How to Check Storage on Windows 10
Checking your storage on Windows 10 is straightforward. Open the Settings app, go to the System section, and click on Storage. You’ll get a detailed breakdown of what’s taking up space on your hard drive. Easy, right? Now, let’s dive into the specifics!
How to Check Storage on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to check the storage on your Windows 10 device. By following these steps, you’ll be able to see how much space you have left and what’s eating it up.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
First, click on the Start menu at the bottom-left corner of your screen and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
The Settings app is where you can adjust all sorts of things on your computer—from the display to the network settings. Locating this app is the first step to gaining insights into your storage situation.
Step 2: Navigate to System
In the Settings menu, find and click on the System option.
The System section holds various settings related to your device’s performance, including display, sound, notifications, and storage.
Step 3: Click on Storage
Once you’re in the System section, find the Storage option on the left sidebar and click on it.
This will open up a detailed view of your storage. You’ll see a list of drives and how much space is being used on each one.
Step 4: View Storage Breakdown
Under the Storage section, click on your main drive (usually labeled as C:). This will give you a detailed breakdown of what’s taking up space.
You’ll see categories like System & reserved, Apps & features, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more. Each category shows how much space it occupies.
Step 5: Manage Your Storage
If you find that you’re running out of space, click on individual categories to see more details and options to free up space.
Windows 10 offers built-in tools to help you manage your storage better. For example, you can delete temporary files or uninstall unnecessary apps.
After following these steps, you’ll have a clear picture of how your storage is being used. This can help you make informed decisions to free up space if needed.
Tips for Checking Storage on Windows 10
- Regular Check-ups: Make it a habit to check your storage monthly to avoid running out of space unexpectedly.
- Use Storage Sense: Turn on Storage Sense in the Storage settings to automatically free up space by deleting unnecessary files.
- External Storage: Consider using an external hard drive or cloud storage for large files like videos and photos.
- Delete Temporary Files: Regularly delete temporary files, which can pile up quickly and take up valuable space.
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: Get rid of apps and programs you no longer use to free up space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the Settings app?
Click on the Start menu and then click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Can I check storage without going into Settings?
Yes, you can also right-click on the drive icon in File Explorer and select Properties to see a pie chart of your used and free space.
What is Storage Sense?
Storage Sense is a feature that automatically frees up space by deleting temporary files and content from the Recycle Bin.
How can I delete temporary files?
You can delete temporary files by going to the Storage settings, clicking on Temporary files, and selecting which files to delete.
Is it safe to delete system files?
System files should generally not be deleted unless you are sure they are not needed for Windows to function properly.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to System.
- Click on Storage.
- View storage breakdown.
- Manage your storage.
Conclusion
Checking storage on Windows 10 is a simple yet crucial task to ensure your device runs smoothly. By following the steps mentioned, you can easily see what’s taking up space and take action to free up storage. Always remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your device in top shape.
Keeping an eye on your storage helps you avoid unexpected slowdowns and ensures you have enough space for new files and applications. If you’re running out of space, consider using tools like Storage Sense or an external hard drive.
For further reading, you might look into how to optimize your PC’s performance or how to use cloud storage effectively. So, what are you waiting for? Go check your storage now and give your PC a fresh start!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.