Running low on storage can significantly impact your Windows 11 system's performance. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several built-in tools and features to help you reclaim space and enhance system efficiency.

1. Utilize Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup

Storage Sense is a feature in Windows 11 that automatically frees up space by removing unnecessary files, such as temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. To enable and configure Storage Sense:

  1. Press INLINECODE0 to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System > Storage.
  3. Toggle on Storage Sense.
  4. Click on Storage Sense to configure cleanup schedules and specify which files to delete.

For more details, refer to Microsoft's guide on managing drive space with Storage Sense. (support.microsoft.com)

2. Use Cleanup Recommendations to Identify Unnecessary Files

Windows 11 provides Cleanup Recommendations to help you identify and remove files that are safe to delete:

  1. Open Settings (INLINECODE1 ) and go to System > Storage.
  2. Under Storage management, select Cleanup recommendations.
  3. Review categories like Temporary files, Large or unused files, and Unused apps.
  4. Select the items you wish to remove and click Clean up.

This feature assists in reclaiming space by removing files that are no longer needed. (support.microsoft.com)

3. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications and Features

Over time, applications and features you no longer use can occupy significant storage:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Sort by size to identify large applications.
  3. Click the three dots next to the app you want to remove and select Uninstall.

Additionally, consider uninstalling optional features and languages you don't need to free up more space. (tomshardware.com)

4. Enable OneDrive Files On-Demand to Save Local Storage

OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature allows you to access your OneDrive files without downloading them, saving local storage:

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar and select Settings.
  2. Under the Settings tab, check Save space and download files as you use them.
  3. Click OK to apply the changes.

This feature ensures that files are available online without consuming local storage space. (support.microsoft.com)

5. Compress System Files Using Compact OS

For devices with limited storage, Windows 11 offers the Compact OS feature to reduce the size of system files:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Enter the command:

``INLINECODE2 `INLINECODE3 `INLINECODE4 `INLINECODE5 `INLINECODE6 `INLINECODE7 Windows + SINLINECODE8 Windows + SINLINECODE9 Windows + I`) and go to Privacy & security > Searching Windows.

  1. Click on Advanced indexing options.
  2. In the Indexing Options window, click Advanced.
  3. Under the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild.

Rebuilding the index can free up space and improve search performance. (tomshardware.com)

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively free up storage space on your Windows 11 system, leading to improved performance and a more efficient computing experience.