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How do I free up space on Windows 10 when c drive is full?
Moving data to external storage is an effective way to free up space on Windows 10 computer without losing important files. Here's what you need to know and how to free up space on your Windows 10 computer:
Types of External Storage Options
- External Hard Drives (HDD)
- External Solid-State Drives (SSD)
- USB Flash Drives
- Network Attached Storage (NAS)
How to Move Data to External Storage
1. Connect External Storage
Plug in your external drive via USB or other ports.
Ensure it's recognized by Windows (check in File Explorer).
2. Transfer Files
Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
Navigate to the folders you want to move (e.g., Documents, Downloads, Photos).
Select the files or folders.
Right-click and choose Copy (or drag and drop).
Navigate to your external drive in File Explorer.
Right-click and select Paste.
3. Change Default Save Locations (Optional)
To automatically save data to external storage:
Open Settings (Windows + I).
Go to System > Storage.
Click Change where new content is saved.
Select your external drive as the default location for documents, downloads, pictures, etc.
4. Move Installed Applications (Advanced)
Moving installed programs to external drives is more complex and not recommended for most users, as it can cause system issues. Instead, consider:
Installing new programs on the external drive during setup.
Using built-in options to move apps if available (Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Move).