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To find forgotten files taking up space, start at Settings > System > Storage to see which categories are using room, then sort personal folders by file size in File Explorer. Review Windows’ cleanup suggestions and delete only files you recognize and no longer need. If you might want a file later, move it to external storage instead. Avoid removing a previous Windows installation until you are sure you will not need to roll back.
Check what is using space before deleting anything
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Review the storage breakdown. Windows groups usage into categories such as Installed apps, Temporary files, and System & reserved.
- Open File Explorer > This PC and note the available space on the drive you want to clean.
The Storage page gives you a category-level view; it does not identify every large personal file. Cleanup recommendations can suggest temporary files, previous Windows installation files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and apps used infrequently. Windows shows estimated space to be saved, but you choose what to remove. See Microsoft’s Storage settings guide and drive-space cleanup instructions.
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Find large personal files in File Explorer
- Open a likely location, such as Downloads, Videos, Music, or Pictures.
- Choose View > Details so the folder shows file details in columns.
- Select the Size column heading to sort files by size. If needed, select it again to change the sort order.
- Open or inspect a large item and decide whether you still need it before deleting it.
If you want to keep a large video, photo collection, music library, or document, move it to another location instead of deleting it. An external USB drive or SD card can keep infrequently used files while freeing local PC space. After deleting a file, it normally goes to the Recycle Bin; empty the bin when you are ready to remove those items from the PC and reclaim their space. Microsoft lists external storage as an option in its Windows drive-space guidance.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do not use size sorting as a reason to delete unfamiliar files from Windows or application folders. For system and app storage, use Windows’ cleanup tools and review their descriptions instead.
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Review Windows Cleanup recommendations
- Go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.
- Review the listed sections, such as Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
- Select only the items or categories you intend to remove; check the displayed estimated space savings.
- Choose the section’s Clean up action to remove the selected items.
Recommendations are suggestions, not an instruction to clear every category. Check file names and categories carefully, particularly before removing a large personal file or a previous Windows installation. Interface labels and available options can differ between Windows releases and configurations.
Choose the right cleanup method
| Method | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Storage overview and Cleanup recommendations | Identifying space-using categories and reviewing Windows’ suggested cleanup | You select what to remove; Windows displays estimated space saved. |
| File Explorer size sorting | Finding large files in personal folders to move or delete | Inspect each file and decide whether it is still needed. |
| Storage Sense | Automating cleanup for configured categories | It works on the system drive; Downloads and cloud content are not managed by default. |
| Disk Cleanup | Manually reviewing temporary and system-file categories | Read each category description; removing the previous Windows installation removes the rollback option. |
Set up Storage Sense without losing files unexpectedly
Storage Sense can automatically remove temporary files and Recycle Bin contents on the system drive, usually C:. Its defaults matter: it does not manage Downloads or cloud content unless you configure those options. Before enabling automatic cleanup of Downloads or the Recycle Bin, review the available retention period and make sure it gives you enough time to recover files you may want.
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Storage Sense can also make eligible cloud files online-only to free local space. This does not permanently delete them: they can be downloaded again when the PC has a network connection and enough free space. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt. Storage Sense settings apply to the signed-in user, and the user must be signed in and online for the feature to run. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense instructions for the available settings.
Use Disk Cleanup for manual category-by-category review
- Search Start for Disk Cleanup and open it.
- Select the drive to clean, then review the listed file categories and their descriptions.
- If you want to review additional system-file categories, choose Clean up system files and select the drive again if prompted.
- Select only categories you understand and want to clear, then confirm deletion.
Disk Cleanup is useful when Storage Sense is unavailable or when you prefer to review categories manually. Be especially careful with any category named Previous Windows installation(s).
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- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
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Understand the risk of deleting Windows.old
A previous Windows installation can preserve the option to return to the earlier Windows version after an upgrade. Removing Previous Windows installation(s) deletes the Windows.old files and removes that rollback option; the deletion cannot be undone. Microsoft says the previous installation is available for removal during the first 10 days after an upgrade and is automatically deleted after 10 days. If you are still deciding whether the upgraded version works for you, leave it in place. Details are in Microsoft’s instructions for deleting a previous Windows version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the result and continue cautiously
Return to File Explorer > This PC or Settings > System > Storage to check available space. Microsoft recommends checking after each cleanup step, so you can stop once you have enough room and avoid removing more than necessary. If a low-space problem remains, continue only with categories and personal files you understand. Low storage can interfere with Windows updates; Microsoft also describes ways to address low-disk-space errors and options such as external storage. Cleanup does not guarantee a particular amount of recovered space.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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