What’s taking up storage space?

Hi,

I am trying to find whats taking up most of the storage space on my laptop. There is only 1 GBs of space remaining. After initial setup of the system a few years ago there was 475 GB available.

At present, In storage details under system settings, after adding up storage amount of installed apps and other files, the total amounts to 110GB only.

Out of this, 12GB is in installed apps and 77GB my own saved files(the remainder being other files and temporary files). From the 110GB to 485GB, under this setting, I am unable to see amounts for any other files taking up the rest of the storage space

Any advice how to find whats taking up all the remaining space would be appreciated.

Below are the laptop details:

Name: HP Envy
Internal Drive: 500 GB (1GB available)
Win: 11 Home
RAM: 8GB.

Thanks,
Ge1157

Hi, try : From Start--> Search type CMD, Run as Administrator then Copy/Paste --> :  %SystemRoot%\System32\Cmd.exe /c Cleanmgr /sageset:65535 & Cleanmgr /sagerun:65535 then Enter, select all and sit back. It opens MS Disk Cleanup and cleans up more.  Make sure have files you want in the Download Folder moved before running.

As well that maybe taking room.

then

from another DOS Command Prompt from START | type cmd.exe into the start search box | RIGHT-click on cmd.exe | select "Run as Administrator" then Copy/Paste --> :
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command then Enter  if it finds problems then reboot. (Completed Successfully : means reboot)
then
 after reboot run from another CMD Admin Prompt SFC /SCANNOW and reboot if it fixes anything.

 

then after

Run the WinSxS clean up tool with the Reset Base command. Type or Copy/Paste the following command: Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase   Reboot after.
 

REMOVE ORPHAN FILES IN C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local
You can use PowerShell. Right click the windows key > Powershell as Admin. Copy and paste the following line. After doing a copy of the below right click the mouse button to paste into powershell.  All the folders will end up in the recycle bin.

get-childitem -path C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local -Filter *.tmp* | Remove-Item
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Let us know if that improved things

 

Edited by Pkshadow, 22 May 2024 - 09:13 PM.

Hi:

It's hard to believe your computer is functioning with so little free disk space.

>>>In addition to the advice already provided, a few suggestions to specifically address the low disk space issue:

I suggest making sure your data are backed up (cloud or external storage) & create a restore point and/or system image before any major disk cleanup procedure

>Native Windows 11 utilities:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/run-storage-sense-now-in-windows-11.23477/

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-disk-cleanup-in-windows-11.7606/


Others to help determine what is taking up space:

> Be sure to download any such program ONLY from its official website

Multiple free, freemium & paid options

A few examples

Treesize:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp9m26rsclnt88?hl=en-us&gl=US

https://treesize.en.softonic.com/download

—-
Windirstat:

https://windirstat.en.softonic.com/

—-
Others:
https://treesize.en.softonic.com/windows/alternatives

I keep forgetting about Storage Sense as I use other means but yes learn that.

 

Keep that MS Disk Cleanup Command on a Notepad along with the other Commands and stick in a new folder called Toolbox for future use.  Even email it to yourself. :=}

...................In storage details under system setting........................ the total amounts to 110GB only........................., I am unable to see amounts for any other files taking up the rest of the storage space

In that case you'll need a third-party tool. I use TreeSize Free and you can get it direct from the manufacturer's website here.

 

By the way, I've seen plenty of computers that run fine with just 1-2GB of free disk space. I think it's an urban myth that says a drive must always have 25% (or whatever) free space to run properly.

@Secret-Squirrel 25% ***  it is 15% or more free at all times as this is needed on the C: drive all the time for swap files, Windows Update, downloads, unzipping files, and other stuff.

On a storage drive can get away with it but should try to have 15%.

Check to see if File History isn’t the culprit. It may be set to save backups indefinitely.

There is an article on How to Set up File History in Windows 11 Tutorial.

Good luck!

Actually there are few reasons which lead to such space issues, I have listed a few steps which I personally tried and studied, you can try them yourself, maybe they come up a solution to your problem:

1. Check Hidden Files: Some system files may be hidden but are taking space, to check them open File Explorer > View tab > Check "Hidden items".
2. Disk Cleanup: Run it to clear and remove temporary files and system cache. Search "Disk Cleanup" > Select drive C: > Check items to delete > Click "Clean up system files".
3. Use Storage Sense: Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Storage". Click on "Configure Storage Sense or run it now" to automate the cleanup of temporary files and other junk files.
4. Try third party tool: I have heard about few tools like like WinDirStat or TreeSize Free can give you a visual representation of what's taking up space. I have used or tried them, but you can give them a shot if any of the methods don’t work for you.
5. Search for Large Files: Open File Explorer > This PC > Search size:>1GB in the search bar. You will get all the files larger than 1GB.
6. Manage System Restore Points: Search "System Protection" > Configure under the drive > Adjust or delete old restore points.
7. Check Virtual Memory: Right-click "This PC" > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings > Advanced tab > Virtual memory section.
8. Disable Hibernation: The hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) can also consume a lot of space. If you don't use hibernation, you can disable it. Open Command Prompt as admin > Type powercfg -h off.

You may think I have listed a lot of methods, but you can try all or any of them. I believe following them your issue may get resolved. If still you encounter this problem, then backup your data and perform clean installation of windows, or in the end consult any professional for the same.

Try searching for new files to see what is being created so you know where the files are coming from. Then search for large file size 5 Gig etc..