How to Fix Disk Space Problems on Windows 10 Builds: Step-by-Step Solutions

Running out of disk space on Windows 10 can slow down your computer and stop you from saving important files. It’s a common problem, but the good news is that it’s usually easy to fix. A few simple steps can help you free up space and keep your system running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through basic and effective ways to solve disk space issues. Each step is explained clearly, so even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you can follow along without trouble.

By the end, you’ll know how to quickly find what’s taking up space and clean it up safely. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Remember, freeing disk space not only improves performance but also prevents errors when saving new files or installing updates.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before making any changes, it’s important to:

Check your current disk space: Open This PC and look at the storage bar under your main drive (usually C:). This tells you how full your drive is.
Back up important files: Always keep a backup of your important documents and photos before deleting anything, just in case.
Close running programs: Free up system resources by closing open apps to prevent errors during cleanup.
Be cautious with system files: Avoid deleting files you’re unsure about, especially in Windows folders.

Step 1: Use Storage Sense to Automatically Free Up Space

Windows 10 has a built-in tool called Storage Sense that automatically deletes unnecessary files. This is a safe and easy way to clear space regularly.

Click the Start menu and open Settings (gear icon).
Select System and then click Storage from the left menu.
Toggle Storage Sense to On.
Click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now to customize what gets cleaned, like temporary files or recycle bin contents.
Choose how often you want Storage Sense to run (e.g., daily, weekly).
Click Clean now to start deleting unnecessary files immediately.

Why this helps: Storage Sense safely removes temporary files and items you don’t need, freeing up space without manual effort.

Step 2: Uninstall Unused Programs

Programs take up a lot of space, especially games or large software you no longer use. Removing them can free significant disk space.

Open the Start menu and click Settings.
Go to Apps and then Apps & features.
Scroll through the list to find programs you don’t need.
Click on the program, then select Uninstall.
Follow the prompts to remove the software completely.

Tip: Sort the list by size to see the biggest programs first, making it easier to target space-hogging apps.

Step 3: Delete Temporary Files Manually

Temporary files are created when you use your PC but often aren’t deleted automatically. Clearing them can free up space quickly.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Type %temp% and press Enter.
This opens the folder containing temporary files.
Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A, then press Delete.
If some files are in use and can’t be deleted, skip them.

Why this helps: Temporary files can accumulate over time and waste space without providing value.

Step 4: Clean Up System Files with Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a tool that removes system files like old update files and logs, which can take up a lot of space.

Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and open the app.
Select your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.
Click Clean up system files.
Select the drive again if prompted.
Check the boxes next to the files you want to delete, such as Windows Update Cleanup, Temporary files, and Recycle Bin.
Click OK and confirm by clicking Delete Files.

Note: This process may take a few minutes depending on how many files are removed.

Step 5: Move Large Files to External Storage or Cloud

If you have big files like videos, photos, or backups, consider moving them to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This clears your drive without deleting important data.

Connect an external hard drive or USB flash drive to your PC.
Open This PC and locate large files or folders.
Right-click the files and select Cut.
Navigate to your external drive, right-click inside the folder, and select Paste.
Verify the files copied successfully, then delete the originals from your PC.

Alternative: Use cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to upload large files and free up local space.

Step 6: Disable Hibernation to Save Space

Hibernation creates a file that can be several gigabytes in size. If you don’t use this feature, disabling it can save disk space.

Type Command Prompt in the search bar, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg -h off

This command disables hibernation and deletes the large hiberfil.sys file.

Warning: Disabling hibernation means you can’t use the sleep/hibernate feature until it’s turned back on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

You can use third-party tools like WinDirStat or TreeSize Free to visualize disk usage and find large files easily.

Is it safe to delete files from the Recycle Bin?

Yes, deleting files from the Recycle Bin permanently removes them from your PC, freeing up space. Make sure you don’t need those files before emptying it.

Will deleting temporary files affect my system?

No, temporary files are safe to delete as they are meant to help with short-term processes and won’t harm your system.

Can I free up space without deleting files?

Yes, moving files to external storage or using cloud services lets you keep your data without taking up local disk space.

How often should I run Storage Sense?

Running Storage Sense weekly is a good balance to keep your disk clean without frequent interruptions.

When Nothing Works

If your disk space problems persist after trying these steps, you may need to consider advanced options:

Upgrade your hard drive: Consider replacing your current drive with a larger SSD or HDD for more space and better performance.
Reset or reinstall Windows: Sometimes a clean installation fixes deep system issues but remember to back up all your data first.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support for personalized help.

Conclusion

Disk space issues on Windows 10 can be frustrating but are usually easy to resolve. By using built-in tools like Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup, uninstalling unused programs, deleting temporary files, and moving large files, you can free up significant space quickly and safely.

Remember to back up important files before making changes and use system tools carefully to avoid deleting anything important. If all else fails, upgrading your hardware or seeking official support are good next steps.

With these simple strategies, you can keep your Windows 10 PC running smoothly and avoid the headaches of full disk errors.