Forum Discussion
C drive is full. How can I extend C drive without losing data on Windows 10 PC?
Hi all,
I have a old Windows 10 PC with only 128 GB SSD. I did a mistake when partitioning the drive. The C drive only has 60GB space and C drive is always full, especially after installing a new Windows 10 update. What is more, then are a lot of important configuration files saved in C drive and nothing to delete when the C drive is full.
I want to know if there is any safe way to extend C drive when C drive is full in Windows 10 PC without losing data?
Best Regards,
Dylanopen
I ran into the same 60 GB C: squeeze and used Dr.Partition to shrink the next partition and extend C: on the fly—no data loss. Super simple wizard, one reboot to apply, and my files/settings were all still there after.
https://www.uuwinfox.com/extend-c-drive
Highly recommended!
18 Replies
- EmilianonCopper Contributor
How to extend C drive when C drive is full? It is necessary to uninstall programs you don't use, let's to kick out some unwanted guests!
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app (Windows + I), then head to “Apps” > “Apps & features.”
- Look Through the List: Find programs you don’t use anymore and click “Uninstall.” If there’s something taking up a lot of space but you’re not using, out it goes!
- barbrady123Copper Contributor
You can shrink other partitions and extend C drive when C partition is full but nothing to delete. The free Disk Management utility is able to do this on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC.
- In Disk Management, right-click on an adjacent partition (like D drive) and select Shrink Volume.
- Choose the amount of space to shrink, then shrink the volume. This will create unallocated space.
- Right-click on the C drive and choose Extend Volume to incorporate this unallocated space.
Warning: Tip: If the unallocated space is not adjacent to C drive, this method may not work.
- vintagefantasyCopper Contributor
Dylanopen The Disk Management tool has a built-in utility that allows users to increase the size of a drive partition, like the C drive, by adding unallocated disk space. This feature is especially useful when a partition runs out of space, as it enables users to expand the existing partition without deleting files or reinstalling the operating system.
How extend c drive when C drive is full in Windows 10:
- Right-click on This PC and select Manage. Then go to Disk Management.
- If there’s unallocated space next to the C drive, right-click the C drive and select Extend Volume.
- Follow the prompts to add the unallocated space to your C drive.
Note: Disk Management only allows extending if there’s unallocated space directly next to the C drive.
- Frances_GarnerCopper Contributor
Once C drive is full on Windows 10 computer. If you have stuff like photos, videos, or documents that are just chillin’ on your C drive, consider moving them.
- External Drive: If you have an external hard drive, just drag and drop those hefty folders onto it.
- OneDrive: Microsoft’s OneDrive is great for cloud storage. Just set it up and you can back up files and free up space on your local drive.
Browsers collect cache and junk over time, which can fill up space:
- For Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data. Select cached images and files.
- For Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
- sarsadgk6Copper Contributor
C drive full? First things first, let's hit up the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. This bad boy can sift through your system and find a ton of stuff you can safely toss:
- Open Disk Cleanup: Just search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu. Select your C drive when prompted.
- Choose What to Clean: It’ll scan and give you a checklist. You’ll see stuff like “Temporary Files,” “Recycle Bin,” and “Thumbnails.” Check the boxes for what you want to delete. If you see “Windows Update Cleanup” in there, that can reclaim a good chunk of space too.
- Run It: Press “OK,” and it’ll do its thing.
- sedikegroschCopper Contributor
Dylanopen If your C drive is full on Windows 10, here are some steps to free up space:
- Go to File Explorer, right-click the C drive, and select Properties.
- Click Disk Cleanup and choose the file types to delete, like temporary files, system cache, or recycle bin contents.
- Select Clean up system files for more options, including Windows update cleanup.
This is very easy way to fix C drive is full in Windows 10 by emptying free space. You don't need to install any software to extend C drive in such a case!
- bwayakethyCopper ContributorHonestly, 60GB of C drive is not enough for running Windows 10 smoothly. One simple trick to fix C drive full issue is by using the default disk cleanup utility to delete the old Windows 10 OS backup file. However, the c drive will be full when a new Windows 10 update is available for installation.