A low-storage warning is a reason to review what is on your computer, not to start deleting unfamiliar folders. Begin with Windows’ built-in tools and keep a recoverable copy of important files.
1. Check what is taking up space
Open Settings → System → Storage. Note the free space and the largest categories. This gives you a starting point and lets you check whether your cleanup actually helped.
Before removing personal files, confirm that your backup works. A file moved to a single external drive is still only one copy. See our guide to backing up important files.
2. Review cleanup recommendations individually
Under Storage, open Cleanup recommendations. Review the listed files and apps instead of selecting everything. Keep anything you do not recognize or may still need. Microsoft explains the categories in its drive-space cleanup guide.
Be particularly careful with previous Windows installation files: removing them takes away the option to return to that previous version using those files. Treat the Downloads folder as personal storage, not automatically disposable content.
3. Check the Recycle Bin before emptying it
Look through the Recycle Bin and restore anything you want to keep. Emptying it removes the normal restore option. Do not assume that a deleted document can be recovered later.
For large files you want to keep, make a verified copy elsewhere before removing the local original. Open several copied files to confirm they are readable, and maintain a separate backup.
4. Set Storage Sense to match your habits
Storage Sense can clean up selected content automatically. Open its settings under Storage and review the schedule, Recycle Bin retention, and any Downloads or cloud-content options before enabling it.
Online-only cloud files need an internet connection to download again. Keep essential travel or offline-work files available locally. Storage Sense operates on the system drive; other drives need separate attention. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense instructions.
5. Check the result
Return to Storage and compare the available space with your starting figure. If space disappears again quickly, investigate what is growing rather than repeatedly deleting files. Record the category and any recent software changes before seeking help.
If the computer remains slow after addressing storage, continue with our slow-PC troubleshooting guide. More free space will not solve every performance problem.
Was this helpful?
Help us make our guides more useful.
No sign-in needed. This browser remembers your response for up to 180 days.