Simple Settings to Instantly Clear Storage on Windows 11

Running out of space on your Windows 11 PC can slow down performance and limit your ability to store new files. Fortunately, a few quick tweaks in your system settings can instantly free up storage—no extra tools or upgrades needed. These changes are beginner-friendly and effective, helping your system run smoother and more efficiently.

Enable Storage Sense to Auto-Manage Drive Space

Windows 11 includes a handy feature called Storage Sense, which automatically removes junk files like temporary data, old downloads, and Recycle Bin contents.

How to Enable:

Press Win + I to open Settings.

Go to System > Storage.

Turn on Storage Sense.

Click the Storage Sense option to configure how often it runs (daily, weekly, etc.) and what it cleans (Downloads folder, Recycle Bin).

Change the Default Save Locations for Folders

Free up your C: drive by moving large folders like Downloads, Videos, and Pictures to another drive.

Steps:

Open File Explorer (Win + E).

Right-click a folder like Downloads, select Properties.

Go to the Location tab and click Move.

Select a folder on another drive and click Apply. Choose to move existing files as well.

Turn Off Hibernation to Delete the Hibernation File

Hibernation creates a hiberfil.sys file that can take up several gigabytes.

To disable it:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type: powercfg -h off and press Enter.

To re-enable later, type: powercfg -h on.

Shrink the Size of System Restore

System Restore can use up to 10% of your drive. You can reduce this to free space.

Steps:

Type “Create a Restore Point” in Windows Search and open it.

Under System Protection, select your system drive and click Configure.

Use the Max Usage slider to reduce space to 1–2%.

Reduce the Operating System Size with Compact OS

If you’re short on storage, the Compact OS feature compresses system files, saving 2–3 GB.

To check status:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Type: compact /compactos:query

To enable compression:

• Type: COMPACT.EXE /CompactOS:always

To disable later:

• Type: COMPACT.EXE /CompactOS:never

Clear Temporary Files from Apps

Browsers and media players collect cache and temp files that can be cleared.

Clear through Settings:

Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Click Temporary Files, then select items like App cache, Thumbnails, and Previous Windows Installations.

Click Remove files.

Uninstall Unused Apps and Features

Unused apps and Windows features consume space.

How to remove them:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

• Click the three-dot menu next to unused apps and select Uninstall.

• Also visit Settings > Apps > Optional Features to remove Windows features you don’t need.