Is your SSD full and slowing down your computer? You are not alone. A lot of people run into this problem without knowing why. When I first saw the “low disk space” warning, I had no idea what was filling up my drive. But after learning how SSDs work and trying a few simple tricks, I cleared a ton of space and got my speed back.
In this guide, I will walk you through how to free up SSD storage on your Windows computer in a friendly, step-by-step way. No tech skills needed. Just follow along, and by the end, your SSD will have more room and your system will run smoother.
What Is an SSD and Why It Gets Full So Quickly
An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a faster type of storage that your computer uses to load files, apps, and the operating system. Compared to traditional hard drives, SSDs are much faster and more reliable. However, they usually offer less space, especially on affordable laptops.
Common reasons your SSD fills up:
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Hidden files from Windows updates
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Temporary files that do not delete automatically
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Old programs and games you no longer use
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Photos, videos, and downloads stored in large quantities
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Background apps saving unnecessary data
Even if you do not actively save much, Windows and other apps quietly fill your SSD behind the scenes.
Step-by-Step: How to Free Up SSD Storage on Windows
Let us start freeing up space with easy, clear actions you can take today.
1. Use Storage Sense to Clean Automatically
Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows that removes junk files, clears the recycle bin, and deletes temp data on a schedule you set.
How to turn it on:
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Open Settings
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Go to System, then Storage
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Find Storage Sense and turn it On
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Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now
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Set it to delete files every month or week
Pro Tip: Run it once manually to clear out space immediately, then let it handle cleanup automatically going forward.
2. Manually Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files are created when you browse the internet, install software, or run programs. They often get left behind and take up space.
Steps to delete temp files:
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Press Windows + R
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Type
tempand press Enter -
Select all files and press Shift + Delete
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Repeat with
%temp%and thenprefetch
Pro Tip: If you see a message saying some files cannot be deleted, skip them. These are still being used by the system and are safe to leave alone.
3. Uninstall Programs You No Longer Use
Old software, games, or tools you downloaded months ago might still be sitting on your SSD.
To remove unused programs:
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Open the Control Panel
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Go to Programs > Uninstall a program
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Sort the list by Size or Date Last Used
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Click and uninstall anything you do not need
Pro Tip: If you do not recognize a program, search online to check if it is safe to remove.
4. Clean Out the Downloads Folder
Your Downloads folder often stores large files like installers, PDFs, and videos that you might not need anymore.
Steps to clean it:
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Open File Explorer
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Navigate to Downloads
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Sort by Size or Date Modified
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Delete files that are no longer needed
Pro Tip: Move important files into a folder called “Keep” so you do not accidentally delete them during cleanup.
5. Move Large Files to External Storage or Cloud
Big files like videos, photos, or backup folders should not be stored on your SSD if space is limited.
Where you can move files:
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USB flash drives
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External hard drives
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Cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox
Pro Tip: If you use OneDrive, right-click on a file and select “Free up space.” This keeps it online but removes it from your SSD.
6. Disable Hibernation to Save Several GBs
Hibernation saves everything from your RAM to a file on your SSD. It helps your PC resume work faster but can use up 3 to 8 gigabytes.
To turn off hibernation:
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Search Command Prompt in the Start menu
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Right-click and choose Run as Administrator
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Type
powercfg -h offand press Enter
Pro Tip: You will still have access to sleep mode. This step only removes the hibernation file to free space.
7. Clean System Restore Points
Windows automatically creates restore points, but they can take up a lot of room over time.
How to remove old restore points:
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Search for System Protection
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Select your SSD and click Configure
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Click Delete to remove all but the latest restore points
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You can also limit how much space future ones will use
Pro Tip: Keep just one or two recent restore points in case of emergencies.
8. Use Cleanup Software (Optional)
Tools like CCleaner can help you remove junk files, browser data, and duplicate files. If you want an extra layer of cleanup, this can be helpful.
Be careful: Only download cleanup tools from trusted sources, and do not remove things you do not understand.
Pro Tip: Use these tools after trying the manual steps for a deeper clean.
Helpful Tips to Keep Your SSD Clean Over Time
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Avoid defragmenting your SSD. SSDs do not need defragmentation, and it can reduce their lifespan.
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Disable background apps you do not use by going to Settings → Privacy → Background Apps.
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Check your storage once a month using Settings → Storage to see what is taking up space early on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I defragment my SSD?
No. Defragmenting is for older hard drives. SSDs use a technology called TRIM, which keeps them running efficiently without defragmentation.
Is it safe to delete temporary and system files?
Yes. The steps in this article guide you to remove only safe-to-delete temporary files. Windows will not allow you to delete important system files.
Will disabling hibernation cause problems?
No. Your computer will still work fine. You will just lose the hibernate option, which most users do not use anyway.
What is Storage Sense and should I use it?
Storage Sense is a built-in Windows feature that automatically clears out junk files. It is safe, effective, and easy to set up.
How much space can I realistically free up?
Depending on your system, you can expect to recover between 5 GB to 30 GB or more using these steps.
Final Thoughts: Clean, Fast, and Easy
Running out of space on your SSD is frustrating, but it is also easy to fix. With these simple tips, you now know exactly how to free up SSD storage without needing help from a tech expert.
By deleting temporary files, uninstalling unused programs, moving large files, and using Storage Sense, your system will feel lighter and faster. Keep up these good habits every month and your SSD will thank you with smoother performance and fewer issues.