How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows

Freeing Up Disk Space

When your hard drive is nearly full, your computer slows down. Here is how to clear space safely.

Check How Much Space You Have

• Open File Explorer (Windows key + E)
• Click This PC
• Look at your drives

If the bar under a drive is red, you need to free up space. Aim to keep at least 10-20% free.

Using Windows Disk Cleanup

The safest way to clear space:

• Press Windows key and type Disk Cleanup
• Open Disk Cleanup
• Select your main drive (usually C:)
• Click OK

Disk Cleanup scans for files you can safely delete.

What to Select

Safe to delete:

• Temporary files
• Temporary Internet Files
• Thumbnails
• Recycle Bin
• Downloaded Program Files
• Delivery Optimization Files

Check these boxes and click OK.

Clean Up System Files

For more space:

• In Disk Cleanup, click Clean up system files
• Select your drive again
• Additional options appear like Windows Update Cleanup
• This can free several gigabytes

Empty the Recycle Bin

Files in the Recycle Bin still take up space:

• Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop
• Click Empty Recycle Bin
• Confirm deletion

Only do this if you are sure you do not need the deleted files.

Clear Downloads Folder

Old downloads accumulate:

• Open File Explorer (Windows key + E)
• Click Downloads in the left panel
• Sort by date (oldest first)
• Delete files you no longer need

Move files you want to keep to appropriate folders first.

Uninstall Programs You Do Not Use

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Click Apps
• Click Installed apps
• Sort by Size
• Click the three dots next to programs you do not need
• Click Uninstall

Only uninstall programs you recognise and do not use. Contact IT if unsure.

Storage Sense (Automatic Cleanup)

Windows can automatically clear temporary files:

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Click System
• Click Storage
• Turn on Storage Sense
• Click the arrow to configure options

Storage Sense can automatically empty the Recycle Bin and clear temporary files.

Moving Files to OneDrive

If you have OneDrive:

• Move large files to OneDrive folders
• Files sync to the cloud
• Right-click files and choose Free up space
• This keeps files accessible but removes them from your local drive

What Not to Delete

Do not delete:

• Windows folder
• Program Files folders
• System32 folder
• Any folder you do not recognise

Deleting system files can break Windows.

When to Contact IT

Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au if:

• Your drive is still nearly full after cleanup
• You are unsure what is taking up space
• You need a larger drive
• Important files need to be archived

Need Help?

For disk space issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.