Everyday Computer Skills · Keeping It Running · Lesson 2 of 5

Freeing Up Storage Space

See what fills your storage and safely clear space you don't need.

When your storage is full

Storage is where your computer keeps files, apps and photos, even when it is turned off. It is different from memory, which only holds what is open right now.

When storage gets nearly full, the computer can slow down. Updates may fail. You may see a message that says you are low on space.

To see how full it is on Windows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose System, then Storage.

A bar shows how much space is used and how much is free. Below it, you'll see what is taking up space, like apps, documents and temporary files. Temporary files are leftovers that apps and Windows make while they work. Most can be safely removed.

Cleanup recommendations is a page in Storage that suggests things you may want to remove. It can list temporary files, large files you haven't opened in a while, and apps you rarely use. You check the boxes you want, then click to clean up.

One rule keeps you safe. Don't delete files you don't recognize from system folders, like the Windows folder. Stick to the cleanup tools and your own files.

On a Mac, open the Apple menu, then System Settings, then General, then Storage. You'll see the same kind of bar and some suggestions.

On the practice computer, open Cleanup recommendations, clear the temporary files and the old large file in Downloads, then empty the Recycle Bin.

Storage Sense and your Downloads

Space often fills up in two quiet places: the Downloads folder and the Recycle Bin.

The Downloads folder is where files from the internet land. Installers, PDFs and photos pile up there for years. Open it in File Explorer and look for big files you no longer need. If something matters, move it to Documents or Pictures first.

The Recycle Bin holds files you deleted. They still take up space until the bin is emptied. To empty it, right-click the Recycle Bin on the desktop and choose Empty Recycle Bin. Look inside first, because emptied files are gone for normal use.

Storage Sense is a Windows feature that can clean up for you. It can remove temporary files and empty old items from the Recycle Bin on a schedule. It only touches your Downloads folder if you set it to.

To turn it on:

1. Open Settings, then System, then Storage.
2. Switch Storage Sense on.
3. Click Storage Sense to choose how often it runs.

On a Mac, deleted files go to the Trash in the Dock. In System Settings, General, Storage, you can turn on emptying the Trash automatically.

A little cleanup every few months keeps things running well.