You click to save a file and Windows hits you with that dreaded warning: not enough disk space. Your PC starts crawling. Programs freeze. Updates fail. You need more storage, but you’re not sure where all the space went or what to do about it. This problem affects millions of Windows users, whether you’re gaming on a desktop or working on a laptop.
The good news is you have options. You can free up gigabytes by cleaning out Windows junk that piles up over time. Or you can add actual storage capacity by installing a new drive. Sometimes you need both approaches. Either way, the process is straightforward when you know the right steps.
This guide walks you through seven practical steps to increase your computer storage. You’ll learn how to identify what’s eating your disk space, use Windows cleanup tools effectively, decide between external drives and internal upgrades, and install new storage hardware yourself. We cover both quick fixes that take minutes and permanent solutions that give you room to grow. Whether you need 20GB freed up today or want to add a 2TB SSD for gaming, you’ll find the answer here.
Why your PC keeps running out of space
Your hard drive fills up faster than you expect because Windows constantly creates temporary files that never get deleted. Every time you browse the web, install updates, or run programs, your system generates cache files, installer packages, and logs that pile up in hidden folders. These files can consume 20GB to 50GB or more without you noticing. Add your personal photos, videos, game installations, and application data, and suddenly that 256GB or 512GB drive feels cramped.
Common culprits that fill your drive
Large games and creative software are the biggest space hogs on most PCs. A single modern game like Call of Duty or Red Dead Redemption 2 takes up 150GB or more. Video editing programs store gigabytes of preview files and project caches. Your Downloads folder accumulates installers, PDFs, and compressed files you meant to sort through later but never did. Windows also keeps old system files from previous updates, sometimes holding onto 10GB to 30GB of outdated data "just in case" you need to roll back.
Your operating system reserves space for recovery partitions and system restore points, which can consume 10% to 15% of your total capacity even when you never use those features.
Hidden space eaters you overlook
Browser cache and temporary internet files grow silently in the background. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox each store gigabytes of cached web pages, cookies, and download history. Your Recycle Bin holds deleted files until you manually empty it, and many users forget this step for months. Windows Update downloads packages to a staging folder that remains after installation. Cloud storage apps like OneDrive or Dropbox might sync local copies of files you thought lived only in the cloud. Understanding how to increase computer storage starts with identifying these hidden drains on your disk space before you take action to reclaim it.
Step 1. Check how your storage is used
Before you delete anything or buy new hardware, you need to see exactly where your disk space went. Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in Storage tool that breaks down your drive usage by category. This diagnostic step takes two minutes and shows you whether temporary files, apps, or media files consume most of your capacity. Understanding how to increase computer storage becomes much easier when you know what’s actually filling your drive.
Open Windows Storage Settings
You access the storage analyzer through your Windows Settings menu. Click the Start button, type "storage settings" in the search box, and press Enter. The Settings app opens directly to the Storage page. Alternatively, you can navigate there manually by opening Settings, clicking System, and selecting Storage from the left sidebar.
Your primary drive (usually C: drive) appears at the top with a colored bar showing how full it is. Windows displays the total capacity and remaining free space in gigabytes. Click on the C: drive to see the detailed breakdown.
Read your storage breakdown
The breakdown screen lists categories that consume your storage space. Temporary files typically sit near the top and might show 10GB, 30GB, or even more. Apps & features reveals how much space your installed programs and games occupy. System & reserved includes Windows itself plus recovery partitions. Other categories include Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop files.
Each category is clickable, letting you drill down into specific folders and files to see what takes up the most room.
Pay attention to the largest categories first because that’s where you’ll recover the most space. If Temporary files shows 25GB, you found an easy win. If Apps & features lists 200GB, you probably have games or creative software you can remove or move elsewhere. The Other category often hides miscellaneous downloads and user files that don’t fit the standard buckets. Click into each large category and review the contents before deciding your next move.
Windows updates the storage view automatically, so you can check this screen after each cleanup step to confirm you freed up space. This visual feedback helps you track progress and decide whether you need additional cleanup steps or a hardware upgrade.
