“Drive Space” refers to the amount of data a computer can store in its system. As a device is used, data is saved in the drive space to help the user recover it once it is needed again. An obvious instance where data is recorded on drive space is when documents are saved in Microsoft Word. Here’s everything you need to know about how drive space affects your PC’s speed and 3 ways to free up drive space in Windows 11.
How drive space affects your PC’s speed
How drive space affects your PC’s speed
Imagine a basket that stores an assortment of items; as you use the basket, more and more items are stored within it. Imagine searching for a few items from the basket. If your basket doesn’t have much in it, it’s easy to find what you need. However, the more items are inside your basket, the longer the search takes. Your computer works in the same manner as the basket; the space within the basket can be compared to a computer’s disc space. The more stored within the computer, the harder it is for the CPU to retrieve data. Hence, users will often notice a drop in their computer’s performance as time goes by. The obvious solution is to free up some room to reverse this issue. This can be done manually by searching for large items to delete. Unfortunately, doing this may take ages. However, there are plenty of other ways to easily free up drive space in Windows 11.
How to use Windows 11’s Disk Cleanup tool
How to use Windows 11’s Disk Cleanup tool
The easiest way to free space from your computer is by using Windows’s very own disk cleanup utility. Here are the steps to use Windows 11’s Disk Cleanup tool.
How to free space with your storage settings
How to free space with your storage settings
Other than the cleanup tool, users can also use the various cleanup features in Windows 11’s Storage Settings. Follow the steps below:
Windows 11’s Storage Sense
Windows 11’s Storage Sense
In Storage Settings, users also have the option to activate Storage Sense. The utility automatically detects and deletes files that it deems unnecessary. Users can also customize it to exclude the Recycle Bin and Downloads from scheduled cleanups.
