If your local disk C: is running low on space in Windows 10, don’t panic! You can increase the available space by deleting unnecessary files, using built-in tools like Disk Cleanup, or even expanding your partition. This guide will walk you through some straightforward steps to reclaim and increase disk space on your local disk C: drive.
How to Increase Local Disk C: Space in Windows 10
Need to free up space on your local disk C: drive? Follow these steps to get more room for your files and programs.
Step 1: Run Disk Cleanup
Open Disk Cleanup by searching for it in the Start menu and selecting the drive you want to clean.
Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that helps you delete temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary items. It’s a quick way to reclaim some space without deleting your important files.
Step 2: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then uninstall programs that you no longer use.
We often accumulate programs over time that we no longer need. Removing these can free up a significant amount of space. Just be careful not to uninstall something you might need in the future.
Step 3: Move Files to Another Drive
Transfer files like photos, videos, and documents to an external drive or another partition.
If you have a lot of personal files, consider moving them to a different drive or cloud storage. This action can free up a lot of space on your local disk C: drive while keeping your files accessible.
Step 4: Adjust System Restore Settings
Right-click ‘This PC’, go to ‘Properties’, then ‘System Protection’, and adjust the disk space used for system restore points.
System restore points can take up a lot of space. By reducing the amount of space allocated for these restore points, you can free up some of your local disk C: space. But remember, this might limit your ability to revert to older system states.
Step 5: Extend the C: Drive Partition
Use Disk Management by right-clicking ‘This PC’, selecting ‘Manage’, then ‘Disk Management’, and extend the C: drive partition if you have unallocated space.
If you have unallocated space on your hard drive, you can extend your C: drive partition to include this space. This method provides a more permanent solution but requires some caution to avoid data loss.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you should notice an increase in available space on your local disk C: drive. Your computer might even perform better with the additional space.
Tips for Increasing Local Disk C: Space in Windows 10
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly run Disk Cleanup to keep your system free of unnecessary files.
- Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive to keep your files off your local disk.
- External Drives: Invest in an external hard drive for backups and large files.
- Temporary Files: Clear your temporary files regularly by going to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
- Storage Sense: Turn on Storage Sense in Windows 10 to automatically free up space by deleting unneeded files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Running Disk Cleanup once a month is a good practice to keep your system clean.
Will uninstalling programs affect my computer’s performance?
Uninstalling unnecessary programs can actually improve your computer’s performance by freeing up resources.
Is it safe to delete System Restore points?
Deleting old system restore points is generally safe but will limit your ability to revert to previous system states.
Can I move programs to another drive?
Some programs allow you to change the installation directory, but not all. You may need to reinstall them to a new location.
How do I check what’s taking up space on my C: drive?
Go to Settings > System > Storage and click on the C: drive to see a breakdown of what’s using space.
Summary
- Run Disk Cleanup.
- Uninstall unnecessary programs.
- Move files to another drive.
- Adjust System Restore settings.
- Extend the C: drive partition.
Conclusion
Increasing the space on your local disk C: in Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively reclaim precious storage space and ensure your computer runs smoothly. Regular maintenance, such as running Disk Cleanup and using cloud storage, can prevent future storage issues. If you ever find yourself in a pinch, remember that extending your partition can provide a more permanent solution. Feel free to explore other advanced options, but always back up your data before making significant changes. Happy computing!

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.