Real screenshot · Microsoft Cloud PC, Windows 11In short
Open Settings, choose System, then Storage. Check Cleanup recommendations, clear Temporary files with Remove files, and keep Storage Sense switched on so Windows keeps cleaning by itself.
When the C: drive is nearly full, Windows slows down and updates fail. The Storage page shows what is using the space and removes the safe-to-delete parts in a few clicks.
The screenshots are our own, taken on Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 running as a Microsoft Cloud PC, a Windows PC that runs in the cloud.
5 of 5 steps show a real screenshot from our Microsoft Cloud PC.
Steps
- 1
Open Settings and choose System
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
System is near the top of the list on the left.
- 2
Click Storage
Click Storage on the System page. Windows takes a moment to add up what is on the drive, then shows bars for Installed apps, Temporary files and more.
On our Cloud PC it read Windows (C:) - 127 GB, with 36.4 GB used and 90.9 GB free.
- 3
Open Cleanup recommendations
Under Storage management, click Cleanup recommendations. It groups suggestions under Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps.
On our Cloud PC the row said Storage optimized, no action required, and every section said No recommended files to clean, so there was no Clean up button.
If your PC does list files or apps here, check each one before you remove it.
- 4
Remove temporary files
Go back and click Temporary files. Windows lists what it can remove, such as Delivery Optimization Files and Thumbnails, with the size of each.
Untick anything you want to keep and click Remove files.
On our Cloud PC Delivery Optimization Files was the largest item at 555 MB, and the page showed Total selected: 574 MB.
- 5
Switch on Storage Sense
Storage Sense frees up space and deletes temporary files automatically. Switch it on with the switch at the right end of its row, then click the row to see its settings.
On our Cloud PC it was already On.
If you do not see this option
- Cleanup recommendations has no Clean up button. Windows has found nothing to suggest. On our Cloud PC every section said No recommended files to clean; use Temporary files instead.
- Cleanup recommendations lists your previous version of Windows. Microsoft says it appears for 10 days after an upgrade. Deleting it removes the Windows.old folder, and you can no longer go back to the previous version. Sources: Free up drive space in Windows, Manage drive space with Storage Sense
- You want to check free space quickly. Microsoft says to open File Explorer and select This PC: free space shows under Devices and drives. Sources: Free up drive space in Windows, Manage drive space with Storage Sense
If this does not work
- A Low Disk Space warning comes back soon after cleaning. Microsoft says the Temp folder may be filling with Microsoft Store app files. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter under Settings, System, Troubleshoot, Other troubleshooters, then press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, run the Windows Update troubleshooter too, and restart.
- Personal files fill the drive. Microsoft says to sort a folder by size in File Explorer (View, Details, then Sort by, Size) and move large files you rarely use to a USB drive or SD card. Empty the Recycle Bin after deleting.
- There is still not enough space for a Windows update. Microsoft says you can use an external storage device to complete the update, and that resetting or reinstalling Windows might help if the problem stays.
Good to know
The biggest savings usually come from apps and games. Click Installed apps, sort by size, and uninstall what you do not use.
If you use OneDrive, right-click a folder and choose Free up space. The files stay online and download again when you open them.
Do not delete files inside the Windows or Program Files folders by hand. Use the tools above.
Watch these steps
Watch on YouTubeThe same steps, recorded on our Microsoft Cloud PC · opens YouTubeAbout this guide
- Device
- Windows
- Shown on
- Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC
- App
- Settings
- Path
- Settings › System › Storage
- Real screenshots
- 5 of 5 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 2 official, linked below
Sources
Links checked October 2026. Menus and features can change with updates.Did this guide work for you?
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