Forum Discussion
GabrielStone
Dec 30, 2025Iron Contributor
C drive is full. What should I delete to clean up C drive safely?
My Windows 11 laptop has a small size C drive. It only has 80GB in space. Now, only 6GB free space is available and the computer starts lagging these days. Now, Windows 11 keeps warning me about low...
Almaiw
Dec 30, 2025Iron Contributor
If your C drive is full, here are some steps to help you free up space:
- Check for updates: Ensure your Windows is up-to-date, as newer versions often include features to help manage disk space.
- Empty the Recycle Bin: This might sound obvious, but it's easy to overlook. Make sure to empty the Recycle Bin regularly.
- Reinstall Windows: If none of the above steps help, you might want to consider reinstalling Windows. This will give you a clean slate and free up space on your C drive.
- Extend the C drive: If you have another drive on your computer, you can extend the C drive by using the disk management tool.
Before you start deleting:
Backup your data: Once your C drive is full, then deleting unnecessary data is inevitable. Ensure that you have a recent backup of your important files and documents. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive), or a backup software.
Identify essential files: Make a list of the files and folders you need to keep, such as:
Documents, videos, and photos
Installed programs and their folders
Windows system files and folders (e.g., Windows, Program Files, Users)
Backup files and folders