{"id":145251,"date":"2026-01-09T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T11:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/?p=145251"},"modified":"2026-03-02T10:57:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T15:57:56","slug":"free-up-space-windows-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/free-up-space-windows-11\/","title":{"rendered":"How to free up storage space on Windows 11"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"sum\">\n<li>Windows 11 includes several built-in tools to help you reclaim storage when your device runs low on space.<\/li>\n<li>You can use features like Cleanup Recommendations, Temporary files, and Storage Sense for quick results, and advanced methods such as disabling hibernation, rebuilding the <code>Windows.db<\/code> database, or resetting Windows Recall on Copilot+ PCs to recover even more space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When your <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/tag\/windows-11\">Windows 11<\/a> laptop or desktop computer is running low on storage, freeing up space becomes essential to make room for important files and keep the system running smoothly. In many cases, you can reclaim 10\u201330GB in minutes using built-in Windows 11 tools. Low disk space slows performance, increases the risk of system errors, and can even block feature updates, which is why you should avoid exceeding 70 percent of your drive&#8217;s total capacity.<\/p>\n<p>Windows 11 includes several built-in features to help you recover space quickly. You can remove temporary files, use <strong>&#8220;Cleanup recommendations&#8221;<\/strong> to identify unnecessary data, and enable <strong>&#8220;Storage Sense&#8221;<\/strong> to automate routine cleanups. If storage is still tight, advanced options such as disabling hibernation, uninstalling unused apps, scanning for malware that may be generating unwanted files, and reviewing folders that consume excessive space can help you reclaim even more storage.<\/p>\n<h2>Fastest ways to free up space on Windows 11 (2 minutes)<\/h2>\n<p>Start here if you just need space back quickly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#temp_files\"><strong>Delete temporary files \u2013<\/strong><\/a> removes update leftovers and junk files.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cleanup_recommendation\"><strong>Run Cleanup recommendations \u2013<\/strong><\/a> finds large files and unused apps.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#storage_sense\"><strong>Turn on Storage Sense \u2013<\/strong><\/a> automates future cleanups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These three steps alone are often enough to clear several gigabytes.<\/p>\n<section class=\"custom-related-posts-wrapper\"><span class=\"custom-related-posts-heading\">Related<\/span><div class=\"custom-related-posts-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/whats-taking-up-space-drive-windows-11\/\" class=\"custom-related-post-item\" data-umami-event=\"related_inpost_clicked\" data-umami-event-name=\"How to see what&#8217;s taking up space on drive on Windows 11\"><div class=\"custom-related-post-thumbnail\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/windows-11-see-storage-usage-hero.webp?fit=300%2C188&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"How to see what&#8217;s taking up space on drive on Windows 11\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><span class=\"custom-related-post-title\">How to see what&#8217;s taking up space on drive on Windows 11<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/fix-high-memory-usage-windows-11\/\" class=\"custom-related-post-item\" data-umami-event=\"related_inpost_clicked\" data-umami-event-name=\"12 effective ways to fix high RAM usage on Windows 11\"><div class=\"custom-related-post-thumbnail\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/windows11-reduce-ram-usage-hero.webp?fit=300%2C188&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"12 effective ways to fix high RAM usage on Windows 11\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><span class=\"custom-related-post-title\">12 effective ways to fix high RAM usage on Windows 11<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section>\n<p>In this <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/tag\/how-to\">guide<\/a>, I will teach you multiple easy ways to free up space on Windows 11.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"toc\">\n<li><a href=\"#cleanup_recommendation\">1. Cleanup Recommendations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#temp_files\">2. Temporary files<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#storage_sense\">3. Storage Sense<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#disable_hibernation\">4. Disable hibernation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#scan_virus\">5. Scan for malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#uninstall_apps\">6. Uninstall apps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#disable_recall\">7. Disable Windows Recall<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rebuild_windowsdb\">8. Rebuild Windows.db file<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#onedrive_files_ondemand\">9. Run OneDrive File On-Demand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#compactos_cmd\">10. Shrink install with Compact OS<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#trasnfer_files_external_drive\">11. Transfer files to an external drive<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faqs_freeup_space\">FAQs about freeing up space on Windows 11<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Free up disk space using built-in tools on Windows 11\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>These are the best methods for freeing up disk space on your laptop, desktop computer, or Copilot+ PC.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"responsive-youtube-container\">\n        <iframe\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kST2XJh7mAE?rel=0&showinfo=0\"\n            frameborder=\"0\"\n            allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"\n            allowfullscreen\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n        ><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n<h3 id=\"cleanup_recommendation\">1. Cleanup Recommendations<\/h3>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Cleanup Recommendations&#8221;<\/strong> is a feature that automates the process of identifying content you can delete to free up hard drive space on your computer, including junk, large files, and unused apps.<\/p>\n<p>To use Cleanup Recommendations to free up space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings <\/strong>on Windows 11.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>System<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Storage<\/strong> tab.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Cleanup recommendations<\/strong> option under the &#8220;Storage management&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184212\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-cleanup-recommendations-settings.webp?resize=827%2C395&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Cleanup recommendations\" width=\"827\" height=\"395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-cleanup-recommendations-settings.