Running out of space on your Windows 11 computer? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. With apps, games, photos, and system files piling up, it’s easy to see that dreaded “Low Disk Space” warning. The good news is, you don’t have to panic or rush to buy a new hard drive. Windows 11 comes with plenty of tools and tricks that help you reclaim storage and keep your PC running smoothly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to free up storage on Windows 11. From built-in features like Storage Sense to advanced options like moving apps to external drives, we’ll cover everything you need to know to clear up that clutter.
Why Storage Space Matters in Windows 11
Having free storage isn’t just about keeping your desktop tidy. It actually impacts your computer’s performance. When your disk gets too full, Windows struggles to manage background tasks, updates, and temporary files. This can lead to slower boot times, app crashes, and even system freezes.
Think of your storage like a closet. If it’s stuffed to the brim, it’s hard to find what you need and impossible to add anything new. Freeing up space gives your PC room to breathe and ensures smoother performance.
Signs You’re Running Low on Storage
How do you know when it’s time to clear up some space? Here are some common red flags:
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You see “Low Disk Space” warnings.
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Windows updates fail due to insufficient space.
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Apps and games crash unexpectedly.
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Your PC feels unusually sluggish.
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File transfers take forever.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and free up some gigabytes.
How to Check Storage Usage in Windows 11
Before we start cleaning, it’s important to see what’s eating up your storage.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Click on System > Storage.
Step 2: View Storage Breakdown
Here, Windows shows you a detailed breakdown—apps, temporary files, documents, pictures, videos, and more. This helps you identify the biggest space hogs.
Top Ways to Free Up Storage on Windows 11
Now that you know where your space is going, let’s dive into practical solutions.
1. Use Storage Sense (Built-in Cleaner)
Storage Sense is like a smart housekeeper for your PC. It automatically clears temporary files, recycle bin data, and old system files.
How to Enable Storage Sense:
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Go to Settings > System > Storage.
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Toggle on Storage Sense.
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Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to customize.
You can set it to run daily, weekly, or monthly—like scheduling a regular cleaning session.
2. Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files can build up fast. Think of them as crumbs left behind after using apps or browsing the web.
Steps:
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Open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
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Select the files you don’t need (Delivery Optimization, caches, etc.).
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Hit Remove files.
3. Empty the Recycle Bin
It sounds obvious, but many people forget that deleted files still hang around in the Recycle Bin.
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Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
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Select Empty Recycle Bin.
Just like taking out the trash in real life—don’t let it pile up!
4. Uninstall Unused Apps and Games
We’re all guilty of installing apps or games “just to try” and then never touching them again.
How to Remove Them:
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Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
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Sort by size to see the biggest culprits.
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Click the three dots next to the app > Uninstall.
5. Move Apps and Files to an External Drive
If your internal storage is limited, shifting large files to an external HDD or SSD is a game-changer.
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Plug in an external drive.
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Right-click the file > Move to > Select external drive.
For apps and games, you can also change the install location in Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings.
6. Use OneDrive or Cloud Storage
Windows 11 integrates seamlessly with OneDrive. Instead of keeping every file on your hard drive, you can store them in the cloud and access them anytime.
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Right-click a file or folder > Free up space (keeps it in the cloud only).
It’s like having a virtual attic—your stuff is still accessible but doesn’t take up physical space.
7. Disable Hibernation
Hibernation saves your PC’s current state to disk, which can eat up several gigabytes. If you don’t use it, disabling it can free up space.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
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Press Enter.
Boom—you just freed up a chunk of space.
8. Clean Up Old Windows Update Files
Windows updates leave behind leftover files. You can safely delete them.
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Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
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Select Windows Update Cleanup.
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Click Remove files.
9. Manage System Restore Points
Restore points are useful, but they can eat up space. You can limit how much space they use.
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Search Create a restore point.
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Select your drive > Configure.
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Reduce disk space usage.
10. Use Disk Cleanup Tool
The classic Disk Cleanup tool still works in Windows 11.
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Search Disk Cleanup in Start Menu.
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Select your drive.
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Choose categories to clean (thumbnails, system files, etc.).
11. Delete Duplicate Files
Duplicate photos, videos, and documents waste tons of space. Tools like CCleaner, Wise Duplicate Finder, or Duplicate Cleaner can help you identify and remove them quickly.
12. Store Files on a Secondary Drive
If you have multiple drives, you can set Windows to save new apps, documents, music, and videos on another drive by default.
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Go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
13. Clear Browser Cache
Web browsers store cache and cookies, which can grow huge over time.
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In Chrome/Edge/Firefox, open settings > clear browsing data > select cached files.
14. Compress Files and Folders
Windows 11 allows you to compress files without third-party apps.
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Right-click a folder > Properties > Check Compress this drive to save disk space.
It’s like vacuum-sealing your clothes—you still keep them, but they take up less room.
15. Use Third-Party Cleanup Tools (Carefully)
Apps like CCleaner or BleachBit can automate cleanup, but use them wisely. Always double-check what’s being deleted to avoid losing important files.
Advanced Methods for Tech-Savvy Users
If you’re comfortable diving deeper, these options can help:
Shrink the WinSxS Folder
This folder contains system components. Use DISM tool to clean it:
Move Virtual Memory (Page File)
You can move the page file to another drive to save space on your main one.
Best Practices to Keep Storage Free Long-Term
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Schedule Storage Sense for regular cleanups.
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Avoid hoarding unnecessary apps.
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Back up photos/videos to cloud storage.
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Use an external drive for large games and media.
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Regularly check storage usage in settings.
Conclusion
Freeing up space on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. With built-in tools like Storage Sense, simple habits like emptying the Recycle Bin, and smart tricks like using cloud storage, you can reclaim gigabytes in minutes. Think of it as giving your PC a much-needed spring cleaning—it’ll run faster, smoother, and with fewer hiccups.
FAQs
1. How much free space should I keep on Windows 11?
It’s recommended to keep at least 15–20% of your total storage free for smooth performance.
2. Can I delete Windows.old safely?
Yes, if you don’t plan to roll back to a previous version of Windows. It’s safe to delete after an upgrade.
3. Does disabling hibernation affect performance?
Not really—unless you rely on hibernation mode. Most people use sleep mode instead.
4. What’s the fastest way to free up space on Windows 11?
Running Storage Sense or manually deleting temporary files is usually the quickest method.
5. Should I use third-party cleanup tools?
They can help, but always double-check settings. Windows’ built-in tools are usually safer and effective.