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

You can use the default Storage Sense app to safely free space on Windows 10.

Storage Sense is Windows 10's automated and proactive answer to storage management, moving beyond the manual cleanup of older tools. Instead of requiring you to remember to delete temporary files or empty the Recycle Bin, this feature operates quietly in the background according to customizable rules you set. It is designed to maintain free space automatically by targeting known areas of clutter, such as the Downloads folder and temporary system files.

Simple Steps to Configure Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings (Windows Key + I) and go to System > Storage.

2. Under the "Storage Sense" heading, toggle the switch from Off to On.

3. Click "Configure Storage Sense or run it now" just below the toggle.

4. Customize your automation rules:

• Run Storage Sense: Choose how often (Every day, week, month, or during low free disk space).
• Temporary Files: Check the box to delete temporary app files.
• Recycle Bin: Set files in the Recycle Bin to be automatically deleted after 1, 14, 30, or 60 days.
• Downloads Folder: Set the same automatic deletion rule for files in your Downloads folder.

5. Click "Clean now" under the "Free up space now" section to free space in Windows 10.

6. Close Settings. Storage Sense will now run automatically based on your schedule.

Note: The most significant risk is the automated deletion of files you might have wanted to keep, especially from the Downloads folder. If you forget to move a file from Downloads, it can be permanently deleted without warning once the timeframe you set elapses.