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-cleanup-recommendations-settings.webp?resize=300%2C143&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-cleanup-recommendations-settings.webp?resize=150%2C72&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Temporary<\/strong> <strong>files<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Check the files to delete to free up space on Windows 11.<\/p>\n<div id=\"tip-box\"><span><strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> You can also click <strong>&#8220;See advanced options&#8221;<\/strong> to access the &#8220;Temporary files&#8221; settings to clean up more files.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Clean up<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184211\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-temp-files-recommendations.webp?resize=827%2C673&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Cleanup temp files recommendations\" width=\"827\" height=\"673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-temp-files-recommendations.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-temp-files-recommendations.webp?resize=300%2C244&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-temp-files-recommendations.webp?resize=705%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 705w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-temp-files-recommendations.webp?resize=150%2C122&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Large or unused files<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the suggested files to free up storage space on Windows 11.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Clean up<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Files sync to the cloud<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the files available locally since they are already in the cloud.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184213\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-recentfiles-recomm_.webp?resize=827%2C467&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 11 files cleanup\" width=\"827\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-recentfiles-recomm_.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-recentfiles-recomm_.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cleanup-recentfiles-recomm_.webp?resize=150%2C85&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Cleanup<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Unused apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the apps you want to remove to free up space on the device.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Clean up<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After you complete the steps, the Cleanup Recommendations feature will delete the files, freeing up space to store other important files. Also, depending on the amount of data, Windows 11 should see noticeable performance improvements.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"responsive-youtube-container\">\n        <iframe\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mPJts64orVg?rel=0&showinfo=0\"\n            frameborder=\"0\"\n            allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"\n            allowfullscreen\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n        ><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n<h3 id=\"temp_files\">2. Temporary files<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem;\">The\u00a0<\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 1.2rem;\">&#8220;Temporary files&#8221;<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem;\"> settings let you delete files that are not critical to the operating system&#8217;s operation.<\/span>\u00a0For instance, leftover files after installing a new version, upgrade logs, error reports, temporary Windows installation files, and more.<\/p>\n<p>To delete temporary files to free up space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>System<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Storage<\/strong> page on the right side.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Temporary files<\/strong> setting under the &#8220;Local Disk&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184215\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/open-temp-files-windows-11_.webp?resize=827%2C467&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Open Temporary files\" width=\"827\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/open-temp-files-windows-11_.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/open-temp-files-windows-11_.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/open-temp-files-windows-11_.webp?resize=150%2C85&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the temporary files to remove from Windows 11.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Remove files<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184214\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-freeup-space-remove-temp-files_.webp?resize=827%2C467&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Remove Windows 11 temp files\" width=\"827\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-freeup-space-remove-temp-files_.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-freeup-space-remove-temp-files_.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/windows-11-freeup-space-remove-temp-files_.webp?resize=150%2C85&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, junk files will be removed from your computer, freeing up space for more important files.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"responsive-youtube-container\">\n        <iframe\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YVPOnjzqi1g?rel=0&showinfo=0\"\n            frameborder=\"0\"\n            allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"\n            allowfullscreen\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n        ><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n<h3 id=\"storage_sense\">3. Storage Sense<\/h3>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Storage Sense&#8221;<\/strong> is another feature that automatically frees up space when the drive is low on space. It does this by deleting temporary system and app files, emptying the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder, and converting files already synced to OneDrive to online-only content.<\/p>\n<p>To free up space with Storage Sense on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>System<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Storage<\/strong> tab.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Storage Sense<\/strong> setting.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-169929\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/open-stroage-sense.webp?resize=827%2C342&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Open Storage Sense\" width=\"827\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/open-stroage-sense.webp?w=983&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 983w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/open-stroage-sense.webp?resize=300%2C124&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/open-stroage-sense.webp?resize=150%2C62&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Check the <strong>&#8220;Keep Windows running smoothly&#8221;<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Turn on the <strong>&#8220;Automatic User content cleanup&#8221;<\/strong> toggle switch.