All users are divided into two categories. The first ones have everything neatly arranged in folders and every gigabyte of disk space is taken into account. For the latter, the wallpaper is not visible behind the shortcuts scribbled on the desktop. However, both categories of users may encounter the problem of lack of free disk space. Some will approach it systematically and in advance. Others will come to their senses when the OS issues a corresponding warning. Our tips on how to free up disk space « C" Windows 10, suitable for everyone.
Microsoft is well aware of the intricacies of the operating system and its ability to “clutter” the hard drive. In Windows 10, several tools are available to the user to remove its waste products. The first is called Disk Cleanup and is available in all versions based on the NT kernel.
Standard method
To launch it, perform the given sequence of actions in Explorer.
As a result of these manipulations, the properties window for the drive installed in the system will open.
So, we got to the cleaning mechanism. All groups of files that are listed in the list that opens can be safely deleted. As you tick the boxes, the system calculates the amount of freed up space. However, the utility's capabilities do not end there. Since we are going to carry out a total cleaning, we will also clean the system files.
The parameters indicated in the screenshot allow you to:
- Remove programs that have not been used for a long time. Selecting the first item "Clear", we will move to the standard software management menu. As a result, it works as an interactive reminder for especially forgetful users;
- The second point is much more interesting. If you have System Restore enabled on your computer, which creates restore points, you can delete them. In a long-running system, they can take up significant space.
Actions taken when selecting the second item will need to be confirmed additionally.
Go to the main tab and confirm the selection again.
The system is deleting temporary files. The operation time will depend on their volume and type of drive.
New cleaning menu
In addition to the classic method that we just looked at, a new one has appeared in Windows 10. To use it, let's go to the options menu.
We will use the search function as a universal option suitable for any user.
Select the item highlighted in the screenshot to go to the new system settings.
In the quick jump menu located on the left side, select the item "Vault". Click on the stylized image of the system disk, which shows how full it is.
Disk space usage statistics open, showing the size occupied by each file category. We are interested in deleting temporary files, so let's move on to the appropriate item.
We tick the required boxes and confirm our actions. After making sure that the operation is completed, we return back to the section "Vault". In it we still have one more option that has not been considered. Pay attention to the position of the slider in the “Memory Control” section. His position answers the question: why temporary files are not deleted, accumulating in the system over time. By default it is always disabled.
Move the slider to the on position to allow Windows to automatically clean up temporary files. Open the link "Change the way you release" and look at what exactly falls under the automation.
If you're not using the trash can as a storage area for unnecessary files, you can leave the sliders in the on position. Click on the highlighted button to make sure that there is no “garbage” left in the system. At this point, the cleaning can be considered complete.
Cleaning the system after updating
After the next Microsoft update, called the Fall Creators Update, Windows 10 received additional settings and the first elements of Fluent Design. The main changes concerned the optimization of the executable code and are practically invisible from the outside. That's where the good news ends. After installing it, the user may be faced with the fact that the disk "WITH" crowded.
Let's figure out where the space went after the update. First, let's see how long Windows 10 takes after installation. Open the system drive in Explorer.
Note the highlighted folder Windows.old – We will return to it a little later. Find the directory with the installed OS and right-click the context menu.
We are interested in the item marked in the screenshot. By clicking on it we will open the properties of the selected folder.
Now let's go back and check the size by analogy Windows.old.
Now you understand how it turned out that the disk is full.
At the time of installing the update, Windows makes a complete copy of the previous version so that the user can go back if something does not suit him. Microsoft allows 10 days for testing. After they expire, the copy should be deleted automatically. If there is really not enough space on the system disk, you need to delete the Windows.old folder before the allotted time.
We go to the section in which we configured the settings for automatic cleaning of temporary files.
After installing the Fall Creators Update, its appearance has changed somewhat. Auto-cleaning of the downloads folder has been added, and the sliders have been replaced with checkmarks. We go down and see additional options related to the latest OS update. To delete a saved copy, check the corresponding box and press the highlighted button. As a result, we get back almost 20 GB of disk space.
