Applies ToWindows 11 Windows 10

If your Windows device is running low on storage, here are a few ways to free up some drive space.

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > System  > Storage Open Storage settings

  2. Turn on Storage Sense to have Windows delete unnecessary files automatically. 

Delete files manually

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > System > Storage Cleanup recommendationsOpen Storage settings

  2. Select the temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps you want to remove, then select the Clean up button for each section.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, then select Cut on the ribbon. 

  4. Navigate to the location of the removable media, then select Paste .

Delete files with Storage Sense

  1. Open the Start  menu and select Settings  > System > Storage Open Storage settings

  2. Select Configure Storage Sense or run it now, and under Temporary Files, select when you want each type of files deleted.

    To delete unnecessary files manually instead, scroll down and under Free up space now, select Clean now.

Uninstall apps you don't use anymore

  1. Open the Start  menu and select Settings  > Apps > Apps & features.Open Apps & features settings

  2. Search for a specific app or sort them by size to see which ones are taking up the most space.

  3. When you find an app you want to delete, select it from the list, and then select Uninstall.

Move files to another drive

  1. Connect your removable media to your device.

  2. Open File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files you want to move.

  3. Select the files, go to the Home tab, then select Move to and select Choose location.

  4. Select your removable media from the location list, and then select Move.

Get more info about freeing up drive space

How to reduce your cloud storage

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.