How to free up space on Windows 11

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To free up space on Windows 11, users can utilize built-in tools such as Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, and the Settings app to remove unnecessary files and manage storage effectively. Additionally, uninstalling unused applications and managing large files can significantly help in reclaiming disk space.

Beginner/Intermediate⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting the process of freeing up space on Windows 11, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •Windows 11 installed on your device.
  • •Administrator access to perform certain actions.
  • •Backup important data to avoid accidental loss.
  • •Sufficient knowledge of navigating Windows settings.

Method 1: Using Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that automatically frees up space by deleting unnecessary files.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
  • •Step 2: Select 'Settings' (gear icon).
  • •Step 3: In the Settings window, click on 'System'.
  • •Step 4: Select 'Storage' from the left sidebar.
  • •Step 5: Toggle on 'Storage Sense' to enable it.
  • •Step 6: Click on 'Configure Storage Sense or run it now' to customize settings.
  • •Step 7: Choose how often you want Storage Sense to run and what files to delete.
  • •Step 8: Click 'Clean now' to immediately free up space.
  • •Step 9: Verify the space freed by checking the storage overview.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 specific steps for Storage Sense.
  • •Step 1: Access Storage settings via the Settings app as described above.
  • •Step 2: Under 'Storage', review the 'Storage usage' section for detailed insights.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 specific steps for Storage Sense.
  • •Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  • •Step 2: Go to 'System' and then 'Storage'.
  • •Step 3: Toggle 'Storage Sense' on and configure it similarly.

Method 2: Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a utility that helps remove temporary files and system files that are no longer needed.
  • •Step 1: Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
  • •Step 2: Type 'Disk Cleanup' and select the Disk Cleanup app from the results.
  • •Step 3: Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:) and click 'OK'.
  • •Step 4: Wait for the utility to calculate how much space you can free up.
  • •Step 5: In the Disk Cleanup dialog, check the boxes next to the file types you want to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin).
  • •Step 6: Click 'OK' and then 'Delete Files' to confirm.
  • •Step 7: Verify the space freed by checking the drive properties.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to free up space, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Disk Cleanup has stopped working' - Solution: Restart your computer and try again. If the issue persists, run the Disk Cleanup tool as an administrator.
  • •Issue: 'Storage Sense not deleting files' - Fix: Ensure that Storage Sense is enabled and configured correctly. Check if the files are not excluded from deletion.
  • •Problem: 'Insufficient space after cleanup' - Workaround: Manually delete large files or uninstall unused applications from 'Settings' > 'Apps'.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some additional tips and shortcuts to manage disk space efficiently.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Windows + E - Opens File Explorer to quickly access files.
  • •Command line: 'cleanmgr' - Launches Disk Cleanup directly from the Run dialog.
  • •Hidden feature: 'OneDrive Files On-Demand' - Access files stored in OneDrive without downloading them, saving local space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regular maintenance is key to preventing storage issues. Utilize built-in tools and set reminders for periodic checks.