Blog

If you are seeing the “Not Enough Disk Space” error on your Windows 11 Creators Update, it can be frustrating. This message means your computer is running low on available storage, which can affect performance and prevent installations or updates.

Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward. By freeing up space or managing your files better, you can resolve the problem quickly.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions. Each method is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before troubleshooting, it’s important to ensure a few things:

• Check Your Storage Space: Go to Settings > System > Storage to see how much free space you have on your main drive (usually C:).
• Close Unnecessary Programs: Sometimes, running programs may consume temporary space. Closing them helps to refresh available storage.
• Restart Your PC: A simple restart can clear temporary files and free up space.
• Backup Important Data: Always keep backups of important files before deleting or moving anything.

Step 1: Delete Temporary and Junk Files

Temporary files accumulate over time and can take up significant space. Cleaning them is an easy first step.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on System > Storage.
3. Under Storage, select Temporary Files.
4. Check the boxes for files you want to remove, such as Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Downloaded files. Be careful not to delete anything important.
5. Click Remove files to delete the selected items.

This step is important because temporary files often waste storage but can be safely removed.

Step 2: Uninstall Unnecessary Apps and Programs

Programs you no longer use may be taking up valuable space.

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Scroll through the list and find apps you don’t need.
4. Click the three-dot menu beside the app and select Uninstall.
5. Follow the prompts to remove the app.

Removing unused programs helps free up significant storage and can improve system performance.

Step 3: Use Disk Cleanup Tool

The built-in Disk Cleanup utility offers an easy way to clear system files and other data.

1. Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup, then open it.
2. Select your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.
3. Wait for the tool to calculate how much space can be freed.
4. Click Clean up system files to include system files in the cleanup.
5. Select the file types you want to delete, like Windows Update Cleanup and Temporary Internet Files.
6. Click OK and then Delete Files to confirm.

This process removes old update files and other system-related data that can consume storage without you noticing.

Step 4: Move Files to External Storage or Cloud

If you have large files such as videos, photos, or documents, consider moving them off your main drive.

• Connect an external USB drive or use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
• Select the files or folders you want to move.
• Cut and paste them to the external drive or upload them to the cloud.
• After confirming they are safely copied, delete the originals from your PC.

This step frees up space while keeping your important files accessible.

Step 5: Disable Hibernation to Free Up Space

Windows reserves space for hibernation files, which can be quite large. Disabling hibernation deletes this file.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg -h off

3. This will disable hibernation and remove the hiberfil.sys file, freeing up disk space.

Note: Disabling hibernation means you won’t be able to use the hibernate feature until you turn it back on.

Alternative Method: Use Storage Sense

Storage Sense is an automated feature that helps manage disk space.

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense.
3. Click on Storage Sense to configure how often it runs and what files it deletes automatically.

Enabling Storage Sense helps prevent disk space issues by cleaning up files regularly without your intervention.

FAQs

Why do I still get the error after deleting files?

Sometimes, hidden system files or reserved storage can cause the error. Try running Disk Cleanup with system files enabled and check for large hidden folders.

Can I delete everything in the Temporary Files folder?

Most temporary files are safe to delete, but avoid removing files from the Downloads folder unless you are sure they’re not needed.

How much free space do I need to avoid this error?

It’s a good idea to keep at least 10-15% of your disk free for Windows to operate smoothly.

Will deleting files affect my system or programs?

Deleting unnecessary files and uninstalling unused programs is safe if you are careful. Avoid deleting system files manually unless guided.

How do I check which files are taking up the most space?

You can use third-party tools like WinDirStat or the built-in Storage settings to see a breakdown of disk usage.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and still face the “Not Enough Disk Space” error, consider the following options:

• Run Disk Error Checking: Open File Explorer, right-click your drive > Properties > Tools > Check.
• Use System Restore: Restore your system to an earlier point when the error was not present.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for further assistance.
• Consider Upgrading Your Storage: If your disk is too small, adding a larger SSD or external drive may be necessary.

Conclusion

The “Not Enough Disk Space” error in Windows 11 Creators Update is usually easy to fix by cleaning up unnecessary files and managing storage wisely. Starting with temporary files and uninstalling unused apps often solves the problem quickly.

Using tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense can help maintain free space over time. Moving large files off the main drive is another effective method.

If these steps don’t help, advanced options like disabling hibernation or checking for disk errors can be tried.

By following these simple solutions, you can keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly without running out of disk space.