Running out of space on your Windows 11 PC? Low disk space slows down your computer and prevents you from installing updates. Here are 8 proven methods to free up space.
1. Use Storage Sense (Built-in)
Windows 11 has a built-in cleanup tool. Go to Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense and turn it on. It automatically deletes temporary files, recycle bin contents, and old downloads.
2. Disk Cleanup
Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu. Select your C: drive, then check boxes for temporary files, system files, thumbnails, and Windows Update cache. This alone can free up 5-20GB.
3. Uninstall Unused Programs
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps and sort by size. Remove programs you haven’t used in months. Some games and creative software can take 10-50GB each.
4. Clear Browser Cache
Browsers store gigabytes of cached data. In Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data → Cached images and files. Do this for all browsers you use.
5. Move Files to External Storage
Videos, photos, and old documents don’t need to live on your main drive. Move them to an external hard drive or USB stick. You can also use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive).
6. Disable Hibernation
The hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) can be 8-16GB. If you don’t use hibernation, disable it: Open Command Prompt as admin and type powercfg /hibernate off.
7. Clear Windows Update Cache
Old Windows Update files can accumulate to several GB. Stop the Windows Update service, delete everything in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, then restart the service.
8. Use TreeSize to Find Large Files
Download TreeSize Free — it scans your drive and shows exactly what’s taking up space, sorted by size. You’ll often find forgotten video files, old backups, or massive log files hiding in obscure folders.
How Much Free Space Should You Keep?
Keep at least 15-20% of your drive free. For a 256GB drive, that means 40-50GB free. For a 512GB drive, 80-100GB free. This ensures smooth performance and room for updates.