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184217\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/enable-storage-sense-windows11_.webp?resize=827%2C885&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Enable Storage Sense\" width=\"827\" height=\"885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/enable-storage-sense-windows11_.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/enable-storage-sense-windows11_.webp?resize=280%2C300&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/enable-storage-sense-windows11_.webp?resize=536%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/enable-storage-sense-windows11_.webp?resize=140%2C150&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Under the &#8220;Configure cleanup schedules&#8221; section, use the <strong>&#8220;Run Storage Sense&#8221;<\/strong> setting and select the <strong>&#8220;During low free disk space&#8221;<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Use the <strong>&#8220;Delete files in my recycle bin&#8221;<\/strong> setting to choose the files to delete from the Recycle Bin. (Then the 1-day option clears the most files.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Use the <strong>&#8220;Delete files in my Downloads folder&#8221;<\/strong> option to clean up the Downloads folder. (You want to make a copy of any important file before selecting this option.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Choose when synced files to OneDrive become online-only to free up space under the &#8220;Locally available cloud content&#8221; setting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>&#8220;Run Storage Sense now&#8221;<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will free up space, making more room to store other files. Also, since you are enabling the feature, Storage Sense will run automatically when there is little available drive space.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"disable_hibernation\">4. Disable hibernation\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>Although the <strong>&#8220;Hibernate&#8221;<\/strong> feature conserves energy, it also requires a large amount of space, since the contents of memory must be saved to the hard drive to preserve session state and shut down the computer. However, you can disable the feature to free up space on your computer.<\/p>\n<p>To disable hibernation to free up disk space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>(Optional) Search for <strong>Command Prompt <\/strong>or<strong> PowerShell<\/strong>, right-click the top result, and select the <strong>Run as administrator<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Type the following command to disable Hibernate and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<pre>powercfg \/hibernate off<\/pre>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-161278\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/windows-11-disable-hibernate-cmd.webp?resize=827%2C232&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Disable Hibernate command\" width=\"827\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/windows-11-disable-hibernate-cmd.webp?w=965&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 965w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/windows-11-disable-hibernate-cmd.webp?resize=300%2C84&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/windows-11-disable-hibernate-cmd.webp?resize=150%2C42&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Type the following command to confirm that hibernation has been disabled and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<pre>powercfg \/availablesleepstates<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After you complete the steps, the system will disable the feature, thus freeing up additional disk space on the computer.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"scan_virus\">5. Scan for malware<\/h3>\n<p>A virus or other malware can corrupt system files and consume storage space to the point that the drive has no free space for additional files. You can use <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/run-microsoft-defender-full-virus-scan-windows-11\/\">Microsoft Defender Antivirus<\/a> or other third-party tools to scan for and remove malware, freeing up space.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To scan and remove a virus or another type of malware affecting the storage space, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Search for <strong>Windows Security<\/strong> and click the top result to open the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Virus &amp; threat protection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Scan options <\/strong>under the &#8220;Current threats&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-137997\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-security-scan-options.jpg?resize=827%2C478&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows Security\" width=\"827\" height=\"478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-security-scan-options.jpg?w=881&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 881w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-security-scan-options.jpg?resize=300%2C173&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-security-scan-options.jpg?resize=150%2C87&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the <strong>Full scan<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-137998\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-11-full-virus-scan-option.jpg?resize=827%2C478&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Full virus scan\" width=\"827\" height=\"478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-11-full-virus-scan-option.jpg?w=881&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 881w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-11-full-virus-scan-option.jpg?resize=300%2C173&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/windows-11-full-virus-scan-option.jpg?resize=150%2C87&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Scan now<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan, detect, and remove virtually any malware that may be causing the device to run low on storage.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"uninstall_apps\">6. Uninstall apps<\/h3>\n<p>On Windows 11, programs can take from a few bytes to many gigabytes. One way to quickly free up space is to remove applications that waste space or you rarely use.<\/p>\n<p>To uninstall unnecessary apps to free up drive space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Installed apps<\/strong> tab.