Step 2. Clean up Windows junk files
Windows accumulates temporary files, update caches, and system logs that serve no purpose after their initial use. These junk files can consume 20GB to 50GB or more on an average PC. Cleaning them out is the fastest way to reclaim storage space without deleting your personal files or uninstalling programs. You’ll use two built-in Windows tools to handle this cleanup automatically and safely. This step shows you exactly how to increase computer storage by removing digital clutter that slows your system down.
Use Disk Cleanup utility
The Disk Cleanup tool scans your drive and identifies safe-to-delete system files that you can remove with one click. You access it by typing "disk cleanup" in the Windows search box and clicking the Disk Cleanup app when it appears. Windows asks which drive to clean, so select your C: drive and click OK. The scan takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on how much junk has piled up.
Once the scan completes, you’ll see a list of file categories with checkboxes. Check the boxes next to these items:
- Temporary files
- Delivery Optimization Files
- Thumbnails
- Recycle Bin
- Temporary Internet Files
- DirectX Shader Cache
- Downloaded Program Files
Click Clean up system files for a deeper scan that includes Windows Update files. This second scan reveals Previous Windows installations and Windows Update Cleanup, which together can free up 10GB to 30GB. Check those boxes too, then click OK and confirm the deletion. The cleanup process runs automatically and might take 5 to 15 minutes for large amounts of junk.
Disk Cleanup removes only files Windows confirms are safe to delete, so you won’t accidentally break your system by selecting all categories.
Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup
Storage Sense acts as an automated janitor that removes temporary files on a schedule you control. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage and toggle Storage Sense to On. Click the Storage Sense link below the toggle to configure when it runs and what it cleans.
Set Run Storage Sense to "During low free disk space" or pick a fixed schedule like "Every week" depending on how quickly your drive fills up. Check the box for Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using. Under the Recycle Bin section, choose Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over 30 days. This prevents the bin from becoming a permanent storage drain.
You can also set Storage Sense to automatically delete files in your Downloads folder after 30 or 60 days, but only enable this if you regularly sort through downloads. Click Clean now at the bottom to run Storage Sense immediately and see how much space it recovers. Windows will then maintain your drive automatically going forward without manual intervention.
Step 3. Remove apps games and big files
After cleaning temporary files, the next biggest storage drains are installed applications and large personal files you no longer need. Games, creative software, and old video files can each consume 50GB to 150GB or more. You’ll recover substantial space by identifying and removing these items systematically. This step requires more careful decision-making than automatic cleanup tools because you’re dealing with programs and files you intentionally installed or saved. Knowing how to increase computer storage means being strategic about what stays on your primary drive.
Uninstall programs you don’t use
Open the Apps section in Windows Settings by clicking Start, typing "add or remove programs", and pressing Enter. The list shows every installed application with its size in megabytes or gigabytes displayed next to each name. Click the Sort by dropdown at the top and select Size to put the largest programs first. This reveals which applications consume the most disk space.
Scroll through the list and identify programs you haven’t used in months. Click the three-dot menu next to any program you want to remove, then select Uninstall. Follow the uninstaller prompts to complete the removal. Pay special attention to:
- Games you finished or stopped playing
- Trial software that expired
- Old versions of programs you upgraded
- Creative tools you no longer use
- Duplicate utilities with overlapping functions
Some programs like Steam games require you to uninstall through the application’s own interface rather than Windows Settings, so check your gaming platforms separately.
Delete large files manually
Open File Explorer and navigate to your C: drive. Click in the search box at the top right and type size:gigantic to find all files larger than 4GB on your entire drive. Windows displays the results sorted by location. Review each file and delete anything you don’t need, such as old video projects, downloaded movies, or installer files you kept after installation.
Next, search size:huge to find files between 1GB and 4GB. Your Downloads folder typically contains many forgotten installers, compressed archives, and PDFs that accumulate over time. Delete anything older than a few months that you haven’t opened. Check your Documents, Videos, and Pictures folders for duplicate files or old backups you can safely remove. Right-click any file and select Delete to move it to the Recycle Bin, then remember to empty the bin afterward to actually free up the space.