The order of interaction between the OS and RAM
A few more gigabytes can be taken away from the system by changing the way it works with memory. During operation, Windows creates and uses two hidden files with the “sys” extension:
- Pagefile- the so-called “swap file” or virtual RAM. To take advantage of RAM's processing speed advantages, non-urgent data is cached into it. By default, the size of this file is controlled by the operating system. If the amount of RAM is large enough, 8 GB or more, it is practically not used. The smaller the RAM value, the larger the page file becomes;
- Hiberfile- intended for storing the contents of RAM at the time of transition to “deep sleep” or hibernation mode. Accordingly, in order to successfully save information, it must have a size within 75% of RAM.
The use of the settings listed in this section depends on the tasks for which you are using the computer and its hardware configuration. The fight for free space should not come at the expense of performance.
Changing the size Pagefile
To change the size of the paging file, you will need to open system properties (Win + Pause / Break).
Select the marked item and move to the additional parameters window.
Go to the desired tab and open the performance parameters.
Change the tab again and move on to managing virtual memory.
We follow the sequence shown in the screenshot, first of all unchecking the automatic size selection. After this, the remaining items are activated. To determine how much space to allocate for pagefile, we will use the OS recommended value. In this case, we agree and reduce the size of the paging file by setting it to a fixed value. On click "OK" A warning will appear indicating that a reboot is required.
We confirm our decision. After restarting, the computer will use the limited amount of disk space allocated to it to organize virtual memory.
Disable hibernation
Users who prefer to turn off their PC after each work session can safely get rid of Hiberfile. It is worth warning that this may slightly increase the overall OS loading time. If ten seconds are not critical, then launch PowerShell in administrator mode.
The menu shown in the screenshot is called up by right-clicking on the button "Start". If you did not agree to switch to a new shell at one time, the command line will be located in this place. PowerShell has superior functionality, but using either tool will produce the same results.
Entering the command shown in the screenshot instantly deletes the Hiberfile from your hard drive. Replacement « off" on "on" returns it to its place. No reboot is required.
Compression mode
You already know how and what you can delete from the disk to free up space, without deleting programs. Let's look at another useful feature available in Windows 10. It's worth mentioning right away that it can be successfully used only on computers with a modern configuration. In this case, in accordance with Microsoft recommendations, the presence of an SSD as a storage device is implied. According to the technical documentation, the Compact OS feature is automatically enabled when it does not cause an overall performance hit.
The meaning of its work is to “transparently” compress system files. As a result, the space required to accommodate the OS on the drive is reduced. You can check whether compression is working on your computer using the following command (enter it on the command line or PowerShell):
compact /compactos:queryYou can see the result of its execution in the screenshots below.
Now let's see how much space it took to install Windows 10 in both cases.
It can be seen that in the right screenshot the space occupied by the OS on the disk is 2.5 GB less than the actual size of the folder.
The result fully corresponds to the declared one. In the documentation, Microsoft promises savings of 1.5 to 2.5 GB, depending on the bit depth.
If Compact OS does not start automatically, but you decide to check how it will work in your configuration, you can force it. In the above command, after the colon, type not « query", A "always". After some time spent on compactification, you will see the result.
We check how much space the system folder takes up to make sure the actions taken are effective.
If you are not satisfied with the result of operating the OS in a compressed state, you can perform the reverse process. Enter the parameter into the command after the colon « never" and return the system to its original state.
Third party cleaning programs
Users who are too lazy to do the work manually can use third-party programs to clean Windows. When installing such software, be sure to read the license agreement.
It says in black and white that developers are not responsible for the consequences of using the software.
Reg Organizer
The product is produced by domestic developers and is distributed on a paid basis. The cost of a personal license is 650 RUR. However, you can find version 7.52 from September 2016, which is free for non-commercial use.
You cannot update the program for free, but you can use it as much as you like.
The screenshot shows the main window with a list of options expanded on the left side. You can download the program on its official website.
CCleaner
The most popular utility among Windows users. Developed by the British company Piriform Limited and distributed under a shareware license. More than 50 languages are supported, including Russian. At the time of installation, it offers to additionally install the Chrome browser.
As you can see, the program offers quite a lot of possibilities. “Safe” items are checked. How inactive sections look, showing what can be deleted additionally.
