It is always handy to know about ways to free up more disk space. No matter how large the hard drive seems to get with technology’ squeezing into minute spaces’, there always seems to be the need for more. This problem tends to climb a notch above if you are dealing with Solid-State Drive or the SSD, as it offers less hard drive space than the mechanical versions. So, let us take a look at some of the effective ways to spruce up more space on your Windows:
The best thing about Windows is that it is pretty thoughtful about the requirements that the users might encounter.
Method 1: To offer a quick solution for the cramped-up disk space, you can simply run the ‘Disk Clean Up’ in the ‘Start Menu’ itself. This will automatically do the task for you.
Method 2: Go to your Hard drives on the Computer Windows
- ‘Right-Click’ on the required Hard Drive.
- Select ‘Properties’.
- Click on ‘Disk-Cleanup’.
- Select the files you want ‘Deleted.’
- Click ‘OK’.
Method 3: In case you also want to clean up the ‘System Files’ that are not included in the previous list.
For this, go to:
- Disk Clean up.
- Click on ‘Clean up system files.
- Click ‘OK’.
Method 4: To get rid of the ‘Restore Data.’
- Go to ‘Disk Clean up’ Window.
- Click on ‘More Options’.
- Click on ‘Clean up on the ‘System Restore and Shadow Copies’.
- This will delete all the system restore data except the more recent restore points.
2. The Hunger Games
Did you know that certain apps are greedy for more spaces? The worst part is that most users install them without realizing the ‘space crunch’ thus caused. So, one of the best ways to free up more disk space is to:
Method 1:
- Go to the ‘Programs and Features Control Panel’.
- Click on the ‘Size’ Panel.
- This will offer you the exact idea about how much space each program or app is using up.
Method 2:
- Go to ‘Start Menu’.
- Click on ‘Uninstall Programs’.
- Click on the ‘Options Button’ on the top right corner of the list.
- Select ‘Details view.’
While this method is quite easy nevertheless, there are chances that the details available might not be accurate. Some apps display ‘less size occupied’ but are covering larger spaces.
Method 3: Alternatively, one could also run a third-party uninstaller to ensure all the unwanted files are finally deleted.
Method 4: In case you want to free up more disk space on Windows 10, you can:
- Open PC settings.
- Go to ‘Apps & features.
- You can remove Windows Store apps or even regular app.
3. The Disk Space
Among the other tips to free up more disk space on windows is to utilize the hard disk analysis program. The purpose of these applications is to scan your hard drive and display the space and size occupied by the files and the folders. This way, it will be easy to clearly ‘see’ what and how much space is being occupied by the files and folders; so that you do not end up deleting the more important ones. This includes not touching the ‘System files’ and going for the ‘Personal data files’. The main advantage of the disk analysis program is that it tells the ‘truth’ about how much space is being taken up. Now you can simply delete it if required.
4. The Temporary Files
While cleaning up is going great all this while, what are you going to do with the temporary files that are utilized by other Programs? For example, what are you going to do about the caches from Firefox or the Chrome browser? For this, you will need to try out the ‘Junk File Cleaning up’ to do, which can easily clean up the junk files piling up due to the third-party programs, and also includes the Windows files that the Disk Clean up would not be able to.
5. The Duplicate
Getting hold of the duplicate file-finder is yet another effective way to free up more disk space. This works by scanning the hard drive for duplicate files that are not important and need to be deleted.
6. Space Utilized for System Restore
Most times, we do not realize but, it is the system Restore itself that has been chewing up all the space in your PC. To avoid this, you will have to reduce the amount of Space system restoration utilized. For this
- Go to ‘Restore Settings’.
- Check out the ‘Disk Space Usage’.
Thus, by adjusting the above setting, you will be able to control the amount of disk space you wish to offer to System Protection.
7. The Nuclear Options
These are not-quite safe methods to free up disk space on windows. But in case of a situation you need more space you can do so by:
Disable Hibernation: As and when you activate the ‘Hibernation‘, the content from the RAM is saved onto the Hard Drive. This way, the system state is saved without utilizing Power. In case you wish to avoid unwanted space occupied, you can do so by:
- Go to C:\hiberfil.sys file; this is where the RAM contents are saved.
- Disable the Hibernate entirely and remove the file.
8. Disable System Restore
In case you wish to enhance space from your hard disk and all the other methods do not appear effective, you can opt to disable the System Restore completely.
Effective Ways To Free Up More Disk Space On Windows: The Conclusion
These were some of the easy and simple methods to clear up disk space from your Windows. The best part is that most of these are quite economical as well. So, roll up your sleeves and get started with clearing up all you need to without running to the ‘tech-guy’ and spending a bomb every time.