5 Easy Ways to Clear Up Space on Windows 10 and 11

Running out of storage space on your Windows computer can be frustrating. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, it’s essential to manage your storage effectively to keep your system running smoothly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five simple ways to free up space on your Windows PC.

Key Takeaways

• Uninstall old and unwanted apps to free up storage.
• Use tools like WizTree to identify large files you can delete.
• Enable Windows features like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense for automatic cleanups.

1. Uninstall Old and Unwanted Apps

One of the easiest ways to clear up space is by uninstalling old or unwanted apps. Over time, we all accumulate programs that we no longer use, and these can take up a significant amount of storage. Here’s how to do it:

• Windows 10: Right-click the Start button, go to Apps and Features.
• Windows 11: Right-click the Start button, go to Installed Apps.

To find the biggest space hogs:

• Sort the list of installed apps by size, from largest to smallest.
• Uninstall any programs you no longer need by clicking on the three dots next to the app, then selecting Uninstall.

Dealing with Built-in Windows Apps

Some apps that come pre-installed with Windows can’t be uninstalled using the standard method. For those, you can use a third-party application like HiBit Uninstaller. This tool can help you remove even the stubborn built-in apps. Here’s how:

1. Download HiBit Uninstaller (use the portable version for simplicity).
2. Run the app, go to Tools > Windows Store Apps Manager.
3. Sort by size and uninstall the apps you don’t need.

This process can free up significant space, especially if you have a lot of built-in apps that you never use.

2. Identify Large Files Using WizTree

Another effective way to reclaim storage is by identifying large files on your computer. For this, I recommend using WizTree, a fast and reliable disk space analyzer.

Here’s how to use WizTree:

1. Download and install the portable version of WizTree.
2. Run the app and select the drive you want to scan (e.g., C: drive).
3. WizTree will scan your drive and list all folders and files by size, from largest to smallest.

For example, if you find a large ISO file you no longer need, you can delete it by selecting the file, holding down the Shift key, and pressing Delete.

This method is ideal for finding and deleting large files that are taking up unnecessary space.

3. Use Windows Disk Cleanup

Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that can help you free up space by deleting temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data.

To use Disk Cleanup:

1. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Windows search bar and open the app.
2. Select Clean up system files to scan your drive for files that can be safely deleted.
3. Check all the boxes, including Windows Update Cleanup, which can sometimes free up several gigabytes of space.
4. Click OK to delete the selected files.

Disk Cleanup is a quick and efficient way to recover storage space without needing third-party tools.

4. Enable Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanups

Storage Sense is another built-in Windows feature that can automatically free up space by removing temporary files and managing your storage over time.

To turn on Storage Sense:

1. Search for Storage Sense and select Turn on Storage Sense.
2. Enable the option to automatically clean up system and app files.
3. Configure how often you want Storage Sense to run (e.g., every week).
4. Set preferences for how long files stay in your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder before being deleted (e.g., 14 days).

Once configured, Storage Sense will handle routine cleanups for you, keeping your storage in check automatically.

5. Move User Files to Another Drive

If you have a small SSD for your main Windows installation but a larger secondary drive, moving your User Directory Files (like your desktop, downloads, and documents) to the larger drive can help clear up space on your main drive.

Moving these files is simple and won’t break any links:

1. Right-click the folder you want to move (e.g., Downloads).
2. Go to Properties > Location and select Move.
3. Choose the new location on your secondary drive and confirm.

This method is especially helpful if you often download large files or have a lot of personal documents and media.

If you want detailed instructions on moving your User files or folders to another drive, check out my guide on How to Clean C Drive in Windows 10 & 11.

Conclusion

Clearing up space on Windows 10 and Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these five simple methods—uninstalling unwanted apps, identifying large files, using Disk Cleanup, enabling Storage Sense, and moving user files—you can reclaim a significant amount of storage on your PC. Try these steps today to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

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FAQs

1. What are the best apps for uninstalling built-in Windows programs?

HiBit Uninstaller is a great tool for removing built-in apps that Windows won’t let you uninstall through the usual methods.

2. How often should I run Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense?

You can run Disk Cleanup whenever you notice storage getting low. For Storage Sense, setting it to run weekly or bi-weekly is a good balance for most users.

3. Can I delete files in the Windows folder using WizTree?

No, the Windows folder contains essential system files. Deleting files from this folder could cause serious issues with your operating system.

4. Is it safe to delete files from the Downloads folder automatically with Storage Sense?

Yes, but make sure you don’t have any important files in your Downloads folder that you might need later. You can set Storage Sense to only delete files that haven’t been accessed for a certain period (e.g., 14 days).

5. Can I move my entire User folder to another drive?

Yes, you can move individual folders like Documents, Desktop, and Downloads to another drive without breaking anything. It’s a safe and effective way to free up space on your main drive.