No matter what size of drive C: you set, no matter how regularly you clean your computer of debris, sooner or later you will definitely encounter this annoying window at the bottom right: “There is not enough space on drive C...”. About the reasons for this error in Windows 7 and ways to increase free space on system disk will be discussed below.
Causes
So, there are several factors that influence the amount of free space on system drive C. The most obvious one is . However, they “eat up” much more space on the system partition. applications and Windows services that you don't even know about. This includes the browser cache, memory dump files, hibernation mode, and so on, and so on, and so on. No matter how often you perform the standard procedure disk cleanup, it will still be constantly “clogged”. Below we will try to give an exhaustive number of solutions that can significantly free up disk space.
First, let's start with the most obvious way to solve the problem - the standard disk cleanup procedure. To launch the utility, open Computer, right-click on drive C, select Properties -> Disk Cleanup.
Wait while the program calculates the possible amount of freed space. In the window that opens, check absolutely all the boxes. It will be displayed at the bottom right volume of freed space. However, the specified number will not always correspond to the actual amount of freed disk space. This happens because some programs still use temporary files in the background and delete them in this moment impossible.
Click “OK” and in a moment your system disk will be replenished with some free space. If you are not satisfied with the result, move on to the next step.
Cleaning up user files
User files— files and folders with files created by you on the system disk. What are the possible places for “garbage accumulation” on the C: drive? First of all, this Desktop.
To find out how much space files take up on your Desktop, open your Computer and go to Drive C -> Users -> [Username] and find the folder Desktop. Call its properties and see the amount of memory occupied. Ideally, the number should be in kilobytes, not megabytes or, God forbid, gigabytes. Try to make sure that they remain on the desktop LABEL ONLY the programs you need. Move music, movies and other garbage to other local drives.
The next "garbage dump" is folders "Video", "Documentation", "Images" And "Music" In chapter "Libraries" Computer window (in the left panel). Carefully check the contents of these directories and, if necessary, move files to other drives. Storing information in these places, in addition, can significantly slow down the system due to fragmentation files.
So, why stop there, let's make room further.
Clearing temporary files
Much more space on the system partition is occupied by files that you don’t even know about. This temporary files, created by almost all running applications. Programs for working with computers especially like to “litter” large data sets- video, audio, all kinds of archivers, etc. Take, for example, the same WinRar, which, when opened, unpacks archives into temporary directories on the C: drive.
So, there are two main folders for temporary files. They are located at the following addresses:
C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Temp\
All you need is to empty these folders. The contents of the first one can be deleted in the usual way by using Computer. The second directory is usually hidden from the user, so you can get to it by manually entering the path in the Explorer address bar, or by installing the program Total Commander and turning on display of hidden/system files ( Configuration -> Settings -> Panel contents -> Show hidden/ system files ). After deleting files, do not forget Empty trash.
These are the main, most obvious ways to clean up a disk. Now let's talk about additional measures that are not necessary, but with their help you can replenish your free space with gigabytes.
Disabling Windows Update
The purpose was always unclear to me Windows updates. Huge amounts of data that often have no practical use. By default, it is enabled on the computer Automatic update. This means that almost every day the amount of free space is reduced by 200-300 MB.
Due to our problem, we, of course, will not delete already installed updates, but we will free up a couple of gigabytes downloaded to the computer, but not yet installed. But first we need to disable the function automatic update. To do this we call Computer Properties(right-click on the Computer icon on the Desktop and select the appropriate item). In the Properties window go to Center Windows updates-> Setting parameters. Select from the drop-down list "Don't check for updates".
Disabling Hibernation and deleting the hiberfil.sys file
Hibernation- this is the so-called Sleep mode, - a state when the contents random access memory written to file hiberfil.sys on the system disk, and the computer itself turns off completely. After switching on occurs reverse process and The computer starts, keeping all applications that were running open.
Depending on the amount of RAM, the hiberfil.sys file may have different size, ranging from 1-4 GB. You can sacrifice the Hibernation feature, but you will save a lot of disk space.
To disable Hibernation and delete the hiberfil.sys file, follow these steps:
- Go to Control Panel -> Power Options -> Sleep Mode Settings;
- In the dropdown list « Put your computer into sleep mode" select « Never" and save the changes;
- Open Start, enter the word "cmd" and in the search results run Command line on behalf of the Administrator (right-click on the icon "cmd" and select "Run as Administrator")
- In the window, enter the command powercfg -h off and press ENTER.
After a reboot, there will obviously be more free space on the C: drive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to add that it is enough effective way clear free space on drive C: is clearing your browser cache. You can find out how to do this online, but keep in mind that after some time this garbage will appear on the disk again, so do not forget to clean it periodically.
Try to maintain order on your Computer and then you will always know what, where and how much space on your disk takes up. As always, we hope that the article was useful. We write comments, like, repost on social media. networks and share with friends!
