Fix low disk space

Question

How can I fix low disk space. I deleted photos and all files that I could but not enough.

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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I suggest downloading and installing the free version of the TreeSize app.

https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free

Then right-click the application shortcut, select "Run as administrator", select the drive to be scanned, and wait for the scan to finish.

Share a screenshot of the TreeSize scan result. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

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I await your reply.

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Answer 2

To fix low disk space on Windows 11 after deleting personal files, use these built‑in options:

1. Use Storage Sense to automatically clean up
2. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
3. Turn Storage Sense to On.
4. Select Storage Sense and choose:
   • How often it runs.
   • Whether to delete temporary files.
   • When to delete files in Recycle Bin and Downloads.

Storage Sense will automatically remove unnecessary temporary files and old Recycle Bin items when disk space is low.

2. Use Cleanup recommendations
3. In Settings > System > Storage, review the Cleanup recommendations section.
4. Let Windows identify:
   • Temporary files
   • Large or unused files
   • Files already synced to the cloud
   • Unused apps
5. Select what is safe to remove and confirm deletion.
6. Delete or move more personal files
7. Open File Explorer and select This PC.
8. Check large folders like Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads.
9. Sort by size (View > Details, then right‑click in the folder and choose Sort by > Size) to find the largest files.
10. Delete what is no longer needed, then empty the Recycle Bin.
11. For files to keep but not store on the PC, move them to an external drive (USB/SD card):
    • Connect the drive.
    • Cut from current location and Paste to the external drive.
12. Save new files to another drive
13. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
14. For each content type (documents, music, photos, videos, etc.), choose another drive with more free space.
15. Turn on OneDrive Files On‑Demand If using OneDrive:
16. Turn on OneDrive Files On‑Demand so only small placeholders stay on the PC and full files stay in the cloud.
17. This frees local disk space while keeping access to files.
18. Run Disk Cleanup (if needed) If Storage Sense is not enough:
19. Search for Disk Cleanup from the taskbar and open it.
20. Select the system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
21. Select file types to delete (temporary files, thumbnails, etc.).
22. Click Clean up system files to include system items (e.g., previous Windows installations) if shown and no longer needed.
23. Confirm deletion.
24. Check for malware using disk space Run an antivirus scan (for example, with Windows Security) to ensure malware is not consuming disk space.

If, after these steps, disk space is still critically low, consider adding a larger internal drive or relying more on external storage and cloud storage for large media collections.

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References:

• Fix low disk space errors quickly in Windows
• Free up drive space in Windows
• Manage drive space with Storage Sense