How to Free Up Disk Space in Windows 11 Without Extra Software

Is your computer showing a “Low Disk Space” message? Over time, downloaded files, unused applications, and temporary data can fill your storage drive.

Windows 11 includes tools to help you recover space. Keeping enough free storage also helps Windows install updates successfully.

Follow these simple steps to clean up your computer.

1) Check What Is Taking Up Space

Before deleting anything, check which types of files use the most storage.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Select System → Storage.

3. Wait for Windows to calculate storage usage.

4. Review categories such as Installed apps, Temporary files, and Other.

Start with the largest categories to identify where cleanup could make a useful difference.

2) Remove Unnecessary Temporary Files

Windows creates temporary files while installing updates and running applications.

To review them:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

2. Select Temporary files.

3. Wait for the scan to finish.

4. Read the descriptions and select unwanted categories.

5. Click Remove files.

Check carefully before selecting Downloads or Recycle Bin. These locations may contain personal files you still need.

If Previous Windows installation(s) appears, removing it takes away the option to return to that previous Windows version through the built-in rollback feature.

3) Review Cleanup Recommendations

Windows can suggest additional items to review.

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Open Cleanup recommendations.

3. Review the available sections.

4. Select only items you no longer need.

5. Use the Clean up button for the relevant section.

Recommendations may include large or unused files, temporary files, and unused applications. Review the suggestions rather than deleting everything automatically.

4) Uninstall Applications You No Longer Use

Old games and unused applications can occupy substantial storage.

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.

2. Find a program you recognize and no longer need.

3. Click the three-dot menu beside it.

4. Select Uninstall and follow the instructions.

Before removing a program, save any important projects and check whether you will need its installer or licence information later.

Avoid manually deleting application folders as a substitute for uninstalling.

5) Organize Downloads and Empty the Recycle Bin

Review your Downloads folder for old installers, duplicate documents, and files you no longer need.

Move anything important to an appropriate folder before deleting unwanted items. Moving files between folders on the same drive helps organization but does not free storage.

Next, open the Recycle Bin and review its contents. Restore anything deleted by mistake, then empty the bin when you are sure the remaining files are unnecessary.

6) Set Up Storage Sense

Storage Sense can automatically clean selected categories of files.

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

2. Turn on Storage Sense.

3. Open its settings.

4. Choose when it should run.

5. Review the cleanup rules for temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads.

Set Downloads cleanup to Never if you prefer to manage that folder yourself. Storage Sense works on the Windows system drive, usually C:.

7) Move Large Personal Files to Another Drive

If you want to keep large videos, photos, or older projects, consider moving them to an external drive.

Copy the files first, open a few from the destination to check them, and confirm the transfer is complete before removing the originals.

For irreplaceable files, keep another backup: a file stored only on an external drive is still just one copy.

Remember: Freeing storage can help when your drive is nearly full, but it does not guarantee a faster computer. Other causes of slow performance may need separate attention.

Thanks for reading, friends! Visit our blog for more Windows tips, computer troubleshooting guides, and driver information.

 

How to Stop Unnecessary Startup Apps in Windows 11

Does your computer feel slow just after you sign in? One possible reason is that too many applications open automatically.

Music players, messaging apps, game launchers, and other programs may start even when you do not need them. Reducing unnecessary startup apps can help your PC become ready to use sooner. The improvement depends on your computer and the programs installed.

Follow these simple steps.

1) Open Startup Settings

1. Click Start and open Settings.

2. Select Apps.

3. Click Startup.

You will see applications that Windows can launch automatically when you sign in.

2) Turn Off Apps You Do Not Need Immediately

Find an application you recognize and switch its startup setting to Off.

For example, consider whether you need your music player or game launcher running every time you use your computer.

Disabling startup does not uninstall the application. You can still open it yourself when needed.

3) Check Startup Impact in Task Manager

For more information:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

2. Select Startup apps.

3. Look at the Startup impact column.

Windows may show ratings such as Low, Medium, or High. Use these ratings to identify applications worth reviewing; a high rating alone does not mean an app should be disabled.

4) Disable a Selected Startup App

In Task Manager:

1. Select an unnecessary application.

2. Click Disable, or right-click it and choose Disable.

3. Repeat only for applications you recognize.

You can reverse the change later by selecting the app and choosing Enable. Settings and Task Manager provide two ways to manage startup applications.

5) Keep Important Applications Available

Avoid turning everything off at once. Consider what each program does before changing its setting.

For example:

• Keep security-related applications enabled unless their provider advises otherwise.

• Keep accessibility tools available if you rely on them.

• Leave work-required applications alone on an employer-managed computer.