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the app to remove under the &#8220;Apps list&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the app <strong>menu<\/strong> (three dots) button and choose the <strong>&#8220;Uninstall&#8221;<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-184218\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freeup-space-uninstall-apps_.webp?resize=827%2C394&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Settings uninstall app\" width=\"827\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freeup-space-uninstall-apps_.webp?w=887&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 887w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freeup-space-uninstall-apps_.webp?resize=300%2C143&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/freeup-space-uninstall-apps_.webp?resize=150%2C72&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> button again to confirm.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After you complete the steps, the app and any associated files will be removed from Windows 11.<\/p>\n<p>If, after using these methods, the computer still has low drive space, you may want to try <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/reset-pc-keeping-personal-files-windows-11\/\">resetting the system<\/a> or performing a <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/clean-install-windows-11\/\">clean install of Windows 11<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"disable_recall\">7. Disable Windows Recall<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a Copilot+ PC and use Recall, this feature can use up to 150GB of space, depending on the drive capacity. If your AI computer runs low on storage, you can use the reset option to delete snapshots and permanently disable the feature.<\/p>\n<p>To reset and disable the Recall feature to free up space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Privacy &amp; security<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Recall &amp; snapshots<\/strong> page.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-180277\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/windows-11-open-recall-settings_.webp?resize=827%2C554&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Open Recall settings\" width=\"827\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/windows-11-open-recall-settings_.webp?w=988&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 988w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/windows-11-open-recall-settings_.webp?resize=300%2C201&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/windows-11-open-recall-settings_.webp?resize=857%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 857w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/windows-11-open-recall-settings_.webp?resize=150%2C101&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Advanced settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-180274\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/winows-11-open-advanced-settings.webp?resize=827%2C554&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Recall open advanced settings\" width=\"827\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/winows-11-open-advanced-settings.webp?w=988&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 988w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/winows-11-open-advanced-settings.webp?resize=300%2C201&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/winows-11-open-advanced-settings.webp?resize=857%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 857w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/winows-11-open-advanced-settings.webp?resize=150%2C101&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Reset Recall<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-178465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windows-11-reset-recall-feature.webp?resize=827%2C518&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 11 Recall reset option\" width=\"827\" height=\"518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windows-11-reset-recall-feature.webp?w=1021&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1021w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windows-11-reset-recall-feature.webp?resize=300%2C188&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windows-11-reset-recall-feature.webp?resize=917%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 917w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/windows-11-reset-recall-feature.webp?resize=150%2C94&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Reset<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After completing these steps, Windows 11 will delete all collected snapshots, filters for apps and websites, and restore all settings, permanently disabling the feature, freeing up additional space on your computer.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"rebuild_windowsdb\">8. Rebuild Windows.db file<\/h3>\n<p>On Windows 11,<strong> &#8220;Windows.db&#8221;<\/strong> is the core database for Windows Search. The problem is that sometimes, the file can grow very large for many reasons. If your computer is experiencing this issue, rebuilding the database can free up space and resolve search issues on your device.<\/p>\n<p>To recreate the &#8220;Windows.db&#8221; file to reclaim storage space, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Privacy &amp; security<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Search <\/strong>page.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>&#8220;Advanced indexing options&#8221; <\/strong>under the &#8220;Related settings&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-183185\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced-indexing-options-windows11.webp?resize=827%2C408&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Advanced indexing options\" width=\"827\" height=\"408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced-indexing-options-windows11.webp?w=940&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 940w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced-indexing-options-windows11.webp?resize=300%2C148&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advanced-indexing-options-windows11.webp?resize=150%2C74&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Advanced<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153595\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indexing-options-advacned.webp?resize=491%2C541&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Indexing Options advanced button\" width=\"491\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indexing-options-advacned.webp?w=491&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 491w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indexing-options-advacned.webp?resize=272%2C300&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 272w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indexing-options-advacned.webp?resize=136%2C150&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 136w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Rebuild<\/strong> button to delete the &#8220;Windows.db&#8221; file under the &#8220;Troubleshooting&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-153596\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/delete-windowsedb-windows-11.webp?resize=382%2C491&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Delete and rebuild Windows.edb file\" width=\"382\" height=\"491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/delete-windowsedb-windows-11.webp?w=382&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 382w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/delete-windowsedb-windows-11.webp?resize=233%2C300&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 233w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/delete-windowsedb-windows-11.webp?resize=117%2C150&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 117w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>OK<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, the operating system will delete and recreate the &#8220;Windows.db&#8221; database.