Start by checking which drive is nearly full and what is using its space. Then use Windows’ cleanup tools, review what they propose to remove, and move or redirect personal files if cleanup is not enough. These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11, though labels and paths can vary slightly by version and build.
1. Find the full drive and what is taking up space
Open File Explorer and select This PC to see the available space on each drive. This matters if your computer has more than one drive: cleaning a drive that is not full will not resolve the warning.
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For a breakdown, open Settings > System > Storage. Windows groups usage into categories such as installed apps, temporary files, and system and reserved space. Use the largest relevant category to choose your next step rather than deleting files at random. See Microsoft’s guide to Storage settings.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2. Run Storage Sense, after checking its rules
Storage Sense can automatically remove unneeded temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. Microsoft describes it as a way to free drive space by getting rid of items you do not need, such as temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. Its settings determine what it removes and when.
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Open Settings > System > Storage and select Storage Sense (the wording or location may vary slightly by build). Review the options before turning on automatic cleanup. Storage Sense works on the system drive; Downloads and cloud content are not managed by default unless you change the settings. Read Microsoft’s Storage Sense instructions before setting rules that might affect files you want to keep.
3. Review Cleanup recommendations
Windows may offer Cleanup recommendations for temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and apps you rarely use. Open Settings > System > Storage and look for Cleanup recommendations. Review the listed items and the space Windows says each could free before selecting anything to remove. The options available depend on the files and apps on your PC.
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4. Use Disk Cleanup in Windows 10
Microsoft’s Windows 10 instructions include Disk Cleanup. Search for Disk Cleanup, choose the drive to clean, and inspect the file categories before confirming deletion. If you need to consider additional system files, select Clean up system files, choose the drive again if prompted, and review the refreshed list before proceeding.
Take particular care with Previous Windows installation(s), if it appears. Removing the previous installation can eliminate the option to go back to the previous Windows version, and that cleanup action cannot be undone. Follow Microsoft’s drive-space cleanup instructions for the available steps.
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5. Delete personal files you no longer need
Large videos, music, pictures, and items in Downloads are useful places to look. In File Explorer, open a folder, switch to a details view if needed, and sort by size to spot large files. Open or otherwise confirm each file is unwanted before deleting it.
Deleting a file may not immediately reclaim its space: it can remain in the Recycle Bin. Empty the bin only after checking that you do not need to restore anything from it.
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6. Move infrequently used files to external storage
If files are worth keeping but do not need to stay on the full drive, move them to a USB drive, SD card, external hard drive, or portable external SSD. Confirm the copy opens from the destination before removing the original. If Windows Update says it needs more room, Microsoft notes that external storage may help complete the update; follow the update prompt rather than deleting system files yourself.
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7. Save new personal content to another drive
If another connected drive has room, Windows can direct new personal content there. Open Settings > System > Storage and look for Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved (labels can vary by version). Choose a destination drive for the relevant content categories. This changes where supported new content is saved; it does not move files already on the full drive.
8. Make OneDrive files online-only when appropriate
OneDrive Files On-Demand can leave smaller placeholders on your PC instead of full local copies, while keeping files available through the cloud. This is a storage choice, not deletion. Access to online-only files depends on an internet connection, and availability and behavior depend on your OneDrive sync settings. Keep a local copy for files you need offline.
9. Uninstall unused apps and investigate space that returns quickly
Remove apps you no longer use
Windows’ Cleanup recommendations may identify unused apps. You can also review installed apps in Settings > Apps and uninstall ones you no longer need. Check the app name before removing it, especially if you are unsure what it does.
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Troubleshoot recurring growth instead of repeatedly deleting files
If the drive fills again soon after cleanup, look for a cause rather than repeatedly clearing folders. Microsoft describes a possible Microsoft Store-related temporary-folder issue and provides Store cache and troubleshooter steps in its Windows performance troubleshooting guidance. If you suspect malware, run a malware scan. Do not delete arbitrary Windows or system folders to reclaim space.
Which option fits your situation?
| Option | Best for | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Windows cleanup tools | Temporary files and other categories Windows identifies for cleanup | Review categories and settings before deletion; removing a previous Windows installation can remove rollback ability. |
| Delete personal files | Files you have confirmed you no longer need | Items may still occupy space in the Recycle Bin until it is emptied. |
| Move files to external storage | Files you want to keep but do not need on the PC’s full drive | Requires another storage device; verify the copied files before removing originals. |
| OneDrive Files On-Demand | Cloud files that do not all need full local copies | Online-only access depends on internet and sync settings; retain local copies for offline use. |
| Choose another save location | Preventing supported new personal content from filling the system drive | Requires another connected drive with space and does not move existing files. |
Windows 10 support note
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. This lifecycle change is separate from freeing disk space; consult Microsoft’s current Windows lifecycle guidance for details.
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