How do I free up space on Windows 10 when c drive is full?

When the c drive is full, the built-in Disk Cleanup utility is the most straightforward and safe first step for freeing up space on Windows 10 system drive. It systematically targets and removes unnecessary files that accumulate over time, such as temporary internet files, cached data, and most importantly obsolete system files from previous updates and installations.

How to free up on Windows 10 with Disk Cleanup

Step 1: Press the Windows Key + S on your keyboard to open the search bar. Type "Disk Cleanup" and select the matching desktop app from the results.

Step 2: In the pop-up window, ensure the drive you want to clean (typically C:) is selected from the dropdown menu, then click OK. The tool will begin calculating how much space you can free.

Step 3: In the main Disk Cleanup window, you will see a list of file categories (e.g., Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, Temporary Files). Review the list, check the boxes for the items you wish to delete, and click OK to proceed with the cleanup.

Step 4: Return to the main Disk Cleanup window. This time, look for and click the button labeled "Clean up system files" in the lower-left corner. You will need administrator privileges, and the tool will rescan your drive.

Step 5: After the rescan, a new, expanded list will appear.  Carefully check the boxes for the large system file categories you wish to remove. Note the total amount of space you will regain at the top of the window. Click OK, then confirm by clicking "Delete Files" in the final warning dialog. The process may take several minutes to complete.

The Disk Cleanup tool, especially when used to clean system files, is an efficient and secure method for reclaiming substantial disk space. By following these steps to remove cached update data, temporary files, and if no longer needed the backup of a previous Windows installation, you can easily free up anywhere from a few gigabytes to over 30 gigabytes of crucial storage with minimal effort and zero cost, effectively rejuvenating your system's primary drive.