How to Free Up Storage on Your PC in Just 1 Minute Guide!

Running out of storage space can slow your PC down and limit what you can install or save. Fortunately, you don’t need any advanced tools or deep tech knowledge to clean things up. In just about a minute, you can free up a significant amount of space using built-in Windows features. Here’s a quick guide that breaks it down step by step.

Step 1: Use Disk Cleanup

Start by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cleanmgr and press Enter. Choose your main drive, which is usually the C drive, then let Windows scan for files you can safely delete. Once it’s done scanning, check the boxes for the following:

• Temporary files

• Thumbnails

• System cache

• Other unnecessary system files

Click OK and confirm to clean them up. This is one of the quickest ways to recover space instantly.

Step 2: Enable and Run Storage Sense

Next, press Windows + I to open the Settings menu, go to System > Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. This feature helps by automatically removing junk files, emptying the recycle bin, and clearing temp folders at scheduled intervals. To use it immediately, click Configure Storage Sense, then select Run Storage Sense Now.

Step 3: Uninstall Unused Programs

To remove apps you don’t use anymore, press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. A list of installed programs will appear. Go through the list and uninstall anything that’s no longer needed. Focus on large apps or old software you haven’t touched in a while.

Step 4: Manually Clear Temp Files

You can manually remove leftover files too. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. This will open the folder filled with temporary files. Select everything inside and delete it. If some files are still in use, just skip those. Repeat the process by typing temp in the Run box, and again with prefetch. These folders store cached and leftover files that aren’t always cleared automatically.

Step 5: Empty the Recycle Bin

Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin. Right-click on the icon from your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin. Files in here still take up space until you permanently remove them.

Step 6: Search for Large Files

Lastly, open File Explorer, then in the search bar type size:>1GB. This filters and shows large files on your drive. Review them and delete anything you no longer need—like old videos, installers, or backups.

Freeing up storage on your PC doesn’t need to be a long or difficult process. With these simple steps, you can clean up your system in just about a minute. Try to do this regularly or enable Storage Sense to automate most of it. Keeping your storage in check not only saves space but helps your computer run faster and smoother.