How to Free Up Disk Space on Windows and Mac

When a computer's drive is almost full, it becomes slow, updates fail and programs cannot save files. The good news is that most of the space used up is easy to recover. This guide shows safe steps that remove only files you do not need, starting with the largest sources.

Check what is using space

Windows: open Settings, then System, then Storage. Look at the breakdown and select a category to see the largest items.
Mac: choose the Apple menu, then About This Mac, then Storage. Recommendations and the category bars show where the space goes.

Empty the Trash and Recycle Bin

Deleted files stay in the Recycle Bin on Windows and the Trash on Mac until you empty them. Empty both regularly. Check the Downloads folder too, because many large installers and disk images stay there after you install the app.

Turn on automatic cleaning

On Windows, turn on Storage Sense in Settings under System, then Storage. It deletes temporary files and old recycle bin items automatically. On Mac, enable Optimised Storage, which moves unused files to the cloud when space is low.

Remove unused apps

Uninstall programs you no longer use. On Windows, open Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps. On Mac, drag apps from the Applications folder to the Trash. Our guide on uninstalling programs properly explains how to remove leftovers.

Move large files

Old videos, photos and archives often take the most space. Move them to an external drive or cloud storage, and keep a copy of important items. Do not delete family photos or documents without a backup.

Clear browser caches with care

Browser caches speed up sites you visit often, but they can grow large over time. Clear them from the browser's settings. This is safe because the browser rebuilds the cache as you browse.

Avoid these common mistakes

Do not delete files in the Windows folder or system folders. You can break the operating system.
Do not remove files because you do not recognise the name without checking first.
Do not fill the drive to the very top. Keep at least 10 to 15% free for updates and temporary files.

Frequently asked questions

How much free space is enough?

Aim for at least 15 to 20% free on a system drive. This keeps the computer responsive and gives room for updates.

Can I use an external drive to get space?

Yes. Store large files on an external drive and open them when needed. Keep the drive safe and use it as a backup too.

Find duplicate photos and videos

Phones and cameras often copy the same photos into several folders. Search for files with the same name and size, or sort by size and open the largest folders in your Pictures and Videos locations. Keep one copy of each file, and check that it is backed up before you delete the rest.

Remove old installers and disk images

Installers for programs and disk images for macOS can be several gigabytes each. Once an app is installed, the installer is usually no longer needed. Delete the ones you do not plan to use again, but keep the licence key or account details for any software you may need to reinstall.