Under Control

Freeing up disk space is useful, but preventing your drive from becoming full again is even better.

Once you've cleaned unnecessary files, make a few simple changes to your storage habits.

Keep Your Downloads Folder Organized

Don't let downloaded installers, ZIP files, PDFs, and videos accumulate indefinitely.

Every few weeks, review your Downloads folder and remove files you no longer need.

Store Large Files on the Right Drive

If your PC has multiple drives, consider keeping large files such as videos, games, and archives on a secondary drive rather than filling the Windows system drive.

Use Storage Sense

Storage Sense can automate some routine cleanup tasks.

Go to:

Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense

Review the available options and configure automatic cleanup according to your preferences.

Uninstall Software You No Longer Use

Unused applications can quietly consume large amounts of storage.

Check:

Settings → Apps → Installed apps

Sort applications by size when possible and remove programs you no longer need.

Review Large Files Regularly

Large videos, ISO files, virtual machines, game installations, and backup archives can quickly consume available space.

Checking these files periodically makes it easier to identify what can be deleted or moved.

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How Much Space Can You Free Up?

The amount varies considerably from one computer to another.

A PC with years of accumulated downloads and temporary files may recover many gigabytes.

Another computer may only recover a few hundred megabytes.

The biggest storage savings usually come from identifying large files and applications, rather than simply deleting small temporary files.

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What If Windows 11 Says the Drive Is Full but You Can't Find the Files?

If Windows reports that your drive is nearly full but the visible files don't explain the storage usage, investigate further rather than deleting random system folders.

Possible causes include:

• Large application data
• Restore points
• Hibernation files
• Virtual machines
• Game installations
• Cloud synchronization
• Backup files
• Windows system data

Windows Storage settings can help identify some of these categories.

A reputable disk-space analyzer can also help you locate unusually large folders.

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What If You Don't Have Enough Space for a Windows Update?

Windows updates may require additional temporary storage during installation.

If you're running low on space:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.
2. Review Temporary files.
3. Empty the Recycle Bin if appropriate.
4. Review Downloads.
5. Remove unused applications.
6. Move large personal files to another drive.
7. Try Windows Update again.

Avoid manually deleting Windows system folders simply to make room for an update.

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Should You Disable Hibernation to Save Space?

If you never use hibernation, disabling it can recover storage occupied by the hibernation file.

Open an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal and run:

powercfg /hibernate off

However, this also affects hibernation functionality and can affect Fast Startup.

If you regularly use those features, keeping hibernation enabled may be more useful than the additional storage.

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Should You Reduce System Restore Storage?

If System Protection is using a large amount of storage, you can review its configuration.

Search Windows for:

Create a restore point

Select the system drive and click:

Configure

You can review the maximum disk space allocated to restore points.

Don't eliminate System Protection solely for a small storage gain if you rely on restore points for troubleshooting.

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Is It Safe to Compress the Windows Drive?

Windows offers file-compression features, but compressing the entire system drive isn't usually the first solution we recommend for a storage shortage.

It can introduce additional processing overhead and isn't necessary for most users.

It's generally better to:

1. Remove unnecessary files.
2. Uninstall unused applications.
3. Move large personal files.
4. Use additional storage if necessary.

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When Should You Upgrade Your SSD?

If you regularly reach extremely low storage despite cleaning your computer, the problem may simply be that your drive is too small.

For example, users who frequently install large games, edit video, maintain virtual machines, or store large media libraries may quickly outgrow a small SSD.

In that situation, upgrading the SSD can be a more practical long-term solution than repeatedly deleting files.

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Windows 11 Storage Cleanup: The Recommended Order

For the safest results, use this order:

1. Check Storage

Settings → System → Storage

2. Remove Temporary Files

Review the categories carefully.

3. Empty Recycle Bin

Only after checking its contents.

4. Clean Downloads

Remove files you no longer need.

5. Uninstall Unused Apps

Focus on large applications and games.

6. Find Large Personal Files

Check videos, pictures, archives, and project folders.

7. Use Storage Sense

Automate supported cleanup tasks.

8. Use Disk Cleanup

Check additional system cleanup options.

9. Investigate Advanced Storage

Look at hibernation, restore points, virtual machines, and other large data sources when necessary.

10. Consider Additional Storage

If the drive is consistently full, an SSD upgrade or secondary storage may be the best solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I free up space on Windows 11 quickly?

Go to Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files, remove unnecessary temporary data, then check Downloads, Recycle Bin, large applications, and large personal files.

What is taking up so much space on my Windows 11 PC?

Common causes include applications, games, videos, Downloads, temporary files, Windows system data, backups, and virtual machines. Check Settings → System → Storage to identify the largest categories.

How do I clean my C: drive on Windows 11?

Start with Windows Storage settings and Disk Cleanup. Remove unnecessary temporary files, old downloads, unused applications, and other files you no longer need.

Is Disk Cleanup safe on Windows 11?

Yes. Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility designed to remove various types of unnecessary files. Always review the available categories before confirming deletion.

Does Storage Sense delete important files?

Storage Sense is designed to manage supported unnecessary files, but you should review its configuration before enabling automatic cleanup, particularly settings involving the Recycle Bin or Downloads.

Can I delete Windows Update files?

Windows can remove certain unnecessary update-related files through its built-in cleanup tools. Avoid manually deleting Windows Update folders.

How can I free up space without deleting files?

You can move large files to another internal drive, external storage, or appropriately configured cloud storage.

Should I use a PC cleaner to free up storage?

For basic cleanup, you generally don't need third-party software. Windows 11 already includes Storage, Storage Sense, and Disk Cleanup.

Why is my C: drive full even after deleting files?

Deleted files may still be in the Recycle Bin, or storage may be occupied by applications, system files, restore points, hibernation data, games, backups, or other large files.

How often should I clean Windows 11?

There's no mandatory schedule. Checking storage every few weeks or whenever you're running low on space is usually sufficient.

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Final Verdict

Windows 11 provides everything most users need to free up storage safely without installing a third-party PC cleaner.

The best approach is to start with Settings → System → Storage and identify what's actually consuming your disk space.

For most computers, the biggest opportunities are:

• Removing temporary files
• Cleaning Downloads
• Emptying the Recycle Bin
• Uninstalling unused applications and games
• Moving large personal files
• Using Storage Sense
• Running Disk Cleanup

For more advanced situations, you can investigate hibernation, System Restore, virtual machines, cloud-synchronized files, and other large storage sources.

The most important rule is simple:

Don't delete Windows system files just because they're large.

If you've cleaned the obvious files and your drive continues to fill up, investigate the cause rather than repeatedly deleting random data.

And if your storage is consistently insufficient despite regular cleanup, upgrading to a larger SSD may be the most practical long-term solution.