In any program designed for automatic cleaning, the main thing is not to overdo it. Do not repeat the mistake of users who, having discovered the OS view settings, first of all try to delete hidden files. Mark only those items that you are sure of.
Finally
Reasonable use of the above methods will allow you not only to restore order to your computer one-time, but also to maintain its stable operation for a long time.
Video
For those users who like visual material, we have prepared a video on the topic.
Nowadays, one of the most valuable resources is memory. It stores files and programs necessary for work, leisure and entertainment. In computers, storage media are hard drives and their more modern analogues, solid-state drives. The classic option for allocating space on any computer is to allocate space for the operating system, where all programs are also installed, and to create partitions for storing photos, music, films and countless documents valuable to the user.
In the process of using a computer, a large number of different files are created on the system partition, which are necessary for the normal operating state of the operating system and its components. Many of them have an expiration date, which, upon expiration, makes previously created files completely useless. They take up valuable space, gradually filling up free space on the system partition, causing chaos in the file system.
The issue of saving space in partitions by destroying unnecessary data is quite relevant at the moment, so there are special utilities that can be finely tuned for maximum efficiency. Disk cleanup can also be performed using internal operating system tools, but first things first.
Method 1: CCleaner
There is probably no user who has not heard about this program. CCleaner is rightfully considered one of the simplest, but at the same time functional utilities for searching and removing temporary and irrelevant files from the system. There are a number of detailed settings that will help you customize this product completely to the user’s requirements, performing all the necessary operations.
- The program has a paid and free version. The latter is suitable for us; it has all the necessary functionality and is not limited in time of use. You need to download the installation file from the developer’s official website, double-click it and install it on the system, following the installer’s instructions.
- Open the program using the desktop shortcut. For convenience, install the Russian language by following the instructions in the screenshot below.
- Now go to the first tab of the program. On the left side of CCleaner, in both tabs, you need to configure the items that need to be removed during cleaning. The program has a competent Russian translation, even an inexperienced user will immediately understand what needs to be cleared. By default, certain data is selected for deletion, which means you can start cleaning right away. But it is recommended to carefully study each proposed option to free up space as efficiently as possible.
After the settings have been completed, you can click on the button "Analysis", the program will scan the data specified to it and show the exact size of the files that it will delete. Don't be surprised if their size exceeds several gigabytes.
- CCleaner has a built-in tool to fix errors in the system registry. At best, this will remove several kilobytes of unnecessary information, but will correct incorrect file associations, errors in startup and libraries, and check the functionality of services in the operating system. To search for errors in the registry, go to the second tab in the left panel of the program and at the bottom of the window, run the scan by clicking the button "Search for problems".
The program will check, it may take some time. After completion, the user will be presented with a list of problems found in the system. You can fix them using the button "Fix selected Issues".
You will be prompted to create a backup copy of the registry in case problems arise after the update. We confirm saving the copy.
Select a location to save the file. Its name will contain the date and exact time the backup was created.
After creating a backup, you can fix the problems found with one button.
The correction will also take some time, depending on the number of records found. We recommend that you restart your computer after the fix is complete.
- A large number of rarely used programs may be installed on the system. Removing them will significantly increase the amount of free space on the system disk, speed up the computer boot time and reduce the load on the OS.
In the left menu, go to the tab "Service". A little to the right of this menu will appear a list of tools that will be useful to us in the future. The first tool on the list will be "Remove programs"- a fairly accurate copy of a standard utility in the Windows environment, which will display a list of programs and components installed on the system. Find the software that you do not need on your computer, right-click on its name and select "Uninstallation", then follow the instructions of the standard uninstall program. Repeat this step for each unnecessary program.
After removing all unnecessary programs, it is advisable to carry out the cleaning described in point 3.
- Surely your browser has a large number of add-ons and plugins installed that you very rarely use. Not only do they take up space on the system disk, but they also significantly slow down the browser itself. Immediately carry out general cleaning using a tool "Browser Add-ons", which is located just below the previous one. If several browsers are installed on the system, you can navigate between the list of their add-ons in horizontal tabs.
- To more clearly study the list of files that take up space on the system partition, you can use the utility "Disk Analysis". It allows you to use checkboxes to indicate the types of files that we need to find on the disk.