Step 4. Move files to external or cloud
After removing junk and unused apps, you still might need more space for new projects, games, or work files. Moving large personal files off your primary drive frees up capacity without deleting anything permanently. You have two main options: external drives for local backup or cloud storage for internet-based access. Both approaches work well depending on whether you need fast access to files or want them available across multiple devices. This step demonstrates another practical way of how to increase computer storage by relocating data rather than removing it.
Choose an external drive for local backup
An external hard drive or SSD connects to your PC via USB and provides immediate storage expansion without opening your computer case. USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 drives offer transfer speeds of 100MB/s to 500MB/s, making them fast enough for video editing or moving large photo libraries. You can find portable 1TB to 5TB external drives from brands like Western Digital, Seagate, or Samsung for $50 to $150 depending on capacity and speed.
Plug the drive into any USB port on your PC and Windows recognizes it automatically as a new drive letter. Open File Explorer and drag entire folders like Videos, Pictures, or Documents from your C: drive to the external drive. The transfer might take 30 minutes to several hours depending on file size. Once complete, verify the files copied correctly by opening a few samples from the external drive. Then delete the originals from your C: drive and empty the Recycle Bin to actually free up space.
Keep your external drive connected if you access those files daily, or store it safely and reconnect only when needed.
Set up cloud storage for access anywhere
Cloud services like Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox store your files on internet servers instead of your local drive. Windows 10 and 11 include OneDrive built in with 5GB free storage that expands to 1TB when you subscribe to Microsoft 365. You access cloud files from any device with internet by logging into your account through a web browser or mobile app.
Right-click any folder on your PC and select Share or Move to OneDrive to upload it to the cloud. The upload speed depends on your internet connection, typically taking 10 to 30 minutes per gigabyte. Once uploaded, you can delete the local copy or enable Files On-Demand in OneDrive settings, which keeps file names visible on your PC but stores the actual data online until you open a specific file. This hybrid approach maintains your file structure while saving disk space automatically.
Step 5. Adjust Windows space settings
Windows reserves disk space for system protection, hibernation, and virtual memory functions that you might not need. These hidden allocations can consume 20GB to 40GB of your total capacity without providing value if you never use the features. Adjusting these settings requires more technical knowledge than the cleanup steps above, but the process is safe when you follow the instructions carefully. This approach to how to increase computer storage targets system-level configurations rather than user files.
Reduce system restore point allocation
System Restore creates automatic backup snapshots before major changes like driver updates or program installations. Windows reserves up to 10% to 15% of your total drive capacity for these restore points, which means a 512GB drive might dedicate 50GB to backups you’ll probably never use. You can reduce this allocation or disable System Restore entirely if you prefer manual backups.
Type "create a restore point" in the Windows search box and click the result. The System Properties window opens to the System Protection tab. Select your C: drive from the list and click Configure below it. You’ll see a slider labeled "Max Usage" that shows how much space Windows reserves for restore points. Drag the slider left to reduce the allocation to 2% or 3% instead of the default 10%. Click Apply, then click Delete to remove all existing restore points and immediately reclaim that space. Windows will create new, smaller restore points going forward.
If you disable System Restore completely, you lose the ability to roll back system changes, so only do this if you maintain regular backups through other methods.
Disable hibernation to free space
Hibernation saves your current work to a hidden file called hiberfil.sys so you can power off completely and resume exactly where you left off later. This file matches the size of your RAM, meaning 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of disk space remains permanently reserved even when you never hibernate. Most desktop users and many laptop owners prefer shutdown or sleep mode instead, making hibernation unnecessary.
Open Command Prompt as administrator by typing "cmd" in the search box, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator. Type powercfg /hibernate off and press Enter. Windows immediately deletes the hiberfil.sys file and frees up the space. You can verify this by checking your drive capacity in File Explorer. The setting persists across restarts until you manually re-enable hibernation by running powercfg /hibernate on in Command Prompt.
