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How to Use Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and Other Tools to Free Up Space on Windows

Running out of space on your Windows PC can slow down performance, interfere with updates, and prevent you from storing important files. Fortunately, Windows comes equipped with built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense to help reclaim hard drive space. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use these tools — and a few extras — to clean up your system and get your storage back in shape.

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Why Disk Space Matters

When your hard drive is full, Windows doesn’t have enough room to create temporary files or manage system updates efficiently. This can lead to sluggish performance, application crashes, or failed updates. Regular maintenance ensures your system runs smoothly and extends the life of your computer.

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1. Use Disk Cleanup (Cleanmgr)

Disk Cleanup is one of the oldest and most trusted Windows utilities for deleting unnecessary files.

How to Use Disk Cleanup:

1. Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup.

2. Select the drive you want to clean (typically C:) and click OK.

3. Wait while the tool analyzes your system.

4. Check the boxes next to items like:

   • Temporary files

   • Recycle Bin

   • System created Windows Error Reporting

   • Thumbnails

5. Click OK > Delete Files.

Pro Tip:

Click Clean up system files to access deeper options like:

• Previous Windows installations

• Windows Update Cleanup

This can save several gigabytes of space, especially after a major update.

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2. Enable and Configure Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a more modern and automated way to manage space, introduced in Windows 10 and enhanced in Windows 11.

How to Enable Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.

2. Toggle on Storage Sense.

3. Click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

Recommended Settings:

• Run Storage Sense: Every week

• Delete temporary files: Checked

• Delete files in Recycle Bin: After 14 or 30 days

• Delete files in Downloads folder: Only if space is low

Manual Trigger:

Want immediate results? On the same page, click Run Storage Sense now to start a cleanup.

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3. Uninstall Unused Applications

Old software, games, and apps you no longer use can take up a surprising amount of space.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

2. Sort by size to find the largest offenders.

3. Click on any unnecessary app and select Uninstall.

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4. Delete Duplicate Files and Large Files

You can use third-party tools or Windows’ built-in search to locate and delete duplicate or massive files.

Built-in Search:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. In the search bar, type: size:>1GB or size:>500MB.

3. Review and delete files you no longer need.

Recommended Free Tools:

• CCleaner

• WinDirStat (visualize what’s taking up space)

• Duplicate Cleaner Free

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5. Clear Browser Caches

Each browser stores cache files that can grow into gigabytes over time.

For Microsoft Edge/Chrome:

1. Open your browser.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. Choose Cached images and files.

4. Set the time range to All time.

5. Click Clear data.

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6. Empty the Recycle Bin

Files aren’t truly gone until you empty the Recycle Bin.

Quick Method:

1. Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

2. Select Empty Recycle Bin.

Or use Disk Cleanup to do it as part of a larger sweep.

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7. Move Files to External Storage or the Cloud

If you have media or large archives you want to keep but don’t need every day, move them off your main drive.

Options:

• Use an external hard drive or USB stick.

• Upload to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

• Move folders like Pictures, Videos, or Downloads.

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Bonus: Use Command Line Tools for Advanced Cleaning

For power users, Windows offers command-line tools like:

• cleanmgr /sageset:1 and cleanmgr /sagerun:1 for automated cleanup profiles.

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup to reduce the WinSxS folder size.

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Conclusion

By regularly using tools like Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and the other methods listed above, you can keep your Windows system running smoothly and ensure you always have enough space for what matters. Set a reminder to perform cleanups monthly — or automate the process with Storage Sense — and you'll never worry about running out of space again.