How to Clean Up Disk Space in
Windows 10 & Windows 11

Best Ways to Free Up Disk Space in Windows 10 and Windows 11

When the system drive becomes full, Windows may slow down, updates may fail, and applications may stop saving files correctly. The safest way to clean up disk space is to start with built-in Windows tools, then remove large personal files and unused applications only after checking what they are.

This guide focuses on safe cleanup methods for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Most steps work the same way in both versions, although the Settings app uses slightly different names in some menus.

How to Clean Temporary Files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 Settings

The modern Settings app is the easiest place to start. It can remove temporary files, delivery optimization files, thumbnails, recycle bin contents, and other cached data that usually does not need to be kept permanently.

Steps for Windows 11

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → Storage.
3. Click Temporary files.
4. Wait while Windows scans removable cleanup categories.
5. Select the categories you want to remove, such as Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, or Delivery Optimization Files.
6. Click Remove files and confirm the action.

Steps for Windows 10

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Open System → Storage.
3. Click Temporary files under your system drive.
4. Select the file types you want to delete.
5. Click Remove files.

How to Use the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows

Disk Cleanup is the classic Windows utility for removing unnecessary files. It is still useful because it has a clear interface and includes the option to clean up system files.

1. Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.
2. Select the drive you want to clean, usually C:.
3. Wait for Windows to calculate how much space can be freed.
4. Select the cleanup categories you want to remove.
5. Click Clean up system files to include Windows Update cleanup and other system categories.
6. Select the drive again if prompted.
7. Review the list, click OK, then click Delete Files.

How to Enable Storage Sense to Clean Windows Automatically

Storage Sense can automatically delete temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin after a selected period, and remove unused local copies of cloud files. It is useful if your drive often fills up again after manual cleanup.

Enable Storage Sense in Windows 11

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense.
3. Click Storage Sense to configure it.
4. Choose when it should run: every day, every week, every month, or during low free disk space.
5. Choose how long files should stay in the Recycle Bin before automatic deletion.

Enable Storage Sense in Windows 10

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense.
3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
4. Adjust the cleanup schedule and file deletion rules.
5. Click Clean now if you want to run it immediately.

How to Remove Old Windows Update Files and Previous Windows Installations

Windows Update can leave behind old update packages, rollback files, and previous installation data. These files can take several gigabytes, especially after a major Windows feature update.

1. Open Disk Cleanup by running cleanmgr.
2. Select drive C:.
3. Click Clean up system files.
4. Select Windows Update Cleanup if it appears.
5. Select Previous Windows installation(s) only if you are sure you do not need to roll back to the earlier version.
6. Click OK and confirm deletion.
7. Restart the computer if Windows asks you to complete cleanup.

How to Find Large Files Taking Up Space on Drive C

Temporary files are not always the main problem. Videos, ISO images, virtual machines, old archives, game recordings, phone backups, and browser downloads can use much more space than system cache files.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to This PC and open drive C:.
3. Use the search box and type size:gigantic to find very large files.
4. Sort results by Size.
5. Open the file location before deleting anything.
6. Move important files to another drive or cloud storage instead of deleting them permanently.

How to Free Disk Space by Uninstalling Unused Apps and Games

Installed applications and games can consume a lot of storage. Removing software you no longer use is often more effective than deleting small temporary files.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. In Windows 11, open Installed apps. In Windows 10, open Apps & features.
4. Sort the list by Size.
5. Select apps or games you no longer need.
6. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

Advanced Disk Cleanup Commands for Windows 10 and Windows 11

If the usual cleanup tools are not enough, you can use several built-in commands. These options are useful for administrators, power users, or systems where Windows Update cache and component store files have grown too large.

Clear the Windows temporary folder

Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. Select files inside the folder and delete them. Skip files that Windows says are currently in use.

Run component store cleanup

Command Prompt as AdministratorDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Disable hibernation to remove hiberfil.sys

If you never use hibernation or Fast Startup, disabling hibernation can remove the large hiberfil.sys file from the system drive.

Command Prompt as Administratorpowercfg /hibernate off

Disk Cleanup Method Comparison: Which Option Should You Use?

The best cleanup method depends on what is using the space. Start with Settings or Disk Cleanup, then move to manual file review if the drive is still nearly full.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Up Disk Space in Windows