Running out of space? This guide shows 10 simple tricks to free up storage. Clean junk, find large files, move data, and speed up your computer. Easy steps. Short sentences.
Low storage slows your computer.
Apps open slowly.
Updates fail.
You cannot save files.
The fix is simple.
Clean what you do not need.
Move what you can.
Optimize what is left.
This guide is practical.
You get 10 clear methods.
Steps work on Windows and macOS.
Tips are safe and easy.
Table of Contents
- Delete junk and old files
- Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash
- Find and remove large files
- Clean temporary files and caches
- Uninstall unused apps and bloat
- Move data to cloud storage
- Use an external drive or upgrade
- Remove duplicate files
- Tame system space (hibernation, snapshots)
- Automate cleanup for the future
Bonus: Quick checklist, FAQs
1) Delete junk and old files
Start with simple wins.
Check Downloads, Documents, Desktop, and Videos.
Sort by Size or Date.
Delete what you no longer need.
Archive old projects.
Zip them into a single file.
Store them on an external drive or the cloud.
Tip for creators:
Export raw footage to an external SSD.
Keep only edited files on the main drive.
2) Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash
Deleted files still take space.
They sit in Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS).
Right-click and select Empty.
Want auto cleanup?
- Windows: Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense → Enable.
- macOS: Finder → Settings → Advanced → “Remove items from Trash after 30 days.”
3) Find and remove large files
Big files create big problems.
Find them fast.
Windows:
- Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations.
- Or use Win + E → This PC → search
size:>1GBin the search box.
macOS:
- Go to Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage → Manage.
- See Large Files and Downloads.
Delete or move the heavy items.
Check old installers, ISOs, raw videos, and ZIPs.
4) Clean temporary files and caches
Temp files build up over time.
Clear them safely.
Windows:
- Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files → Remove.
- Or search Disk Cleanup → select drive → tick Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin → OK.
macOS:
- Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage → Manage → Reduce Clutter.
- Browsers: open settings → clear cache and temporary data.
Do not delete system folders by hand.
Use built-in tools only.
5) Uninstall unused apps and bloat
Apps take lots of space.
Games take even more.
Remove what you do not use.
Windows:
- Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files → Remove.
- Also remove toolbars and trials you never use.
macOS:
- Open Applications folder.
- Drag apps to Trash or use Launchpad → press and hold → X.
After uninstall, reboot once.
Leftover files may clear only after restart.
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6) Move data to cloud storage
Cloud saves local space.
Sync only what you need.
Options you can try:
- OneDrive with Files On-Demand (Windows).
- iCloud Drive with Optimize Mac Storage (macOS).
- Google Drive with Stream files.
- Dropbox with Selective Sync.
Keep large folders online-only.
Right-click a folder and pick Online-only or Free up space.
Download files on demand.
7) Use an external drive or upgrade
External storage is cheap now.
Use a portable SSD for large media.
Use a HDD for backups and archives.
Need more speed?
Upgrade to a larger NVMe SSD if possible.
Cloning tools can move your system to the new drive.
Always back up first.
8) Remove duplicate files
Duplicates waste space.
Common with photos, music, and downloads.
Good practice:
Sort by Name and Size.
Scan folders like Downloads, Pictures, and Projects.
Remove copies you do not need.
Use a trusted duplicate finder if you like.
Review results before deleting.
Never bulk-delete without checking.
9) Tame system space (hibernation, snapshots)
System features can eat space.
Adjust them with care.
Windows — Hibernation file:
If you do not use Hibernate, you can disable it.
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run: powercfg -h off
This frees the hibernation file.
Note: You will lose Hibernate and Fast Startup.
You can turn it back on with powercfg -h on.
Windows — System Restore size:
Open Control Panel → System → System Protection → Configure .
Reduce Max Usage.
Keep some restore points for safety.
macOS — Snapshots and Time Machine:
Time Machine local snapshots can grow.
Connect your backup drive to offload snapshots.
Or manage Time Machine options in System Settings → General → Time Machine.
Do not delete hidden system items by hand.
Use system tools only.
10) Automate cleanup for the future
Make cleanup automatic.
Less work.
More space.
Windows:
- Turn on Storage Sense.
- Choose when to delete temp files.
- Auto-empty Recycle Bin after 30 days.
- Move OneDrive folders to Online-only.
macOS:
- Enable Optimize Mac Storage.
- Auto-remove Trash after 30 days.
- Review Recommendations in Storage settings.
Set a monthly reminder.
Do a quick 10-minute cleanup.
You will never hit 0% free again.
Bonus tips for creators and gamers
Move game libraries to another drive.
Steam → Settings → Storage → Add Drive → Move installed games.
Adobe users: set Scratch Disks to a secondary drive.
Video editors: keep cache and proxies on a separate SSD.
Compress old projects.
Store them on an external HDD.
Keep only active work on the main SSD.
Safety first: Backup before big changes
Backups save you from mistakes.
Use at least one method:
- Windows: File History or OneDrive.
- macOS: Time Machine to an external drive.
Test your backup once.
Make sure you can restore a file.
Then clean with confidence.
Quick checklist (copy this)
- Empty Recycle Bin/Trash.
- Clear Temporary Files and caches.
- Uninstall unused apps.
- Find and delete large files.
- Move media to cloud or external drive.
- Remove duplicates.
- Tweak system space (carefully).
- Turn on automation (Storage Sense / Optimize).
- Backup before heavy cleanup.
- Set a monthly reminder.
FAQs
Q1: My disk is full, but I do not see big files. Why?
Hidden caches and system files may be large.
Use Windows Storage or macOS Manage Storage to see details.
Q2: Is it safe to delete temp files?
Yes, with built-in tools.
Do not delete random system folders by hand.
Q3: Should I clean the Windows “WinSxS” folder?
No, not manually.
Use Disk Cleanup or Storage tools only.
Q4: How much free space should I keep?
Keep at least 15–20% free on SSDs.
It helps performance and updates.
Q5: Does hibernation off harm my PC?
No.
You just lose the Hibernate feature.
You can turn it back on anytime.
Q6: My Mac shows “System Data” is huge. What now?
Restart first.
Remove old iOS backups, caches, and large files.
Use Manage Storage to review.
Back up and update macOS.
Q7: Do cleaners speed up the PC?
Only if they remove real junk.
Avoid aggressive “registry cleaners.”
They can cause issues.
Freeing space is not hard.
Start with simple steps.
Delete junk.
Empty the bin.
Find big files.
Uninstall bloat.
Move media to the cloud or an external drive.
Tune system space with care.
Automate your cleanup.
Your computer will feel faster.
Apps will load quicker.
Updates will install smoothly.
And you will work with less stress.