The scanning will take some time, after which the results will be displayed in the form of a simple diagram. In the list of categories you can view the percentage of available files, their total volume and number. When you select a specific category, just below you will see a list of these files in decreasing order of size - an ideal way to identify the scoundrels who are stealing free space from the user. Before analyzing the disks, it is strongly recommended that you clean up temporary files, which was described in point 3 - the program finds a huge number of files that are currently located in temporary folders and will soon be deleted. The information is correct, but useless.
- Once the cleaning is complete, all temporary files of the operating system and programs installed on the computer will be deleted. They take up most of the space, but with CCleaner you can free up even more space by removing duplicate files. Identical files may appear if, instead of moving from one directory to another, the files were copied. It is useless to keep two copies of the same data, but they can take up a lot of space.
Here you will have to be careful. If identical files are found in the directory of a program, then it is better to refrain from deleting it so as not to disrupt the functionality of the latter. Select files that can definitely be deleted one by one with the left mouse button, clicking on the empty checkmarks to the left of the names, then in the lower right part of the program window, click the button "Remove selected". Be careful - this action is irreversible.
- Forgotten and irrelevant recovery points can take up a lot of space - the size can be literally tens of gigabytes (if you don’t know what recovery points are and why they are needed, we recommend reading). Using a tool "System Restore" review the list of restore points. Delete the unnecessary ones, leave 1-2, just in case. To delete, select unnecessary ones, then click on the button below "Delete".
Method 2: Manually removing unnecessary files
You can free the system partition without third-party utilities. This method has both advantages and disadvantages; the details will be discussed below.
- A huge number of users store collections of music, movies and photos directly on the system partition. It is strictly not recommended to do this, because... If the operating system malfunctions, precious collections are at risk. Move them to an adjacent partition; if there is none, split the hard drive into partitions of the required partition (check out this material).
Right-click on the folder in which the large files are located, in the context menu that opens, select "Cut out".
Then open another section, right-click on an empty space, select from the context menu "Insert".
Moving multimedia files will significantly relieve the load on the system partition.
- How long has it been since you cleaned "Basket"? These files do not hang in the air, but lie on the same system partition, just in a different folder. Final cleaning of deleted files can suddenly add a gigabyte or two of free space.
Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and click on "Empty trash".
Increasing the size of drives does not always avoid the question of how to clear drive C of unnecessary files.
Checking occupied space
Another way to more accurately determine the space occupied by programs is using a special utility called WinDIRStat - free and available in several languages, including Russian.
Detailed analysis of data on drive C
By scanning drive C with this program, you can get detailed information about the space occupied by files and folders.
Perhaps with their help you will be able to find old and unused movies, disk images or games, erasing them and saving extra space.
Moreover, it’s unlikely that anyone will watch a film lasting an hour and a half and measuring 1 gigabyte, and the game programs are most likely long outdated.
Deleting temporary files
A fairly useful utility for Windows, Disk Cleanup, deletes only temporary files created by , without touching those that were created as a result of other programs.
However, some browsers on which the user works for a long time can create a cache of several gigabytes on the system disk.
You can solve the problem by installing and running a special utility CCleaner, downloaded from the website of the developer company. Its advantages:
- Search for data that other cleaning programs do not see;
- Intuitive interface;
- Possibility of free use.
CCleaner program
To clean temporary files that are not deleted by built-in Windows tools, you can also use applications like:
- Disk Cleaner utilities;
- TuneUp Utilities software package;
- RevoUninstaller Applications.
Additional cleaning methods
In cases where all of the above options did not help add space on the system disk, you should use additional methods, including:
- Increasing the volume of the system partition at the expense of the others (in this case, the combined local disk must be located on the same HDD).
There are a number of programs for this, although when using them it is better to make a copy of important information from the partitions being connected; - Moving folders with music and movies from drive C (including the desktop). On the desktop you should leave only shortcuts to directories that will be located in other sections of the HDD;
- Removing duplicate files, if there are any on your computer.
