This can take the form of Temporary files generated by applications like web browser which can be safely discarded, old update files, prior operating system versions, and more. The next area to tackle is all the junk files your system accumulates over time. Most applications occupy kilobytes to megabytes worth of space but clearing old games can often net gigabytes of savings. For instance, most x86 applications will redirect to the Control Panel for uninstallation while Steam games will pop through to your Library. Some applications can uninstall directly from this menu, while others will direct you elsewhere. This is therefore an easy target for removal. In my case, I no longer use this AVerMedia capture card in favor of the EVGA XR1. Removing old software is a good place to start The filter option is handy if you have programs installed across multiple drives so you can target just the drives that need some breathing room.

You can use this to quickly spot larger applications or target older installations you may have forgotten about. The 'sort' option at the top can let you change this to arrange by installation size or date. Instead, we will head to Windows Settings, and then dive under “Apps & features.”īy default, this will list installed programs in alphabetical order. However, this listing does not show the new UWP apps from sources like the Windows Store. The old mainstay “Add or Remove Programs” still exists under Control Panel. In Windows 10 and 11, installed programs can show up in a couple of different places depending on their type. We will start with what is usually the easiest process, culling software that is no longer needed. Here are some of our recommendations for reclaiming disk space and organizing our data.

Your computer likely has applications and games you no longer touch or loads of temporary files lurking in dark corners. Storage bloat involves more than just keeping your old essays from the high school you graduated from decades ago. Whether you have a cutting-edge blazing fast solid-state drive or an ancient magnetic hard disk drive, you are probably filling them with a ton of files you no longer need.

Disc cleanup