How to free or clean up disk space on windows 10?

Use a dedicated disk cleaning app if the following methods didn't work for you.

How to clean up disk space on Windows 10? Sometimes, Windows retains old update files that can be deleted:

• Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
• Delete all files in this folder (you might need administrative permission).

Note: Be cautious, and only delete files inside the Download folder of SoftwareDistribution.

Another way to clean up disk space on Windows 10. If you upgraded Windows recently, older installation files might still be stored:

• Open Settings > System > Storage.
• Click Temporary Files.
• Check Previous Windows installation(s) and delete if available.

For files you want to keep but don't need immediate access to, consider moving them to an external drive or cloud storage.

Since you've already used the basic Disk Cleanup tool, here are some additional, safe, and effective methods to clean up disk space on Windows 10 (Version 21H2):

1. Use Storage Sense for Automated Cleanup
Windows 10 has a feature called Storage Sense that automates cleanup tasks.
Steps:
    * Click on Start and select Settings.
    * Go to System > Storage.
    * Turn on Storage Sense.
    * Click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
    * Customize options like deleting temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, and files in the Downloads folder automatically.

2. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications
To clean up disk space on Windows 10. You can remove apps and programs you no longer use.
Steps:
 * Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
 * Scroll through the list, select apps you don't need, and click Uninstall.

3. Use "Storage Sense" to Clear System Files
This can delete system files such as old Windows update files that Disk Cleanup might not have removed.
Steps:
  * In Storage settings, click Clean now under "Free up space now."
  * Windows will scan and remove unnecessary files, including previous Windows installations.

The hibernation function of Windows system generates a file named hiberfil.sys, which occupies a disk space equal to the memory capacity of your computer. If you usually only use the shutdown or sleep function, and don't use hibernation, you can safely disable hibernation to free up this part of the storage space.

1. Search for cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type: powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press Enter.
3. After execution, the system will delete the hiberfil.sys file immediately to clean up disk space on Windows 10 

By following the above steps, you can safely and efficiently reclaim space on your C drive, thus solving the computer slowdown problem caused by excessive disk space occupied by the system.

You need to know what is taking up space before you can clean it effectively. Finding and deleting large files is one of the most effective ways to clean and free up disk space on Windows 10.

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click on your main drive (e.g., C:). Windows will analyze your disk and show a breakdown by category (Apps & features, Documents, Pictures, etc.).
3. Click on each category to see what's inside and delete files directly.
4. Temporary Files: A great shortcut to the Disk Cleanup interface.
5. Apps & games: Takes you to the uninstall screen.

Other: This often contains large files that don't fit other categories. Check this one carefully.

For a more powerful analysis, use a free tool like WinDirStat or TreeSize Free. These tools visually show you which folders and files are the largest on your drive, making it easy to find and delete bloated folders (like old game mods, downloaded ISO files, or forgotten video projects).

Insufficient space on the C drive is a common cause of slow computer performance, as the Windows system requires free space to store temporary files, virtual memory, and perform system operations. Since you've already used basic disk cleanup tools and managed personal files, it's time to adopt more advanced and effective methods.

1. Press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and click to open the Disk Cleanup app.
2. Select the C drive from the dropdown list and click OK.
3. Click the Clean up system files button. You'll be prompted for administrator permissions—confirm as instructed.
4. Select the C drive again. A list of files across more categories will now appear.
5. Check the boxes for the following file categories that can be safely deleted：

• Windows Update cleanup ☑️
• Transit optimization files ☑️
• Windows upgrade log files ☑️
• Temporary Windows installation files ☑️
• Previous Windows installations: ☑️

Click OK, then click Delete files to complete the cleanup.

This kind of cleaning up disk space on Windows 10 is guaranteed to be safe and will not accidentally delete important files, but the overall time consuming will be a little bit longer, so be patient and you will have a new experience!