As using Windows Temporary files accumulate on the disk system programs, contents of the recycle bin, old OS recovery images and other data. You can delete them.
In Explorer, right-click on the system drive (usually drive C) and select Properties → Disk Cleanup. In the next window, mark the items that take up the most space, click OK and confirm deletion.
To erase even more temporary files, including update data and outdated restore points, click Disk Cleanup again and click Clean up system files. Mark the largest objects in the list that appears and delete them. Then go to the Advanced tab, click Clean up under System Restore and Shadow Copies and confirm deletion.
It is especially useful to perform such cleaning after updates, since a large backup copy may remain on the computer previous version Windows.
Browsers and other installed programs fill the system with temporary files over time. Sometimes this data can take up a significant amount of storage space. But you can quickly get rid of such garbage with the help free utilities like .
There may be large files on your computer that you do not need and are just wasting disk space. Searching for them manually is a thankless task. Moreover, there are programs that analyze the disk and display a list of all folders and files on the computer, ordered by size. Use one of them to find and remove unnecessary objects.
Over the years of using a computer, duplicates usually accumulate on it: accidentally copied pictures, songs downloaded several times, and other objects. You don't need these copies, and together they can take up significant storage space. To avoid searching for them yourself, use one of these to find and remove duplicate files.
Windows 10 comes with a built-in Compact OS utility that can make your system smaller. This happens by removing unnecessary OS elements and compressing the remaining data. This way you can free up to 6 GB on the local drive where Windows is installed (usually drive C). If you're interested, back up your important data just in case and use .
Increasing the size of drives does not always avoid the question of how to clear drive C from 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 game programs, most likely, are outdated long ago.
Deleting temporary files
Enough useful utility for Windows, Disk Cleanup deletes only temporary files created by , without touching those that were created as a result of running 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 up temporary files that are not deleted by built-in using Windows, 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 rest (at the same time, the combined local disk must be on the same HDD).
There are a number of programs for this, although if using them it is better to make a copy important information from connected sections; - 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 recovery information 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 operating Windows systems A special Compact OS utility has appeared that compresses system files and reduces the space they occupy in the system partition.
According to the software manufacturer, it works well enough powerful computer does not affect its performance at all.
In this case, enabling the compression function by launching command line via “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 increased.
If in the past Windows versions it 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.
Wherein quick start will be possible, but the hibernation file will take up less space.
Moving Applications
IN Windows system 10 installed 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 in context menu There is no deletion option for them. 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: The best ways
Nowadays, one of the most valuable resources is memory. It stores files and programs necessary for work, leisure and entertainment. Memory media in computers are hard disks 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 in currently, therefore there are special utilities, which 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 detailed settings, which will help to 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 from the official website of the developer installation file, run it double click mouse and install it into 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 Exact size 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. This will remove a few kilobytes at best. unnecessary information, however, it 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 creation backup copy.
After creating a backup, you can fix the problems found with one button.
The fix will also take certain 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 the standard utility in 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 standard program removal. Repeat this step for each unnecessary program.
After deleting 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 the next section, if there is none, split them HDD into sections of the required section (study 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 deleted files suddenly it can add a gigabyte or two of free space.
Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and click on "Empty trash".
The capacity of any hard drive is limited. Even if it holds a terabyte of data, sooner or later the free space will run out. The question arises: how to free up space on the C drive. Why C? Because this is the system partition on the hard drive. Installed programs and important system files are stored here. Other sections are usually used to store information that can be easily deleted if desired.
If you want your system not to slow down and work without failures, and to always have at least a little free space on your hard drive, then it will be very useful for you to learn how to free up occupied space on drive C.
The main work will be carried out without the use of additional software. Windows OS developers have come up with a large number of possibilities so that every user can maintain system cleanliness and order.
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Working with disk properties
To use one of the built-in tools, you need to go through My Computer to the properties of partition C. On the General tab, next to the pie graph showing the ratio of free and used space, there is a Disk Cleanup button.
After clicking this button, an analysis of files and places on the computer that can be cleaned will begin. Then a special window will appear where all the data that can be deleted will be displayed, indicating the size. You need to check the boxes next to the files that you want to remove from the system.
This tool can also be launched using the Run menu. It enters the cleanmgr command, which opens the Disk Cleanup window. This command works the same in all versions of Windows OS, allowing you to successfully solve the storage problem unnecessary entries, in which space on the C drive is lost.
Defragmentation
In the properties of the system partition C, in addition to cleaning, there is another interesting tool - defragmentation. You can find it in the Service tab.
Using the Defragment button, you can optimize the location of files and compress them if they have not been used for a long time. This allows you to solve the problem when there is not enough free disk space to write new data.
After starting the defragmentation process, you will have to wait a little. It is difficult to name a specific time, since it depends on the size of the system partition, but it is better to step away from the computer and not perform any further actions. It is recommended to defragment 3-4 times a year to prevent the system from becoming too cluttered.
