Before you start
- Check File Explorer > This PC to see how much free space is left.
- Do not manually delete unknown folders from C:\Windows or Program Files.
Use Cleanup recommendations
Go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. Review Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps, then clean only items you understand.
Run Storage Sense
Go to Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. Review what it is allowed to remove before running it.
Remove unused apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Uninstall software you no longer need.
Move large personal files
Use File Explorer to move large videos, installers or archives to another internal drive, external storage or cloud storage.
Be careful with Windows.old
If Cleanup recommendations offers a previous Windows installation, deleting it removes the ability to roll back to that previous Windows version.
Microsoft source
This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.
Open Microsoft Support ↗