Step 6. Plan a storage hardware upgrade
When cleaning and moving files doesn’t provide enough space, you need to add physical storage capacity to your computer. Planning this upgrade before you buy anything saves money and prevents compatibility headaches. You’ll decide between drive types, connection methods, and capacity sizes based on your specific PC model and usage patterns. Understanding how to increase computer storage through hardware means matching the right drive technology to your needs and budget rather than buying the first option you see online.
Choose between HDD and SSD options
Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) use spinning magnetic platters to store data and cost roughly $15 to $30 per terabyte. They work well for storing large media libraries, backups, and files you don’t access frequently. Solid-state drives (SSDs) use flash memory chips with no moving parts and deliver read/write speeds of 500MB/s to 7,000MB/s compared to HDDs at 80MB/s to 160MB/s. This speed difference makes SSDs ideal for your operating system, games, and applications where load times matter.
SSDs cost $50 to $100 per terabyte, about three to five times more than HDDs, but prices drop steadily each year. A 500GB SSD runs $40 to $60 and provides enough space for Windows plus several large games. A 2TB SSD costs $100 to $150 and handles most users’ complete software library. Budget-focused upgrades often combine both technologies by keeping Windows and programs on a smaller SSD while storing videos, photos, and backups on a larger HDD.
The performance gap between SSDs and HDDs is dramatic enough that even a 256GB SSD outperforms a 2TB HDD for everyday computing tasks.
Match storage type to your computer
Desktop PCs typically accept 3.5-inch drives for HDDs and 2.5-inch drives for SSDs that connect via SATA cables to the motherboard. Modern desktops also include M.2 slots on the motherboard for compact NVMe SSDs that deliver the fastest speeds available. Check your motherboard manual or search your PC model number online to confirm which drive types and how many total drives your system supports. Most desktops accommodate two to four drives simultaneously.
Laptops have limited internal space and usually support only one or two 2.5-inch SATA drives or a single M.2 SSD. Gaming laptops often include both an M.2 slot and a 2.5-inch bay, while ultrabooks typically offer just one M.2 slot. You need to verify your specific laptop model’s expansion options before purchasing because opening a laptop requires more care than accessing a desktop case. Search "[your laptop model] upgrade guide" to find documentation showing available drive slots.
Calculate your storage needs
Add up the space your current files, programs, and games occupy using the Storage Settings view from Step 1. Then estimate how much additional space you’ll need over the next two to three years. If you currently use 400GB and plan to add more games or start video editing, a 1TB drive provides room to grow without breaking your budget. Content creators working with 4K video should target 2TB or larger since raw footage accumulates quickly.
Leave 20% of any drive empty for optimal performance because SSDs slow down when filled beyond 80% capacity. A 500GB drive should hold no more than 400GB of data. Windows also needs 20GB to 30GB free for updates and temporary operations. Calculate your final capacity by taking your usage estimate and adding 30% buffer space. A system currently using 300GB needs at least a 400GB drive, though jumping to 500GB or 1TB makes more sense for long-term value.
Step 7. Install new storage in PC or laptop
Installing physical storage hardware completes your upgrade and gives you permanent capacity expansion. The installation process differs significantly between desktops and laptops, with desktops offering easier access and more flexibility. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver and about 30 minutes for a desktop installation or 45 minutes for a laptop. This final hardware step shows you exactly how to increase computer storage by adding a new drive yourself instead of paying a technician to do simple work you can handle at home.
Install an internal drive in desktop PC
Shut down your computer completely and unplug the power cable from the back of the tower. Press the power button once to discharge any remaining electricity. Open your case by removing the side panel screws and sliding the panel backward. Most modern cases use thumbscrews that require no tools, while older cases need a Phillips head screwdriver.
