Cleaning Windows 10 without reinstallation

Question

Hi,

Most of time I noticed, Windows 10 takes maximum 30 GB space after clean installation. Later on, it takes more space.

However, if we install latest version and build of Windows 10, it takes less space.

In my case, C: drive size is 150 GB. At beginning, Windows 10 taken 28 GB.

From beginning, download path of browsers is another volume. Default path of MS Office files is another volume.
No multimedia files are in C: I uninstalled unwanted apps and cleaned temp & %temp%.

Using cleanmgr and Cleanup system files, I cleaned all items.

However, I see more disk spaces are occupied and only 50 GB is free.

What about Clean up System Restore and Shadow Copies?

I think it is not recommended. However, if I clean both, do they affect more?

Without clean installation, can I free up more spaces?

If yes, please let us know, what additional steps I can take?

With Regards
NndnG

Answer 1

Hi NndnG ,

If you make free backup images then you can clean the restore points.

Restore points and backup images are like belt and suspenders (two layers of protection).

Third party software, Treesize, Windirstat, and Wiztree can be used to see what is consuming disk space.
Then files can be deleted to increase free space.

Run though this tutorial to increase free space:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/83441-free-up-drive-space-windows-10-a.html

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Answer 2

Hi NndnG ,

Usually once the Windows is installed it starts to collect data and store the settings and other parameters, and each time you update the PC , update executables are also stored in the Root files .
I suggest you without deleting the Restore points remove all System Restore points except the most recent one
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-remove-all-system-restore-points-except-the-most-recent-one-d43d697b-09ac-bef6-8a02-1000a18a9b82
You can also run deep scans and remove the registries , please note if you perform certain steps the data can never be restored back.

Hope this Answers all your queries , if not please do repost back .
If an Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it : )

Answer 3

Hi NnndnG

If you have additional drives , you can simply use them. Refer the below links,

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/529765/cleaning-windows-10-without-reinstallation.html

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-can-i-increase-size-of-c-drive/18411574-3ae8-4ddb-8494-737bc65d6963

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Thanks,

Answer 4

To clean Windows 10 without reinstalling, use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, old system files, and unnecessary data. Run the built-in Windows Defender Antivirus scan to ensure your system is free from malware. Utilize the "Settings" app to manage startup programs and uninstall unused applications. Additionally, regularly update Windows and drivers for optimal performance. Performing these tasks can enhance system speed and stability without the need for a full reinstallation.