How to Clean up a Full C Drive

Sep. 24, 2024 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

clean-up-a-full-c-drive

The C drive is the main storage in Windows, used for the operating system and applications. When it runs out of space, it can slow down performance and prevent updates. This article outlines effective ways to clean up a full C drive and boost your computer's performance.

1. Update Drivers

Drivers act as the bridge between the operating system and hardware, managing and coordinating device operations. Keeping your drivers up to date is crucial for maintaining stable computer performance. Driver Talent is your all-in-one solution for managing device drivers. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an everyday user, our intuitive software helps you easily keep drivers updated, ensuring smooth device performance and minimizing the risk of installing the wrong drivers.

Download Driver Talent

Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Talent. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
After the scan is complete, a list of drivers that need updates or are missing will appear. Find the drivers that need to be updated, and click the "Download" button.

driver-update

After updating, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure the new drivers take effect.

2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

Click the "Start" button, then select the "Settings" icon (gear-shaped).

In the Settings window, choose "Apps".

In "Apps & Features", a list of installed programs will appear.

Find programs you no longer need, click on them, and select "Uninstall".

uninstall-unnecessary-programs

Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

3. Delete Temporary Files

Press the Windows + R keys, type "%temp%", and press Enter to access the temporary files folder.

Press Ctrl + A to select all files, then right-click and choose "Delete".

delete-temporary-files

Confirm the deletion, and the temporary files will be cleared.

4. Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Type "Disk Clean-up" in the search bar and select the "Disk Clean-up" application.

Choose the drive to clean (usually the C drive) and click "OK".

Check the items you want to delete, such as temporary files and system caches.

Click "OK" and then "Delete Files" to complete the cleanup.

click-delete-files

5. Move Files to Other Drives

Click the folder icon in the taskbar to open File Explorer.

Navigate to the files or folders you want to move and select them.

Right-click the selected files and choose "Cut".

cut-files

In the left navigation bar, find another drive (like D drive) and click into it.

Right-click in the blank space and select "Paste" to move the files.

6. Empty the Recycle Bin

Locate the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop and double-click to open it.

Ensure there are no files you need to recover, and confirm that unwanted files have been placed in the Recycle Bin.

Click "Empty Recycle Bin" at the top of the window and confirm the deletion.

empty-the-recycle-bin

The files in the Recycle Bin will be permanently deleted, freeing up storage space.

7. Perform a System Restore

Right-click "This PC", select "Properties", and click "System Protection".

In the System Protection tab, click the "System Restore" button.

click-system-restore

Click "Next" and choose a restore point, usually the most recent one.

Follow the prompts to confirm, then click "Finish" to start the restoration process.

Once the restore is complete, the computer will automatically restart, and you can check if the issue is resolved.