How to Free Up Disk Space in Windows 11

When disk space runs low, the computer slows down, and Windows updates stop installing. The following steps allow you to recover space without risking the system. After each step, check if you have enough space.

Step by Step

1. Check how much space you have. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and click on the left This PC. Free space is visible under Devices and drives.
2. Cleanup recommendations. Click Start › Settings › System › Storage › Cleanup recommendations. Review the categories: Temporary files, Large or unused files, Cloud-synced files, Unused apps. Select what you don’t need and click Clean up. Windows will show how much space you will recover.
3. Storage Sense. In Settings › System › Storage, enable Storage Sense. By default, it is off. Once enabled, it automatically deletes temporary files when space is low and empties the Recycle Bin after some time. It does not touch the Downloads folder or cloud files unless you set it to. It only works on drive C:.
4. Uninstall unnecessary programs. Go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps, click More (…) next to the program, and select Uninstall. Some built-in Windows programs cannot be removed, and that is by design.
5. Review the Downloads folder. In File Explorer, open Downloads, as well as Videos and Pictures. Click View › Details, then right-click Sort by › Size. The largest files will be at the top. Old installers and duplicate videos can be deleted, and photos you want to keep can be moved to a USB drive.
6. Empty the Recycle Bin. Deleted files still take up space until they are in the Recycle Bin. Right-click Recycle Bin on the desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.
7. OneDrive: files on demand. If you use OneDrive, right-click a file or folder and select Free up space. A small link remains on the disk, and the file will download when you open it. Mark what you need offline as Always keep on this device.

Windows.old: Previous Version of the System

For 10 days after a major Windows update, Windows keeps the previous version of the system in the Windows.old folder. This allows you to revert to the old version if something stops working. In the Cleanup recommendations, you will see the entry Previous Windows installation(s). Deleting it frees up a lot of space, but it is irreversible: you cannot go back. If possible, wait a few days and check if everything works.

If This Didn't Help

• Save new files directly to another drive: Settings › System › Storage › Advanced storage settings › Where new content is saved.
• If space disappears for no reason, scan your computer with Windows Security. Malware can take up a lot of space.
• A large update of 64-bit Windows requires at least 20 GB of free space. If it is lacking, Windows may ask you to connect a USB drive.
• Be cautious of programs and ads claiming to "speed up your computer" and calls from supposed support services. See the guide on recognizing and avoiding technical support scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Disk Cleanup still work?

Microsoft describes this older tool (Disk Cleanup) for computers without Storage Sense. In Windows 11, you can delete the same temporary files in the Cleanup recommendations.

Sources

Status as of October 24, 2026. Menu names may vary depending on the version of Windows and system language. This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the manufacturer's technical support.