This can be done manually or using a special program downloaded free of charge from the manufacturer’s website Duplicate Killer, which detects and deletes completely identical images, videos or folders; - Cleaning the “Downloads” folder, which may also contain programs that have not been used for a long time;
- Reducing the amount of space allocated for information for restoring the operating system;
- Disabling hibernation, a mode that saves data from RAM on the hard drive and takes up approximately the same amount of space as the RAM itself.
The function is disabled in two ways: by entering Powercfg /Hibernate off on the command line or by setting the zero parameter in the additional power options (Start - Control Panel - Power Options).
Cleaning for Windows 10
All of the previously mentioned disk cleaning methods apply to any version of Windows. However, there are also those that can only be used in the latter.
In Windows 10, several additional utilities have appeared to gain additional space on the system disk by deleting unnecessary files and folders.
Storage
First of all, the user of this OS should try to clean up the C drive using the “Storage” settings available in the “All Settings” menu (called by clicking on the system notification icon or pressing the “Win” and “I” keys simultaneously) when selecting the “ System".
Windows 10 Storage Settings
This settings section allows you to view the amount of space occupied by programs, music, images, videos and documents.
Here you can install a disk on which the corresponding files will be automatically installed, which will help avoid filling up the system partition.
System disk memory usage
For example, from this list you can select temporary files that are no longer needed and should be deleted to free up space.
Among them is information from the system recycle bin and boot folders, which can be easily deleted directly from this menu.
Also, when viewing “Storage”, you can see the sizes of each of the system files, including the swap file, system restore and hibernation.
The last two can be deleted, although this may lead to data loss if there is a problem with the system.
The Applications and Games section contains information about the programs installed on the PC, including the amount of space they occupy. Some of them can only be deleted.
But those that were installed from the Windows 10 Store are also moved to other drives, freeing up space on the system drive.
Compress hibernation file and OS files
In the 10th version of the Windows operating system, a special Compact OS utility appeared, which compresses system files and reduces the space they occupy in the system partition.
According to the software manufacturer, running it on a fairly powerful computer does not affect its performance at all.
In this case, enable the compression function by launching the command line through “Start” and entering the command: compact /compactos:query Sometimes it allows you to free up to 2 GB.
The ability to compress the hibernation file has also been increased.
If in previous versions of Windows it was only turned off, freeing up space approximately equal to the PC's RAM, but also removing some of the functions for quick startup, now you can even reduce its size.
In this case, a quick start will be possible, but the hibernation file will take up less space.
Moving Applications
Windows 10 comes with several standard utilities and applications such as OneNote, mail, calendar and weather monitoring.
They are removed from the Start menu, but not always removed from the list of all applications.
And there is no delete option for them in the context menu. Yet programs are relatively easy to remove using PowerShell commands.
Launching PowerShell
Features of saving space
Another way to save space in the system partition is not to clutter it with unnecessary information, and especially with applications.
Moreover, other disks are usually intended for them - this is convenient not only for saving space, but also in case the need arises to reinstall the system.
In non-system partitions, files have a better chance of being saved if, for example, you have to install a new Windows.
By default, any program is installed on drive C, taking up space reserved for system applications.
Therefore, it is advisable to change its location at the very beginning of installation to a directory on another disk.
This is especially important for modern games, which sometimes take up as much space as all Windows system files.
How to clean drive C? Disk Cleanup in Windows 7
How to clean drive C from unnecessary files: Best ways
The free space of drive C is constantly decreasing during the operation of Windows. Regardless of the user's actions - whether he wants it or not. Temporary files, archives, cookies and browser caches and other program elements, having completed their one-time mission (updating, installation, unpacking), settle in the folders of partition C. Plus, useful megabytes and gigabytes are absorbed by some functional modules of Windows.
The first remedy for such “clutter” is a comprehensive cleanup of the C drive. It must be performed regularly and in a timely manner. Otherwise, the partition will become full, and you will not be able to fully use the OS and, accordingly, the PC. Windows will constantly interrupt your work with warning messages - "out of memory". It will become impossible to watch videos online, since the browser will not be able to save content downloaded from the server on the computer. Other troubles may also occur.
Getting started cleaning drive C: what you need to know and do
Removing any unnecessary elements from a disk is a very delicate procedure. Requires increased caution and attention from the user. “Cleaning” should not harm the OS.