• Remember that disabling a cloud-sync app at startup may delay syncing until you open it.

If an application name is unfamiliar, check its publisher and purpose before making a change.

6) Restart and Compare

Save your work, then choose Start → Power → Restart.

After signing in, notice how quickly the desktop becomes responsive and whether your usual applications work as expected.

I recommend changing only a few startup entries at a time and noting what you changed. This makes it easier to restore a setting if you miss a useful feature.

7) If Your Computer Is Still Slow

Startup applications are only one possible cause. Low storage space, background activity, malware, and older hardware can also affect performance.

Try these built-in checks:

• Review available storage under Settings → System → Storage.

• Check for updates under Settings → Windows Update.

• Run a scan using Windows Security.

• Use Task Manager to identify applications consuming substantial CPU, memory, or disk resources.

You do not need to install a separate “PC booster” to manage startup applications. Windows already includes the controls described above.

Thanks for reading, friends! Visit our blog for more easy computer tips, driver guides, and Windows troubleshooting tutorials.

 

How to Optimize BIOS Settings for Faster PC Startup

Updating software is only one part of maintaining your computer. Your PC also uses firmware called BIOS or UEFI, which initializes the hardware before Windows starts.

A few suitable BIOS settings may reduce startup delays. However, they will not automatically make every application run faster, and the available options depend on your computer model.

Follow these steps to check your settings.

Before starting: Take pictures of the settings you change so you can restore them if needed.

1) How to Access BIOS or UEFI

Restart your computer and press the setup key as soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears. Common keys include F2, Delete, F1, or Esc. Check your computer’s manual for the correct key.

On some computers, F12 opens a temporary boot menu, rather than BIOS settings.

You can also enter UEFI from Windows 11 on supported computers:

1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.

2. Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now.

3. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings.

4. Click Restart.

Your computer should restart into its firmware settings.

2) Check Your Boot Order

The boot order determines where your computer looks for an operating system.

If it checks unnecessary devices before the Windows drive, startup may take longer.

Inside BIOS or UEFI, look for a section called:

• Boot

• Boot Sequence

• Boot Priority

• Boot Options

The exact name varies by manufacturer.

3) Put the Windows Boot Entry First

On most modern Windows computers, place Windows Boot Manager, associated with your Windows drive, first in the boot order.

On older computers using legacy BIOS, the appropriate entry may be the name of the hard drive or SSD containing Windows.

Use the controls shown on your screen to move the entry. If the correct entry is already first, leave it unchanged.

For a one-time USB startup, use your computer’s temporary boot menu when available.

4) Check the Fast Boot Option

Some computers include a firmware setting called Fast Boot, Fastboot, or Quick Boot.

Depending on your model, this setting can shorten startup by skipping some hardware initialization or checks. It does not necessarily perform every test more quickly.

To check it:

1. Open the BIOS or UEFI settings.

2. Look under Boot, Startup, or POST Behavior.

3. Read the description of the Fast Boot option.

4. Enable it only if it is suitable for your setup.

For example, some Dell computers offer Minimal, Thorough, and Auto modes. Minimal reduces initialization, while Thorough performs more complete checks. If devices stop working correctly during startup, restore your previous setting.

5) Save Your Changes and Restart

Choose Save Changes and Exit, or the equivalent option displayed by your computer.

Many systems use F10, but always follow the instructions on your screen.

Restart the computer and check that Windows loads normally. Change one setting at a time so you can identify whether it helps.

6) Check Your BIOS Version

Before looking for an update, identify the version already installed:

1. Press Windows + R.

2. Type msinfo32.

3. Press Enter.

4. In System Summary, locate BIOS Version/Date.

5. Record your computer’s manufacturer and exact model.

This information helps you find the correct firmware on the manufacturer’s support website.

7) Install Manufacturer-Recommended BIOS Updates

BIOS updates can fix security issues, improve hardware compatibility, and resolve certain stability or performance problems. A faster startup is not guaranteed.

Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s official support website. Find your exact model, read the update notes, and follow the supplied instructions.

Before updating:

• Back up important files.

• Connect your laptop to its charger and meet the manufacturer’s battery requirements.

• Keep your BitLocker recovery key available, and suspend protection when required by the update instructions.

• Never turn off or unplug the computer during the update.

• Resume BitLocker protection afterward if you suspended it.

Use only firmware intended for your exact model.

Security tip: Keep Secure Boot enabled on a supported, correctly configured Windows system. Disabling it is not a startup optimization.

With the correct boot order and suitable firmware settings, you may reduce unnecessary startup delays while keeping your computer reliable.

Thanks for reading! Explore our other posts for more computer tips, troubleshooting guides, and driver information.