What takes up the most space on Windows 11?

Usually user files (videos, photos, downloads and duplicates) followed by apps and games. Settings → System → Storage shows the breakdown.

Is it safe to delete the Downloads folder contents?

Not blindly. Downloads often holds the only copy of invoices and documents. Review first, and move files to the Recycle Bin instead of deleting permanently.

Is Storage Sense safe?

Yes. By default it only removes temporary files and old Recycle Bin items. Check its Downloads setting before enabling that part.

Guide · Windows 11 & 10

How to free up disk space on Windows 11 safely

Updated 13 October 2026

Short answer

Start with Windows' own tools: Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations, and turn on Storage Sense. Then look at your own files, where most space hides: old installers, big videos, forgotten downloads and duplicates. Move them to the Recycle Bin rather than deleting permanently, so mistakes can be undone. Homedex's Clean Up does that review for you.

Clean Up: old installers, forgotten downloads and big old videos, then Trash Selected moves them to the Recycle Bin

Step 1: Windows' built-in cleanup

1
Cleanup recommendations
Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations lists temporary files, large unused files and apps you rarely use.
2
Turn on Storage Sense
Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense clears temporary files and old Recycle Bin items automatically.
3
Temporary files
Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files removes update leftovers, thumbnails cache and more. Leave “Downloads” unticked unless you've checked it.

Step 2: your own files

System cleanup usually frees a few gigabytes. Your own folders often hold far more: installers you ran once, screen recordings, phone video backups and multiple copies of the same files.

Sort Downloads by size and by date: anything big and months old is a candidate.
Search File Explorer for size:>1GB to list the biggest files.
Look for duplicate copies of photo and video folders.

Step 2, faster, with Homedex

1
Open Clean Up
Press Ctrl+Shift+K. Cards show old installers, forgotten downloads, giant videos and stale screenshots, each with the space it would free.
2
Review and untick
Every file is listed with a preview. Untick anything you want to keep.
3
Trash, then check Duplicates
Selected files go to the Recycle Bin. Then press Ctrl+Shift+D to clear exact duplicates.

Questions

What takes up the most space on Windows 11?: Usually user files (videos, photos, downloads and duplicates) followed by apps and games. Settings → System → Storage shows the breakdown.
Is it safe to delete the Downloads folder contents?: Not blindly. Downloads often holds the only copy of invoices and documents. Review first, and move files to the Recycle Bin instead of deleting permanently.
Is Storage Sense safe?: Yes. By default it only removes temporary files and old Recycle Bin items. Check its Downloads setting before enabling that part.

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