how to get more storage on pc windows 11
Running out of storage on your Windows 11 PC can be super frustrating, right? But don’t sweat it! You can free up space and get more storage by following a few simple steps. From cleaning up junk files to adjusting storage settings, it’s easier than you think to make more room on your PC.
How to Get More Storage on PC Windows 11
Here’s how you can reclaim some of that precious storage space on your Windows 11 PC. Follow these steps to clean up unnecessary files, uninstall unused applications, and make the most out of your available storage.
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
Open the Settings app and navigate to the Storage section.
To get started, click on the Start button, select the Settings gear icon, and then go to System > Storage. This will open the storage settings where you can see a breakdown of what’s taking up space on your device.
Step 2: Enable Storage Sense
Turn on Storage Sense to automatically free up space.
In the Storage settings, toggle the switch for Storage Sense to ‘On.’ This handy feature helps manage your storage by automatically deleting temporary files and emptying the recycle bin on a schedule.
Step 3: Delete Temporary Files
Manually remove temporary files to free up space.
Click on the ‘Temporary files’ option in the Storage settings. Here, you can choose which temporary files you’d like to delete, such as system cache, thumbnails, and old Windows update files. Click ‘Remove files’ to delete them.
Step 4: Uninstall Unused Applications
Remove apps you don’t use anymore.
Go back to the main Storage settings page and click on ‘Apps & features.’ This will list all installed applications. Sort them by size to see which ones take up the most space, then uninstall the ones you no longer need.
Step 5: Move Files to External Storage
Transfer large files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
If you have large files like videos or high-resolution photos, consider moving them to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. This will free up significant space on your main drive.
Once you complete these actions, your Windows 11 PC should have a lot more free space. You’ll notice faster performance and have more room for important files and applications.
Tips for Getting More Storage on PC Windows 11
To ensure you’re always making the most out of your storage, consider these additional tips:
- Clean Up Regularly: Make a habit of running Storage Sense or manually cleaning up your files every month.
- Use Disk Cleanup: This built-in tool can be even more thorough in removing unnecessary files.
- Disable Hibernation: If you don’t use the hibernate feature, you can disable it to free up space.
- Compress Files: Windows allows you to compress files and folders, saving space without losing your data.
- Monitor Storage: Keep an eye on your storage usage by regularly checking the Storage settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run Storage Sense?
You can set Storage Sense to run automatically on a schedule, but running it once a month is usually sufficient for most users.
Will deleting temporary files affect my system’s performance?
Not at all! Deleting temporary files can actually improve your system’s performance by freeing up space and removing clutter.
Can I recover files after deleting them from the recycle bin?
Once files are deleted from the recycle bin, they are permanently removed from your system and can’t be easily recovered.
Is it safe to uninstall pre-installed apps?
Yes, it’s generally safe, but make sure you’re not deleting essential system applications. Stick to removing games and software you never use.
How do I disable hibernation?
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type powercfg -h off to disable hibernation and free up space.
Summary
- Open Storage Settings
- Enable Storage Sense
- Delete Temporary Files
- Uninstall Unused Applications
- Move Files to External Storage
Conclusion
Getting more storage on your Windows 11 PC doesn’t have to be a headache. By following the steps outlined, you can free up significant space and keep your system running smoothly. Regular maintenance is key—think of it as tidying up your digital home. For further reading, you might want to explore additional Windows 11 storage management features or perhaps look into third-party applications that can help you manage your files more efficiently.
So go ahead, reclaim that storage and enjoy a clutter-free computing experience!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.