How to Clean Up Disk Space

No matter how large your hard disk is, there will always come a time when it seems to be not enough. As you acquire more and store files on your computer, the large disk space becomes inappropriate anymore. If you are looking for clever tips to free up space, these tips might help.

1. Establish your computer's current status.

* Go to Settings and then click Change PC Settings.

* Click on PC and Devices and go to Disk Space.

* You will find the amount of free space indicated under Free up space on this PC.

* Check your Recycle Bin for deleted files that might still be there and click Empty my Recycle Bin to completely delete the files.

2. Perform Disk Cleanup

This is the initial instinct and most of the time, it's never been wrong. It is important that you regularly clean your computer to avoid accumulating many files. This ensures that your computer is running smoothly. Disk cleanup will perform an analysis of all files and folders to determine which files are to be deleted.

* Click Start.

* Go to All Programs.

* Click on Accessories and then go to System Tools.

* Choose Disk Cleanup.

* Select the files that you want cleaned up. A window will appear, and you have to press Continue when a new window prompts you to continue on with the process.

* Choose the hard disk drive that you want to clean up by clicking on the Drive Selection dialog box, and then click OK.

* After that, Disk Cleanup will analyze and calculate the amount of space which can be freed up. This may take a couple of minutes though so you'll have to wait.

* Click on the Disk Cleanup tab, and then tick on the boxes that correspond to the types of files that you want to delete.

* Press OK and Delete Files. Clean up process will begin shortly.

3. Use the Disk "Defragmenter"

Disk Defragmentation is the process of consolidating fragmented files on your system. Over time, fragmentation occurs and it will affect how your computer performs. You can schedule Disk Defragmentation regularly so you don't have to worry in case you forgot to defragment.

* Access Start menu and go to All Programs.

* Go to System Tools and select Disk Defragmenter.

* When the window prompts you, Continue. If you are asked for an administrator password, key in the information needed.

* Click on Defragment Now.

* Wait until the process is completed and Close the window.

4. Uninstall programs that are no longer needed.

Over time, there might be programs that are insignificant already. These might be taking up the needed disk space.

* Go to Start and then to Control Panel.

* Click Programs (Uninstall a Program).

* Go to Programs and Features.

* Choose from the list which programs and software to uninstall. Select the particular program/software for deletion and select Uninstall.

* Choose Continue when prompted.

5. Reduce space allotted for System Restore.

System Restore might be eating too much space; you can correct that by reducing the allotted space. When you do this, you will end up with lesser restore points and limited copies of restored files. If these features are not as important as freeing up space, you can go ahead with the adjustment.

* With Windows 7.0, click the Start menu and go to Computer.

* Select Properties and then click on Control Panel.

* Then go to System Protection, you have three options: create a restore point, configure settings, and use System Restore.

* Begin with the drive that you intend to reduce first and then click Configure.

* When you are in the Configure panel, you can completely turn off system protection, delete older restore points, change configuration to restore files only, or to drag the slider and choose whether you need more or less space.

* Once done, you might get an ample amount of free space and your computer would be working smoothly again.

6. Reduce the size for the "WinSxS" folder.

Take note that completely deleting files or the whole WinSxS folder might cause damage to the system. You'll find the WinSxS within the Windows folder. It serves as storage for Windows Component Store files, which support functions for updating and customizing Windows. You may access the Task Scheduler folder to reduce file size.

* Go to Start and click on Control Pane.

* Go to System and Security and open Administrative Tools tab and choose Schedule Tasks.

* Select on Task Scheduler Library and choose Microsoft.

* Go to Windows and then Servicing.

* Go to "StartComponentCleanup" and go to Run under Selected Item.