Deleting files in folders is contraindicated:
- Windows (the heart of the OS - all its components are stored here);
- Boot (system boot files);
- ProgramData (entirely impossible! installed applications may not launch);
- ProgramFiles (installed software);
- Users (user data).
Some folders that need to be “cleaned” are hidden by default, that is, they are not displayed in directories. To get to them, do the following:
1. Press the key combination “Win + E” at the same time.
2. In the Computer window, press the Alt key.
3. A horizontal menu will appear at the top of the window. Hover over the "Service" section. In the submenu, click “Folder Options...”.
4. In the Options settings, go to the View tab.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the list of options in the "Advanced Options:" section.
6. Uncheck the box next to “Hide protected system...". Click on the “Show hidden files...” radio button.
7. Click OK.
Where to start cleaning drive C?
First of all, you need to empty the trash:
- hover over its icon;
- click the right mouse button;
- Select “Empty Trash” from the menu.
Large and small files, regardless of which partition they are stored in (drive D, E or C), after deletion, are sent to C:\RECYCLER, the “Trash” file. As a result, the free space of the system partition decreases. Deleting a large video file or image (for example, an iso file) when there is a shortage of extra gigabytes can easily lead to the C drive becoming full.
Advice! Before emptying the Recycle Bin, scan your desktop for unnecessary shortcuts. Their sizes are not large, but the fewer useless files there are, the better.
Disk cleanup using standard Windows utility
1. Click the Start icon.
2. In the right column, click Computer.
3. Right-click on the C drive icon. Select “Properties” from the menu.
4. In the properties panel, on the “General” tab, click the “Disk Cleanup” button.
5. Wait a little while the system checks the directories for unnecessary files.
6. Next, in the “Delete the following files” section, select which elements to delete and which to leave (check the boxes).
7. Click “Clean up system files”, and then click “OK”.
Note. The use of this utility can be limited if there are no severe “clogs” in the system. When you need to clear 2, 3, 5 or more GB, you need to perform several more procedures, which include not only deleting individual files, but also changing OS settings.
Removing unnecessary files from system folders
Quite often, users, without knowing it, “put” content and software into special OS folders designed to store various information: “Downloads”, “Images”, “My videos”, etc. Many programs and browsers by default (without changing the initial settings) send data to these directories.
Open them one by one and remove everything unnecessary. Move files that are of particular value to you to a logical partition (for example, drive D, E).
Advice! Be bold. Here you can delete any element, and Windows will not suffer from it.
Temp folder
One of the main sources of OS clogging. It contains antiviruses, drivers, applications, and games. This happens during updates and installations. After tasks are completed, the completed files remain in “Temp”. Of course, they need to be removed from there periodically.
1. On drive C, go to the “Users” folder.
2. Click the folder with your account name (username).
3. Then go to "AppData".
4. In the “Local” directory, open the “Temp” folder.
5. Empty it completely (send all files/folders to the trash).
Advice! If you use the “Total Commander” file manager: create a new tab (key combination “Ctrl” + “up arrow”) and go to the Temp folder. This way, you will always have its contents in sight.
Disabling the page file
Pagefile.sys is the OS virtual memory. When RAM (random access memory) resources run out, the system saves the out-of-place data to this file. If your PC has more than 4.6 or 8 GB of RAM, the “Pagefile.sys” container can be disabled. It takes up approximately the same amount of disk space as RAM. For example, if your PC configuration has 16 GB of RAM, then Pagefile.sys will be about the same.
To disable the page file:
1. Through “Start” (Win icon) open “Control Panel”.
2. Under System and Security, select System.
3. In the settings window, click “Advanced options...”.
4. In the System Properties panel, on the Advanced tab, click Options.
5. In the “Performance Options” option, on the “Advanced” tab, in the “Virtual Memory” section, activate “Change...”.
6. In the “Virtual Memory” window:
- select drive C;
- Click on the “No paging file” radio button;
- Click the “Set” button, and then click “OK”.
7. Restart your PC.
Hibernation Disables
Hibernation is a type of sleep mode: when the user is inactive for a certain period of time, the OS saves all settings in a special file hiberfil.sys. Windows, like Pagefile.sys, reserves free space for it in C equal to the amount of RAM.
