Independent local repair specialist in NW100208 459 6264

Windows 10 & 11 guide · Updated October 2026

How to free up disk space on Windows 11 and 10 — safely

When your C: drive is nearly full, Windows gets slow and updates fail. These steps clear space safely, starting with the easiest.

1

See what's using the space

Open Settings → System → Storage. Windows shows how much space apps, temporary files and documents are using.

2

Clear temporary files

In Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files, tick the items you want to remove and click Remove files. Leave “Downloads” unticked unless you have checked that folder first.

3

Turn on Storage Sense

In Settings → System → Storage, switch on Storage Sense so Windows clears old temporary files and the Recycle Bin automatically.

4

Run Disk Cleanup for system files

Search for Disk Cleanup, run it, then click “Clean up system files”. After a big Windows update, this can free several GB of old update files.

5

Empty the Recycle Bin

Files you delete stay in the Recycle Bin until you empty it. Check it first, then right-click it and choose Empty Recycle Bin.

6

Uninstall programs you don't use

Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, sort by size, and uninstall programs and games you no longer need.

7

Move photos and videos

Large photo and video folders are often the biggest users. Move them to an external drive or cloud storage — and keep a backup.

Do it in one click — freeAiActions PC Helper checks all of this for you in about a minute and explains what it finds in plain English. Free health check any time, plus one free fix session. Nothing changes without your OK.
Download PC Helper free Or let us do it — £29.99

Questions

Is it safe to delete temporary files?

Yes — the Temporary files option in Settings and Disk Cleanup only remove files Windows doesn't need. Avoid deleting files from the Windows folder by hand.

How much free space should I keep?

Try to keep at least 15–20% of the drive free so Windows can update and run smoothly.

Still not right?

Bring it to our Church Road NW10 workshop or call for advice.

Call 0208 459 6264
Free PC HelperCall us