<\/p>\n<p>This option works best when there&#8217;s a database issue, and the database is already consuming significant local storage.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"onedrive_files_ondemand\">9. Enable OneDrive File On-Demand<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/enable-onedrive-files-ondemand-windows\/\">OneDrive Files On-Demand<\/a> allows you to access files in your cloud account without downloading them or using up storage space on your computer. If you store a lot of files on your device, making OneDrive files online-only can help to free up space.<\/p>\n<p>To run the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature to free up space, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>OneDrive<\/strong> icon in the System Tray.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Help &amp; Settings<\/strong> (gear) button and choose the <strong>Settings<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-174892\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/open-eondrive-settings.webp?resize=677%2C726&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"OneDrive Settings\" width=\"677\" height=\"726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/open-eondrive-settings.webp?w=677&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 677w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/open-eondrive-settings.webp?resize=280%2C300&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/open-eondrive-settings.webp?resize=535%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 535w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/open-eondrive-settings.webp?resize=140%2C150&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on <strong>Sync and backup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Advanced settings<\/strong> option on the right side.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>&#8220;Free up disk space&#8221;<\/strong> button under the &#8220;Files On-Demand&#8221; section.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-174891\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/onedrive-enable-files-ondemand.webp?resize=827%2C603&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"OneDrive enable Files On-Demand\" width=\"827\" height=\"603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/onedrive-enable-files-ondemand.webp?w=867&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 867w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/onedrive-enable-files-ondemand.webp?resize=300%2C219&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/onedrive-enable-files-ondemand.webp?resize=787%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 787w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/onedrive-enable-files-ondemand.webp?resize=150%2C109&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Continue<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After you complete the steps, the feature will set all OneDrive files as online-only, freeing up space on the device. Note that you will retain access to the files, but the device will need an internet connection to download the contents again when you open a file.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"compactos_cmd\">10. Shrink install with Compact OS<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows-hardware\/manufacture\/desktop\/compact-os?view=windows-11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>&#8220;Compact OS&#8221;<\/strong><\/a> command has been designed to compress or decompress files and directories on your system. It can significantly reduce the disk space used by the operating system and apps, especially on devices with limited storage.<\/p>\n<p>Use this option only if it&#8217;s critical to reclaim every possible byte on the hard drive. Otherwise, note that this feature may slightly impact system performance, especially during file operations.<\/p>\n<p>To use the Compact OS command to free up space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Open\u00a0<strong>Start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Search for\u00a0<strong>Command Prompt<\/strong>, right-click the top result, and select the\u00a0<strong>Run as administrator<\/strong>\u00a0option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Type the following command to compress the current setup and apps and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<pre>compact \/compactOS:always<\/pre>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-174960\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/windows-11-compactos-always.webp?resize=827%2C440&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 11 CompactOS always command\" width=\"827\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/windows-11-compactos-always.webp?w=902&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 902w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/windows-11-compactos-always.webp?resize=300%2C160&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/windows-11-compactos-always.webp?resize=150%2C80&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, the command will run to reclaim additional space on the hard drive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions, but in <strong>step 3<\/strong>, run the <code>compact \/compactOS:never<\/code> command. If you are unsure if the feature is enabled, you can run the <code>compact \/compactos:query<\/code> command.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"trasnfer_files_external_drive\">11. Transfer files to an external drive<\/h3>\n<p>If your device is running low on storage, deleting unnecessary files may not be enough, and an external USB drive may be necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To export your files to a USB hard drive to free up space on Windows 11, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Connect the USB hard drive to the computer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Open <strong>File Explorer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Copy and paste the following path to the address bar and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<pre>%HOMEPATH%<\/pre>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-155734\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/explorer-open-homepath.webp?resize=827%2C527&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"File Explorer homepath\" width=\"827\" height=\"527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/explorer-open-homepath.webp?w=995&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 995w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/explorer-open-homepath.webp?resize=300%2C191&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/explorer-open-homepath.webp?resize=901%2C574&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 901w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/explorer-open-homepath.webp?resize=150%2C96&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Open each folder (Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, and Videos) to <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/whats-taking-up-space-drive-windows-11\/\">confirm where your large files are stored<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the files or folders taking up the most space and click the <strong>Copy<\/strong> button from the command bar.