If there is nothing left to delete, there is still no space, and free disk space is vital in the near future, you can use another option - compressing partition C. This procedure allows you to quite successfully solve the question of how to free up space on the system drive C, but it does not recommended for regular use, which will be discussed in detail below.
To do this procedure you need:
- Open Disk C Properties
- On the General tab, check the box next to Shrink disk to save space
- Confirm your intentions
- Apply this operation to C:\ and all sub-files and folders
The compression procedure will take from 10 minutes to half an hour. The result will be a noticeable increase in the amount of free space in the system.
Why extreme cleaning is not the best solution
The fact is that during compression all files are archived. Therefore, before opening a file, the system first unpacks it, and only then performs any actions. Unnecessary movements lead to the fact that the computer’s performance decreases, and the system begins to slow down mercilessly.
Therefore, if you still had to resort to compression, disable this function as soon as possible. This is done according to the same principle as turning it on, only the checkbox must be unchecked.
Cleaning up folders and other ways to increase disk space
We looked at the tools that you can use directly in the properties of the system partition. Let's move on to exploring other methods. If there is very little space on drive C, it is recommended to use as many cleaning options as possible.
Organize your Temp folder
While surfing the web, as well as when installing programs, temporary files accumulate. They are often the reason why space on drive C disappears. To delete them, you need to go to Windows folder. Here you need to find Temp folder, in which temporary files are stored. However, it cannot be deleted - it is an important element for the correct operation of the system.
But you can successfully clean the contents with it. To do this you need:
- Select the contents of a folder by pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A
- Call up menu by pressing right button mice
- Select Delete and then confirm the action
Empty your Downloads folder
After performing the steps listed above, practically nothing has changed and still you are losing free space on the C drive? Then we’ll explore further the folders that can be cleaned.
Installers downloaded from the Internet various programs, torrent files, saved documents - all this remains in the Downloads folder and takes up space. Go through My Computer to the Downloads folder and see what files have accumulated there. Transfer everything you need to drive D, and delete what you don’t need.
Compressed attribute
You can compress each folder separately. This is done through Folder Options, where you need to find Attributes on the General tab and click the Other button. The Additional attributes window will appear, in which you need to check the box next to the Compress contents function.
After clicking OK, the system will offer to apply the compression function to all files attached to the folder. Indicate your consent by clicking Yes and wait - the process may take a little longer.
Compressed folders will automatically be marked in blue. Every 50 GB of compressed data yields approximately 2 GB of free space - the final result depends on the type of files, as well as the ability to compress them.
Hibernation mode allows you to put your computer into sleep mode. At the same time, all applications remain open. Immediately after resuming work, everything open files will be ready to work. The function is quite convenient, but not so indispensable, especially if there is little space on the C drive.
Hibernation takes up a certain amount of free space just for its needs - not that much, but if the count is in megabytes, then quite noticeable. Therefore, disabling it will be a very good step towards increasing the amount of unallocated disk space.
You can disable hibernation using the command line Windows strings. Open it through the Start menu and enter the command powercfg.exe -h off. Press Enter and restart the system.
The computer can no longer be put into sleep mode, but there will be a little more free space.
Reducing the amount allocated for system recovery
Another way to solve the problem is how to free up occupied space on drive C. System restore checkpoints take up little space, but if there are a lot of them, the volume can be impressive.
But you can’t completely disable System Restore - checkpoints can come in handy if any problems arise with drivers or installed programs. However, you can optimize your disk space a little.
Press the combination Win+Pause - the System window will open. Go to the Advanced Settings page, then go to the System Protection tab. Select system partition C, click the Configure button.
In the window that appears at the bottom, you will see a slider that allows you to set the maximum volume that will be used by the system protection function. Set it to the minimum value.
You can also delete specific recovery checkpoints. Directly below the slider there is a Delete button, after clicking which another window will open. All available system restore points will be listed here. Don't delete everything - leave at least one, the most recent one.
Clearing cache and browser history
Each browser has a cache - a kind of report on the web pages viewed, allowing quick access to them.
In most browsers, to clear, just press the key combination Ctrl+Shift+Del. A special window opens where you can select a specific period (from the last hour to the entire history), as well as the elements that need to be deleted.
You can also get to the cleaning menu through settings. It is located in History or Journal (depending on what browser you use).
But if you use multiple browsers or just don't feel like fiddling with settings, try using CCleaner. Exactly this popular application to clear browser cache system registry.
Working with the program is extremely simple - you download its free version, which is distributed without restrictions, install and run. As noted above, CCleaner has two main functions - clearing the cache and fixing errors in the registry.
There is no point in describing in detail the principle of operation. Just click the Analyze button to have the program scan all available browsers, looking for files that can be deleted without damaging the system. When the first stage of work is completed, click the Clear button - all entries from the browser history will be deleted.
Don't forget to use the system registry error correction features. It allows you to maintain your computer's performance at a high level.
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