Locate an empty drive bay inside your case. 3.5-inch bays sit in the lower front section for HDDs, while 2.5-inch bays mount on the side or back for SSDs. M.2 drives skip the bay entirely and plug directly into a slot on your motherboard near the CPU. Follow these steps for each drive type:
For SATA drives (HDD or 2.5-inch SSD):
- Slide the drive into an empty bay and secure it with four mounting screws
- Connect a SATA data cable from the drive to an open SATA port on your motherboard
- Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply to the drive
For M.2 NVMe SSDs:
- Remove the small screw from the M.2 slot on your motherboard
- Insert the M.2 drive at a 30-degree angle into the slot
- Press down gently and secure with the screw you removed
Desktop installations rarely fail because the connectors are keyed to prevent incorrect installation, but double-check that cables click firmly into place.
Replace your side panel, reconnect the power cable, and boot your PC. Windows should detect the new drive automatically.
Add storage to a laptop
Laptop storage upgrades require more precision because components sit closer together in tight spaces. Power off your laptop, unplug the charger, and remove the battery if it’s removable. Flip the laptop over and locate the small access panel secured by several tiny screws. Some laptops require you to remove the entire bottom cover instead of just a panel.
Remove the screws and lift the cover carefully. Your existing drive connects to the motherboard through a SATA connector or M.2 slot. If you’re replacing the existing drive, disconnect it by pulling the connector straight out or removing the M.2 securing screw. Install your new drive using the reverse process. Replacing a laptop’s only drive means you need to reinstall Windows afterward using a USB installation drive you created beforehand.
Gaming laptops often include an extra empty M.2 slot for adding storage without removing the original drive. This gives you the best outcome because you keep Windows on your existing drive while gaining extra capacity from the new one.
Format and set up your new drive
Boot into Windows and open Disk Management by typing "disk management" in the search box. Your new drive appears as unallocated space. Right-click the unallocated section and select New Simple Volume. Follow the wizard by clicking Next, accepting the default size to use all available space, assigning a drive letter like D: or E:, and choosing NTFS as the file system. The format process takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on drive size, and then your new storage appears in File Explorer ready for immediate use.
Extra tools and pro tips
Beyond the core cleanup and upgrade steps, you can optimize your storage management with specialized tools and advanced techniques that Windows doesn’t advertise. These professional methods help you maintain clean storage long-term and catch problems before they spiral out of control. Learning how to increase computer storage includes understanding these power user approaches that separate casual PC owners from people who keep their systems running perfectly for years.
Scan with disk space analyzers
Third-party disk analyzers visualize your storage in ways Windows never shows you, making it easier to spot space-wasting folders you’d otherwise miss. Programs like WinDirStat and TreeSize scan your entire drive and display results as a color-coded treemap where larger blocks represent bigger files. You can click any block to see exactly what file it represents and delete it directly from the interface.
These tools reveal duplicate files, forgotten backups, and nested folders that consume gigabytes while hiding deep in your directory structure. Run a full scan once every few months to catch storage bloat early. The scan takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your drive size, but the visual layout makes cleanup decisions obvious at a glance.
Monitor drive health with SMART data
Your drives report health statistics through SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) that predict failures before they happen. Download CrystalDiskInfo to check your drive’s temperature, power-on hours, and error count. SSDs show remaining lifespan as a percentage based on write cycles, while HDDs report reallocated sectors that signal physical damage.
Checking SMART data monthly helps you replace failing drives before you lose data, and knowing your drive’s condition informs whether upgrading makes sense.
Schedule these checks as calendar reminders every 30 days. Drives showing health warnings below 80% need immediate backup and eventual replacement, even if they still function normally.
Final thoughts
You now have a complete roadmap for how to increase computer storage on your Windows PC. The cleanup methods free up 20GB to 50GB or more in an afternoon without buying anything, while hardware upgrades give you permanent capacity expansion that lasts for years. Start with the quick wins like Disk Cleanup and removing unused programs, then tackle the bigger decisions about external drives or internal storage installation based on your budget.
Most storage problems come from accumulated digital clutter rather than actual hardware limits. Regular maintenance using Storage Sense and monthly disk analyzer scans prevent the space crunch from returning. When you do need new hardware, plan carefully so you buy the right drive type and capacity for your specific needs instead of wasting money on mismatched components.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Shop high-performance SSDs and external drives that deliver fast speeds and reliable capacity for your gaming PC or workstation.
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