How to Free Up Storage on Windows and Mac in 2026
Running out of storage is one of the most common computer problems.
Your laptop gets slow, updates fail, and you keep seeing annoying warnings like “Storage Almost Full.”
The good news?
You can free up a lot of space without being a tech expert.
Let’s go step by step.
First: Check What’s Using Your Storage
Before deleting anything, see where your space went.
On Windows:
- Open Settings
- Go to System → Storage
- Wait for Windows to analyze your files
On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu
- Go to System Settings → General → Storage
- Let macOS calculate usage
This shows what’s taking the most space (apps, photos, system files, etc.).
1. Delete Files You Don’t Need
This is the fastest win.
Look for:
- Old videos
- Duplicate photos
- Downloads you forgot about
- Big files you don’t recognize
Tip:
Check your Downloads folder — it’s usually full of junk.
2. Empty the Trash / Recycle Bin
Deleted files aren’t really gone until you do this.
On Windows:
- Right-click Recycle Bin
- Click Empty Recycle Bin
On Mac:
- Right-click Trash
- Click Empty Trash
You’d be surprised how much space this frees up.
3. Uninstall Apps You Don’t Use
Apps can take gigabytes of space.
On Windows:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Sort by size
- Uninstall apps you don’t need
On Mac:
- Go to System Settings → General → Storage
- Click Applications
- Remove unused apps
If you haven’t used it in months — delete it.
4. Use Built-In Storage Cleanup Tools
Your computer already has tools to help you.
Windows: Storage Sense
- Go to Settings → System → Storage
- Turn on Storage Sense
- It automatically removes temporary files
Mac: Storage Recommendations
- Open Storage settings
- Follow Apple’s recommendations
- Enable Optimize Storage
Easy, safe, and automatic.
5. Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files build up over time.
On Windows:
- Search for Disk Cleanup
- Select your main drive (usually C:)
- Check temporary files
- Click Clean up
On Mac:
- Restart your Mac (this clears many temp files)
- Or remove large cache files using Finder
6. Move Files to Cloud Storage
Photos and videos take the most space.
Use:
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- iCloud
- External hard drive
Move files instead of deleting them — safer and smart.
7. Remove Old Backups
Old backups can silently eat storage.
On Mac:
- iPhone/iPad backups can be huge
- Check Storage → iOS Files
On Windows:
- Old system backups
- Temporary update files
Delete backups you no longer need.
What NOT to Delete
⚠️ Don’t delete:
- System folders
- Files you don’t recognize
- Anything labeled “System” or “macOS / Windows”
If you’re unsure — leave it alone.
Quick Checklist to Free Storage Fast
✔ Empty Trash / Recycle Bin
✔ Delete old downloads
✔ Uninstall unused apps
✔ Run storage cleanup
✔ Move files to cloud
Do these and you’ll free space immediately.
Final Tip
If your storage keeps filling up quickly, consider:
- Adding external storage
- Upgrading your drive
- Using cloud storage regularly