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No space on C: drive how to free up space in Windows

Easy 20 min Updated:

Quick answer

First check what is taking up space using Settings > System > Storage, then delete temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin and remove old update files. If that does not help, check large files and apps that store cache, and only then consider moving personal data to another drive.

How to recognize the problem

  • Windows shows a notification that C drive is almost full
  • Updates and program installations cannot complete
  • Computer is getting slower and struggles to open programs
  • You cannot save a file or make a copy
  • The bar in Explorer for C drive is red

Most common causes

Temporary files and cache

Windows, browsers and programs accumulate gigabytes of temporary files over time that they rarely delete themselves.

Old update files

After major system updates, copies of the previous version and installation packages remain, taking up several gigabytes.

Large personal files

Downloaded movies, photos, archives and phone backups often end up on C drive even though they do not belong there.

Apps and games

Programs installed on C drive, especially games and media editing tools, can take up tens of gigabytes on their own.

Restore points and hibernation file

System protection and hibernation keep reserved files that grow with the amount of RAM and the number of restore points.

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Check what is taking up space

    Open Settings > System > Storage and wait for the overview by category to appear. Click on the largest category to see details. This way you immediately know whether apps, temporary files or personal data are causing the problem.

  2. 2

    Run recommended cleanup

    On the same screen, open Temporary files and review the list. Check items that are safe, such as temporary files, browser cache and Recycle Bin, then click Remove files. Do not remove Downloads if you have files you need in that folder.

  3. 3

    Empty the Recycle Bin

    Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin. If the bin is large, this can free up several gigabytes. Check the contents before deleting if you are not sure what you deleted.

  4. 4

    Clean up old update files

    Open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files and look for the Windows Update Cleanup item. Check it and click Remove files. Windows may ask for confirmation and take a few minutes to process. This removes old update files and you will no longer be able to go back to previous updates.

  5. 5

    Uninstall unnecessary programs

    Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (in Windows 10: Apps > Apps & features) and sort the list by size. Uninstall programs and games you do not use, but save any data you need first. If you rarely use a program, consider installing it on another drive.

  6. 6

    Find large files

    Open Explorer, click on C drive, then type size:>1GB in the search box and press Enter. Sort the results by size and review what is largest. By moving large files to another drive or external device, you remove them from C drive without deleting them.

  7. 7

    Move folders to another drive

    For folders such as Downloads, Documents or Pictures, right-click and select Properties > Location > Move and choose a folder on another drive. Windows will offer to move existing files. This is safe and only changes where files are stored.

  8. 8

    Adjust restore points and hibernation

    In Start search, type Create a restore point and open the result of the same name. On the System Protection tab, select C drive, click Configure and reduce the space used by system protection. This may cause you to lose older restore points, so first check that you do not need them. If you do not use hibernation, turn it off with the command powercfg /h off in a command prompt run as administrator. This is a more advanced step, so only do it if you do not need hibernation.

If nothing helps

If C drive is still full, check whether the drive itself is small, for example a 128 GB SSD, because then Windows and basic apps can take up a larger portion of space. In that case, the most permanent solution is a larger drive or moving data to another drive. You can also check whether some program is creating huge logs or cache folders, then delete them from within the program. Avoid deleting files from the Windows and Program Files folders because that can break the system. If you are thinking about extending the partition, first make a backup of important data.

How to prevent it

  • Regularly empty the Recycle Bin and temporary files
  • Keep large files on another drive or external device
  • Occasionally review the list of installed apps and remove unnecessary ones
  • Maintain at least 10 to 15 percent free space on C drive

When to call a professional

Contact IT support if you cannot find what is taking up space, if you are thinking about extending the partition, or if C drive is so full that Windows cannot update.

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FAQ

Is it safe to delete temporary files in Windows?

Yes, temporary files and browser cache can be safely removed through Settings > System > Storage. Avoid deleting the Downloads folder if you have files you need in it.

How much free space should remain on C drive?

It is recommended to keep at least 10 to 15 percent of the total drive capacity free. If the drive is smaller than 128 GB, maintain at least 15 GB free so that updates and programs work normally.

Can I move programs to another drive?

Some apps support this through their settings, but most must be uninstalled and reinstalled on another drive. Personal folders, such as Downloads and Documents, can be moved through Properties > Location.

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