Therefore, if you do not use hibernation mode, it is better to disable it.
1. Press "Win + R".
2. Type "CMD", press "ENTER".
3. In the command line console, enter “powercfg -h off” (without quotes), then “ENTER”.
4. Restart the OS.
Using third party utilities
Cleaning the C drive can easily be “entrusted” to a special cleaning program, for example, CCleaner. It can automatically empty the recycle bin, memory dumps, clipboard, delete temporary files (cookies and cache) of popular browsers, and also perform many other operations to remove system “junk”.
Always monitor the capacity of disk C. Do not allow it to become full. Delete unnecessary files not only to free up disk space, but also for prevention.
Good luck! Let your PC store only useful information.
Hard drives are getting bigger and bigger, but somehow they always fill up. This is especially true if you're using a solid-state drive (SSD), which offers much less hard drive space than traditional mechanical hard drives.
Empty trash
Fig No. 1. Empty trash.When you delete items, such as files and photos, from your computer, they are not immediately deleted. Instead, they are placed in the Recycle Bin and continue to take up valuable hard drive space. To empty the Trash, go to your desktop, right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash. A warning pop-up will appear if you are sure you want to permanently delete the contents of your Trash. Click "Yes" to continue.
Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in Disk Cleanup utility (precisely called Disk Cleanup) that will help you clean up space by deleting various files, including temporary internet files, system error dump files, and even previous Windows installations that may still be on your drive.
Fig No. 2. Disk cleanup. You can find Disk Cleanup in the Start menu under All Apps > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. Select the drive you want to clean, click OK.
Click the Disk Cleanup button in the disk properties window.
Figure No. 3.0. Disk cleanup. After clicking on the “Clean up Disk” button, the Disk Cleanup program will calculate how much space you can free up. This process can last from a few seconds to several minutes. In general, the more cluttered your hard drive is, the longer it takes to scan.
Figure No. 3.1. Site assessment. Select the file types you want to delete and click OK. This includes temporary files, log files, files in the Recycle Bin, and other unimportant files. When you're ready, click OK to delete. Make sure you check the drawers for each of the file categories you want to clean out. Confirm that you want to delete these files.
You can also clean up system files that are not listed here. Click clean system files button if you also want to delete system files.
Fig No. 4. Clean up system files. Wait while Disk Cleanup calculates how much space you can free up. This process can last from a few seconds to several minutes. In general, the more cluttered your hard drive is, the longer it takes to scan.
Fig No. 5. Site assessment. After this, you will have the “Advanced” tab in which you can clear “System Restore and Shadow Copies” to delete system recovery data. This button deletes everything except the most recent restore point, so make sure your computer is working properly before using it - you won't be able to use older system restore points.
Figure No. 6. Free up additional disk space. You can also clear “Programs and Features” by clicking on the top “Clear” button shown in Figure 6, or follow the following path “Start”> “Control Panel”> “Programs and Features” or “Uninstall Programs”.
The following window will open in which you can remove all unused or unnecessary programs.
Fig No. 7. Removing programs. Wait until the list of all programs installed on your computer is updated. Look at programs that take up a lot of space and are not used at all. Select the program and click the Uninstall button.
Expand drive "C" with drive "D" without third-party software.
This method is only suitable if you do not have important data on the “d” drive and you can format it all. Open Windows Disk Management. Press the key combination “Win + R” on the keyboard, the “Run” window will appear, enter the command “diskmgmt.msc” and press the Enter key.
In the window that opens, we tear out the disk on which there is no necessary information and by right-clicking, a properties window will open where you need to select “Delete volume”.
After this, free space will appear in which you need to delete partitions to expand the “C” drive, right-click on the free space and select “Delete partitions”.
The Volume Expansion Wizard will open, allowing you to increase the size of simple or spanned volumes. Click the Next button. In the next window you need to select the size by which you can increase the “C” drive. Next, click the “next” and “ready” button. And we see that there is more space on drive C.
Next, you need to create a new disk D. Right-click on “Unallocated”, select “create a new volume...” > “Next”, select the disk size “D” > “Next” > Select the drive letter, “Next” > “Next” " > "Ready."
Video on how to enlarge drive C
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