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-155744\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/copy-user-folder-old-pc-windows-11.webp?resize=827%2C463&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Copy user folder from old PC\" width=\"827\" height=\"463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/copy-user-folder-old-pc-windows-11.webp?w=1032&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1032w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/copy-user-folder-old-pc-windows-11.webp?resize=300%2C168&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/copy-user-folder-old-pc-windows-11.webp?resize=1020%2C571&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1020w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/copy-user-folder-old-pc-windows-11.webp?resize=150%2C84&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Open the <b>USB hard drive<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Create a new folder (<strong>&#8220;Ctrl + Shift + N&#8221;<\/strong> keyboard shortcut) and confirm the name <strong>&#8220;PC_Files.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Open the newly created folder.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Paste<\/strong> button from the command bar.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-155745\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/export-user-folder-usb-drive-windows-11.webp?resize=827%2C424&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Export user folder to USB drive\" width=\"827\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/export-user-folder-usb-drive-windows-11.webp?w=974&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 974w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/export-user-folder-usb-drive-windows-11.webp?resize=300%2C154&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/export-user-folder-usb-drive-windows-11.webp?resize=150%2C77&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>After you complete the steps, the files and folders will be copied to the external drive, freeing up space on the drive holding the setup.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"faqs_freeup_space\">FAQs about freeing up space on Windows 11<\/h3>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about freeing up space on Windows 11.<\/p>\n<h4>Why is my Windows 11 PC running out of space?<\/h4>\n<p>Most devices fill up due to temporary files, leftover Windows Update components, large personal files, unused apps, and background features like the Recycle Bin or Windows Search indexing. Malware can also generate unwanted files that consume storage.<\/p>\n<h4>How much free space does Windows 11 need to run smoothly?<\/h4>\n<p>You should keep at least 30 percent of your drive free. Once you pass roughly 70 percent usage, performance drops, updates may fail to install, and Windows can become sluggish.<\/p>\n<h4>What is the fastest way to free up space on Windows 11?<\/h4>\n<p>The quickest methods include deleting temporary files, running Cleanup Recommendations, and enabling Storage Sense. These built-in tools remove junk files, freeing several gigabytes in a few clicks.<\/p>\n<h4>Does deleting temporary files affect my apps or documents?<\/h4>\n<p>No. Temporary files are safe to remove. The operating system only deletes data that is no longer required for system operation, updates, or app functionality.<\/p>\n<h4>Why does disabling hibernation free up space?<\/h4>\n<p>Hibernate creates a large system file (hiberfil.sys) to store your session. On many systems, this file uses several gigabytes of space. Turning off hibernation deletes the file and immediately frees that space.<\/p>\n<h4>Can malware cause low-storage problems?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. Certain malware creates large log files, duplicates data, or downloads unwanted content in the background. Running a full scan with Microsoft Defender is an important troubleshooting step.<\/p>\n<h4>Will uninstalling apps really make a difference?<\/h4>\n<p>Absolutely. Apps like games, editing software, and virtualization tools often take up several gigabytes of space. Uninstalling unused programs can quickly free significant space.<\/p>\n<h4>Does Windows Recall use storage space?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. On Copilot+ PCs, Recall can use tens or even hundreds of gigabytes, depending on your storage capacity. Resetting and disabling the feature immediately frees up this space.<\/p>\n<h4>What is the Windows.db file and why does rebuilding it help?<\/h4>\n<p>Windows.db is the search index database. When it becomes corrupted or grows too large, it can hog storage and cause search issues. Rebuilding it deletes the old database and creates a clean, smaller one.<\/p>\n<h4>What does OneDrive Files On-Demand do?<\/h4>\n<p>Files On-Demand lets you keep your files stored in OneDrive without downloading them to the device. Setting files to &#8220;online-only&#8221; frees local storage while still giving you access when needed.<\/p>\n<h4>Is Compact OS safe to use on Windows 11?<\/h4>\n<p>Compact OS compresses system and app files to reduce disk usage. It is safe but may slightly impact performance on slower hardware. Only use it if you must reclaim every possible gigabyte.<\/p>\n<h4>What if I still don&#8217;t have enough space after trying everything else?<\/h4>\n<p>If storage remains low, consider transferring large personal files to a USB drive, upgrading your internal storage, resetting Windows, or performing a clean installation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Update January 9, 2026:<\/strong> This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is your PC running low on space? Use these methods to reclaim as much as possible drive space on Windows 11.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":183183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[95,19,2715,2576],"class_list":["post-145251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-windows","tag-difficulty-level-beginner","tag-how-to","tag-windows-11","tag-windows-help"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to free up storage space on Windows 11 - Pureinfotech<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"To free up space on Windows 11, use Temporary files, Cleanup Recommendations, Storage Sense, disable Hibernate, virus scan, &amp; uninstall apps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/free-up-space-windows-11\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Windows 11 storage full? 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