[Guide] How to Clear Disk Space on Windows 10

Clearing disk space can be an effective way to improve the performance of your Windows 10 computer. You can free up valuable hard drive space to help speed up your machine by deleting files and folders that are no longer needed. This can also make it easier to find important files when searching for them. Extra space can also help with system stability since many programs rely on adequate storage to perform correctly.

Having enough disk space is also essential for installing updates and new software applications. Suppose your computer becomes riddled with junk files. In that case, this could cause errors or crashes due to conflicting versions of the same file stored in different locations – freeing up some extra storage helps reduce risks related to data inconsistency.

Common Reasons To Free Up Disk Space on Windows 10

The need to free up disk space on your Windows 10 computer can arise for various reasons, directly or indirectly affecting system performance and efficiency. Here are some common reasons to clear disk space on Windows 10:

1. Improve System Performance: As disk space becomes cluttered with unnecessary files and fragmented data, your computer starts experiencing a slowdown in performance. By clearing up some space, you can enhance the overall system performance and speed.
2. Software Installation and Updates: Many software applications and system updates require a considerable amount of free space to be installed correctly. Freeing up disk space ensures a smooth installation process and prevents errors.
3. Data Organization: With a cluttered disk, it becomes increasingly difficult to locate important files and folders efficiently. Clearing up disk space will help you better organize your data and access it more quickly.
4. System Stability: Freeing up disk space can improve system stability. Many programs rely on adequate storage to function correctly, and insufficient disk space can lead to crashes and errors.
5. Avoid Storage Errors: Insufficient disk space can result in storage errors, impacting various functions on your computer. Clearing up disk space will help you avoid such errors and ensure a reliable system.
6. Enhance Data Security: Deleting unnecessary files, especially those that contain sensitive information, can help protect your data and maintain your privacy. Regular disk cleanup can keep your personal information safe from potential security threats.

In summary, the need to free up disk space on Windows 10 can arise for multiple reasons, including improving system performance, installing new software, and enhancing data security. Regularly clearing unnecessary files and folders can keep your operating system running smoothly and efficiently.

Methods to Free Disc Space on Windows 10

Empty Recycle Bin

For clearing disk space/storage space or running disk cleanup windows 10, using a recycling bin can help the pursuit. It will facilitate freeing up disk space by removing temporary files, unnecessary files, or downloads folder present in the recycling bin. However, burdening the disk space and changing the setting for the recycling bin on the device may serve the purpose. So here is how the recycling bin can be emptied for rationalizing, i.e., how to clear disk space on windows 10.

Step 1: Launch recycle bin from the windows main menu. Type recycle in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch.

Step 2:In the recycle bin window, navigate to the recycle bin tools tab and click the empty recycle bin option. Click yes to confirm the action. It will help to clear approximately 10% of disk space.

Step 3: Reach the recycle bin icon in Windows main menu and right-click the icon to select properties from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: In the properties window, select the drive in which recycle bin is located. Under the section of option settings for the selected location, select the option of a custom size.

Step 5: In the next step, specify the space, i.e., in megabytes (MB), to limit space utilization by recycle bin. Click Apply, followed by clicking ok to complete the action.

Disk Cleanup

Due to insufficient free disk space, you must be looking for suitable answers to clear disk space on windows 10. Windows provide users with a built-in feature for clearing the storage space and removing large or unused files from the device. Windows disk cleanup can be utilized to free up space on the drive. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows administrative tools from the Windows main menu. Type Windows administrative tools in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option in the list to launch.

Step 2: It will open a pop-up window for disk cleanup.

Step 3: In the disk cleanup window, locate the files targeted for deletion under the option of the downloaded program. Select the files and click ok to complete the action.

Delete Temporary and Downloaded Files

For targeting the delete action of temporary and downloaded files, one can easily approach windows settings to perform the action. This can be used to delete unnecessary files and clear up drive space to avoid storage errors. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the Windows key + I shortcut key.

Step 2: In the settings menu, click the option of the system followed by selecting storage from the left pane.

Step 3: In the next window, select the files under the section of temporary files and click remove files to complete the action.

Turn on Storage Sense

Windows help to automate various processes via certain features. The same goes for deleting the temporary files on the device without burdening the disk space. It can be done from storage settings. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the Windows key + I shortcut key.

Step 2: In the settings menu, click the option of the system followed by selecting storage from the left pane.

Step 3: In the storage window, navigate to the option of storage sense. Toggle the storage sense on and click configure. In the next window, select the mode under the option of run storage sense, i.e., during low disk space, followed by selecting the duration under the option of delete files in my recycle bin for if they have been there for over and check the box for option delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using.

Save Files to a Different Drive

If the disk space is low and it is not allowing to save further data in any form, then changing the location for saving data can be helpful. In this context, saving files to a different drive can serve the purpose. Here is how you can change the location.

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the main menu. Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch.

Step 2: In the settings menu, click the option of the system followed by selecting storage from the left pane.

Step 3: In the storage window, head to the link of Change where new content is saved, and one by one, change the location for data to be saved on the drive.

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Disable Hibernate

To facilitate the fast startup for the device, windows provide a feature termed hibernate. You can hibernate the device instead of completely shutting it down. If you get low disk space issues, the hibernating phase may consume too much disk space to keep the programs running. In this context, disabling the feature on the device can serve the pursuit., Command prompt can be used to disable hibernate. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the command prompt from the Windows main menu. Type the command in the taskbar’s search box and click the option of the command prompt in the list. Select the option of run as administrator from the right pane to launch the prompt window.

Step 2: In the command prompt window, type powercfg /hibernate off and click enter to complete the action. It will disable hibernate feature on the device.

Uninstall Apps

The unused apps can be deleted from the device. They are just junk and burden the free disk space, which otherwise can be utilized for data storage or running the system smoothly. In this context, using the apps and features option in windows settings can help to delete the apps. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings via Windows key+ I shortcut key.

Step 2: In the settings menu, navigate to the option of apps, followed by selecting apps and features.

Step 3:In the apps and features window, from the list of apps, select the one you want to uninstall and click uninstall to complete the action.

Enable OneDrive Files

If the storage space is low on the device and you have an alternative to cloud storage, i.e., OneDrive, then enabling OneDrive as a storage location can serve the purpose. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Locate OneDrive in the Windows main menu and right-click the icon to select settings.

Step 2: In the settings window, under the tab settings tab, move to the section of files on-demand.

Step 3: In the next step, check the box for the option of Save space and download files as you use them. Click ok to complete the action.

Regularly Clear Your Disk Storage

Clearing out your disk space is essential to maintain the optimal performance of your operating system. Over time, files become fragmented and take up more and more space on your hard drive, and this causes your computer to run slower as it has to work harder to find all the pieces of a file that are scattered throughout the disk.

Too many unnecessary files can cause errors when performing specific tasks or using certain programs. Regularly clearing out excess files allows you to free up valuable disk space for new programs or updates, improving overall performance in the long run. Taking some time once in a while to declutter your disk will help keep your operating system running smoothly and efficiently.

Another benefit of regularly clearing out your disk is protecting your data. Unnecessary files can accumulate and contain sensitive information you don’t want to be exposed to, such as passwords, financial records, or confidential documents. Taking the time to delete these files can help protect your privacy and prevent potential security threats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Disk Space on Windows 10