Recommended Free Tools
To free up disk space on a Windows PC, first check which storage categories are full, then use Windows cleanup tools to remove only items you have reviewed. Start at Settings > System > Storage; from there, choose Cleanup recommendations, Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, or a manual review of files and apps, depending on what is taking up room.
Find what is using your disk space
- Open File Explorer and select This PC to check the free space on each drive.
- Open Settings > System > Storage. Windows groups usage into categories such as installed apps, temporary files, and system and reserved storage.
Use the category breakdown to choose a cleanup method rather than deleting files at random. Windows’ storage categories and settings are described in Microsoft’s Storage settings guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose a cleanup method
| Method | What it targets | How much you choose |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup recommendations | Temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps | Review suggested items and select what to remove |
| Storage Sense | Temporary files and Recycle Bin items, with configurable options for Downloads and cloud content | Configure how and when cleanup runs; it applies to the system drive |
| Disk Cleanup | Selected temporary and system-file categories | Review categories before confirming; includes a Clean up system files option |
| Manual file review | Your personal files, such as videos, photos, music, documents, and Downloads | Decide file by file whether to delete or move items you want to keep |
| Uninstall apps | Installed applications you no longer use | Choose which recognized apps to remove; some built-in apps cannot be uninstalled |
The options and their Windows 10 and Windows 11 routes are covered in Microsoft’s guide to freeing up drive space.
Review Cleanup recommendations in Windows 11
- Open Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.
- Review the categories Windows presents, such as Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
- Check the estimated space savings and the specific items included. Select only what you are comfortable removing, then confirm cleanup.
A recommendation is an invitation to review items, not a reason to delete everything on the screen. Windows may surface personal files or apps you still need.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- 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
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Set Storage Sense to match your needs
Storage Sense can automatically remove temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. You can choose when it runs and configure deletion windows for the Recycle Bin and Downloads. Downloads and cloud files are not managed by default, so review the settings before enabling those actions. Storage Sense operates on the system drive, usually C:, rather than automatically cleaning every connected drive.
For cloud-synced content, Storage Sense can make eligible local copies online-only. That does not permanently delete the cloud file: you can download it again when you have a network connection and enough disk space. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense settings guidance for its behavior and configuration.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Review personal files and keep what matters
Large videos, photos, music, documents, and files in Downloads are useful places to look. In File Explorer, inspect folder contents and sort by size where available. Delete only files you recognize and no longer need; file size alone does not tell you whether something is safe to remove.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Delete: Remove files you are sure you no longer need. Then empty the Recycle Bin to fully remove those deleted items and reclaim their space.
- Keep but move: Move infrequently used files you want to retain to another storage location, such as an external USB drive or SD card. Check that the files are available on the destination before deleting any original copies.
Uninstall apps you no longer use
Remove only apps you recognize and no longer need. Windows offers these routes:
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- 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
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Start > All apps: Find an app and use its available uninstall option.
- Settings > Apps > Installed apps: Select the app and choose its uninstall option.
- Control Panel > Programs and Features: Use this route if the app is not available through the Settings list.
Some apps built into Windows cannot be uninstalled. Microsoft documents these routes and limitations in its app and program removal guide.
Use Disk Cleanup when you want to select file categories
Disk Cleanup is another built-in option, including on systems where Storage Sense is unavailable. Search Windows for Disk Cleanup, choose the drive, and review the listed file categories. You can also select Clean up system files to see additional system-file categories. Read each category’s description and leave anything you do not understand or may need unchecked before confirming.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- 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
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Think before deleting a previous Windows installation
After a Windows upgrade, files from the previous installation can support a return to the earlier version. Deleting them removes that rollback option and cannot be undone. Microsoft says the previous version is automatically deleted ten days after an upgrade. If you may need to go back, keep those files during that period; see Microsoft’s instructions on deleting a previous Windows version.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If your storage is still low
Low storage can interfere with Windows updates. Microsoft recommends using Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, and Windows may allow an external storage device to help complete an update. See Microsoft’s guidance for freeing space for Windows updates.
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
If space disappears quickly again and the Storage settings categories do not explain why, avoid manually deleting unfamiliar Windows folders. Microsoft’s update-space guidance also describes a possible Store-related Temp-folder issue and provides specific troubleshooting steps; follow those instructions rather than guessing which system files to remove.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
