TL;DR: The fastest safe way to free up storage on Windows 11 is Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations, which lists temporary files, large or unused files, files already synced to the cloud and unused apps. Then turn on Storage Sense to clean up automatically, run Disk Cleanup → Clean up system files for leftover update files, and turn on OneDrive Files On-Demand. Everything here is built into Windows and free; no “PC cleaner” app needed.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Steps checked against Microsoft Support documentation.
Microsoft says a nearly full drive can cause “slower performance or trouble installing Windows updates.” These ten fixes use only Windows’ own tools, ordered from quickest and safest to more involved. They follow Microsoft’s Free up drive space in Windows guide.
How do you check how much storage is left on Windows 11?
Open File Explorer and select This PC. Microsoft says the free space appears “under Devices and drives.” For a breakdown by category (apps, temporary files, documents), go to Settings → System → Storage.
What’s the quickest way to free up storage on Windows 11?
Use Cleanup recommendations. Microsoft’s steps:
- Select Start → Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations.
- Review each category: Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
- Select what to remove and select Clean up for each section.
Windows shows how much space each choice saves. Review “Large or unused files” carefully, since it can include files you still want.
10 safe ways to free up storage on Windows 11
| # | Method | Where | Typical gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanup recommendations | Settings → System → Storage | Small–large |
| 2 | Storage Sense | Settings → System → Storage | Ongoing |
| 3 | Disk Cleanup (system files) | Search “disk cleanup” | Medium–large after updates |
| 4 | Empty the Recycle Bin | Desktop | Varies |
| 5 | Clear the Downloads folder | File Explorer | Often large |
| 6 | Uninstall unused apps and games | Settings → Apps → Installed apps | Large for games |
| 7 | OneDrive Files On-Demand | OneDrive settings | Large if you use OneDrive |
| 8 | Move files to external storage | File Explorer | Large |
| 9 | Save new content to another drive | Settings → System → Storage | Prevents refilling |
| 10 | Turn off hibernation (advanced) | Command line | Several GB |
1. Run Cleanup recommendations
Covered above. It’s the best first step for most people.
2. Turn on Storage Sense
Microsoft says Storage Sense “can automatically free up drive space for you by getting rid of items that you don’t need, like temporary files and items in your Recycle Bin.” Turn it on in Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense, and choose how often it runs and when to empty the Recycle Bin and Downloads.
3. Use Disk Cleanup for system files
Type disk cleanup in the taskbar search, choose your drive, then select Clean up system files. This can remove leftover Windows Update files.
Careful with “Previous Windows installation(s).” Microsoft warns that for 10 days after an upgrade, your old version appears as a removable system file. Deleting the Windows.old folder “can’t be undone, and you won’t be able to go back to your previous version of Windows.”
4. Empty the Recycle Bin
Deleted files keep using space until you empty the Recycle Bin. Right-click it on the desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.
5. Clear out Downloads and big folders
Microsoft says the Videos, Music, Pictures and Downloads folders “usually contain the largest files.” In File Explorer, open a folder, select View → Details, then right-click and choose Sort by → Size to find the biggest files first.
6. Uninstall apps you don’t use
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, sort by size, and uninstall programs and games you no longer need. Games are often tens of gigabytes each.
7. Turn on OneDrive Files On-Demand
Microsoft says Files On-Demand “stores a smaller placeholder file on your hard drive instead of the full-size file.” Your files still appear in File Explorer and download when you open them. In OneDrive settings, you can also right-click a folder and choose Free up space.
8. Move files to an external drive
Move photos, videos and archives you rarely open to a USB drive or SD card. Microsoft says “you’ll still be able to use them when the drive is connected, but they won’t take up space on your PC.”
9. Save new files to another drive
If your PC has a second drive, go to Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Where new content is saved and choose it for new apps, documents, music, photos and videos.
10. Turn off hibernation (advanced)
Windows reserves a hidden file, hiberfil.sys, for hibernation and Fast Startup; it can take several gigabytes. If you never hibernate, open Terminal (Admin) and run powercfg /hibernate off. This also disables Fast Startup. Run powercfg /hibernate on to undo it.
Is it safe to delete temporary files on Windows 11?
Yes, through Windows’ own tools. Temporary files are created by apps and Windows and can be removed with Cleanup recommendations, Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup. Avoid manually deleting files inside the Windows or Program Files folders, and skip third-party “registry cleaners,” which don’t free meaningful space.
If you still see “Low Disk Space” errors after cleaning, Microsoft says the Temp folder may be filling with Microsoft Store app files. Its fix: run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, run wsreset.exe from the Run box (Windows + R), run the Windows Update troubleshooter, then restart.
What if Windows Update says there isn’t enough space?
Free space with the steps above, or use external storage for the update. Microsoft says Windows can use an external storage device to help complete a feature update. If problems continue, Microsoft suggests resetting or reinstalling Windows.
Feature updates can also bring their own bugs; see our Windows 11 26H2 known issues tracker. And if you’re tidying up a new install, our guides to turning off Copilot in Windows 11 and checking laptop battery health are worth a look.
How much free space should Windows 11 have?
Keep at least 10–15% of your drive free as a rule of thumb, and more before a feature update. Running a drive nearly full can slow it down and block updates. If you regularly run out, a bigger SSD may be the real fix.
FAQ
How do I free up storage on Windows 11 quickly?
Go to Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations, review temporary files, large or unused files, synced files and unused apps, and select Clean up.
Is Disk Cleanup still available in Windows 11?
Yes. Type disk cleanup in the taskbar search. Select Clean up system files to remove leftover Windows Update files.
Is it safe to delete Windows.old?
Yes, if you don’t plan to go back to your previous Windows version. Deleting it can’t be undone and removes the option to roll back.
What is taking up so much space on my C drive?
Open Settings → System → Storage to see usage by category. Apps, games, temporary files and the Downloads, Videos and Pictures folders are the usual culprits.
Does Storage Sense delete my files?
Storage Sense removes temporary files and, if you choose, old Recycle Bin and Downloads items. You control those settings. It can also make unused OneDrive files online-only.
Should I use a PC cleaner app?
Usually not. Windows’ built-in tools cover what most cleaners do, for free, without the risk of deleting important files.
Sources checked October 23, 2026: Microsoft Support “Free up drive space in Windows.”
