Windows 11 Storage Management: Free Up Space with Disk Cleanup & Storage Sense

2. Storage Sense

Storage Sense is Windows 11's automated space management tool. It automatically removes unnecessary files when you're running low on space or according to a scheduled routine.

How to Enable Storage Sense

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Navigate to System → Storage
3. Toggle on Storage Sense
4. Click the arrow to configure advanced options

Configuration Options

3. Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a classic Windows tool that remains highly effective for removing system files and freeing up significant space.

Steps to Use Disk Cleanup

1. Press Windows + S and search for "Disk Cleanup"
2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:)
3. Wait while Windows calculates the space that can be freed
4. Check the categories you want to delete
5. Click "Clean up system files" for advanced options
6. Confirm and click OK

4. Remove Temporary Files

Windows 11 lets you view and delete temporary files directly from Settings, giving you granular control over what to remove.

From Settings

1. Open Settings → System → Storage
2. Click on Temporary files
3. Wait while Windows scans the files
4. Review and select categories to delete
5. Click Remove files

Temporary File Categories

• Temporary Internet Files: Edge browser cache
• Thumbnails: Image previews in File Explorer
• Windows error reports: Diagnostic logs
• Delivery Optimization cache: Shared update files
• Previous Windows versions: Old installations (Windows.old)

5. Manage Applications

Installed applications can take up significant space. Windows 11 makes it easy to identify the largest apps and uninstall ones you don't need.

View and Sort Apps by Size

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps
2. Sort by Size using the dropdown menu
3. Identify large apps you don't use
4. Click the three dots and select Uninstall

6. Remove Bloatware

Windows 11 comes with pre-installed apps that many users never use. Removing them can free up space and improve performance.

Safe Apps to Uninstall

• Clipchamp: Video editor (if you use another)
• Microsoft Solitaire Collection: Card games
• News: News app
• Spotify: If you use another music service
• Xbox Game Bar: If you don't game on PC
• Movies & TV: If you use another player

Uninstall via PowerShell

To remove apps that don't appear in Settings, use PowerShell as administrator:

Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage

7. OneDrive Files On-Demand

If you use OneDrive, the "Files On-Demand" feature lets you see all your cloud files without downloading them, freeing up significant local space.

Configure Files On-Demand

1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray
2. Select Settings
3. Go to the Sync and backup tab
4. Under "Files On-Demand", enable Save space and download files as you use them

Free Up Space from Synced Files

1. Navigate to your OneDrive folder
2. Select large files or folders
3. Right-click and choose Free up space
4. Files will remain visible but stored only in the cloud

8. Cleanup Recommendations

Windows 11 includes a cleanup recommendations feature that analyzes your system and suggests safe files to delete.

Access Cleanup Recommendations

1. Open Settings → System → Storage
2. Click on Cleanup recommendations
3. Review categories: Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, Unused apps
4. Select items to delete
5. Click Clean up

9. Advanced Tools

For advanced users, there are additional tools that can help reclaim more space.

System Compression

Windows can compress system files to save space. Run in PowerShell as administrator:

Compact.exe /CompactOS:always

This can save 2-4GB but may slightly affect performance on older systems.

Reduce Hibernation File Size

The hibernation file can take up several GB. If you don't use hibernation:

powercfg /hibernate off

Move System Folders

You can move folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, etc. to another drive:

1. Right-click the folder in File Explorer
2. Select Properties → Location
3. Click Move and select the new location

10. Best Practices