A “low disk space” warning or a C drive that turns red slows down your whole machine and blocks updates. The good news: Windows 11 has everything you need to free up disk space without third-party software or any risk to your files.

Quick answer: To free up disk space on Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense to automatically delete temporary files, then clear out the Temporary files section and the Recycle Bin. Then uninstall any apps you no longer use.

1. Check what’s taking up your disk space

Open Settings > System > Storage. Windows shows you a breakdown of space by category: apps, temporary files, documents, and so on. It’s the best starting point to free up disk space the smart way.

2. Turn on Storage Sense

On the same page, turn on Storage Sense. It automatically deletes temporary files and empties the Recycle Bin at whatever frequency you choose. It’s the simplest way to keep space free over time.

3. Delete temporary files

Still under Storage, click Temporary files. Check the items you want to clear (temporary internet files, thumbnails, old Windows update files), then click Remove files. These files get recreated as needed, so deleting them is completely safe.

4. Use Disk Cleanup

The classic tool still does the job: type Disk Cleanup in Windows search, select drive C, then choose which categories to clean. The Clean up system files button lets you go even further.

5. Uninstall apps you don’t use

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort by size and uninstall software you no longer need. This is often where several gigabytes are hiding.

Bonus tip: OneDrive Files On-Demand

With OneDrive, turn on Files On-Demand: your documents stay in the cloud and only take up disk space when you open them. Ideal for a laptop with a small drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is it risky to delete temporary files?

No. Temporary files and the contents of the Recycle Bin can be deleted safely. Windows recreates them automatically whenever it needs to.

My drive keeps filling up even after cleaning it, why?

A drive that fills up quickly can point to an undersized disk, large local backups, or a software issue. A diagnostic from a technician can help pin down the cause.