Running out of storage on your Windows 10 device? Even with terabytes of available space, files, apps, and updates can quickly fill your drive, leading to performance issues and update errors. Fortunately, Windows includes built-in tools and features to help you recover valuable storage in just a few clicks.
Clear the Recycle Bin
Windows stores deleted files in the Recycle Bin until it’s emptied. Clearing the bin can instantly recover several gigabytes, especially if it hasn’t been emptied in a long time.
Use Storage Sense
Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files, cleans the Recycle Bin, and offloads cloud content. Enable it under Settings > System > Storage and configure it to run on a schedule.
Delete temporary files
Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Select unnecessary items like update cleanups and thumbnails, then click “Remove files” to recover space.
Uninstall unused apps and games
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Sort apps by size to quickly find the ones using the most storage, and uninstall those you no longer need.
Make OneDrive files online-only
Right-click OneDrive files and choose “Free up space.” This makes files accessible from the cloud without taking up local disk space, perfect for infrequently accessed content.
Compress files or folders
Enable NTFS compression by right-clicking a folder, going to Properties > Advanced, and selecting “Compress contents.” This helps reduce file size without changing access methods.
Disable hibernation
Run the command powercfg /hibernate off in an admin Command Prompt. This deletes the large hiberfil.sys file, often freeing up several gigabytes instantly.