How to Free Up Storage Space Using Windows 11 Memory Optimization

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Is your computer running slower than usual or short on storage? No need to worry! Windows 11 comes equipped with some fantastic tools designed to help you tidy up and enhance your system’s performance. Follow this straightforward guide to optimize your memory and reclaim valuable space.

1. Access Memory Optimization

Type “Storage Sense” into the Windows 11 taskbar and select the option to activate it.

2. Check Storage Usage

Go to Settings > System > Storage. This section reveals how your storage is being utilized by applications, temporary files, and other content.

3. Activate Memory Optimization

Within the Storage settings, ensure that Storage Sense is enabled in the Storage Management section. Explore the Cleanup Recommendations feature to identify how much space you can clear. Click on Show More Categories to view additional options for cleanup.

4. Manage Temporary Files

Select Temporary Files to browse and manage temporary data. You’ll discover other categories such as Music, Video, and Documents here.

5. Choose Subcategories for Cleanup

Windows 11 pre-selects some temporary files for you, including Windows Update Cleanup, Files for Transfer Optimization, and Thumbnails—these files are safe to remove.

Depending on your system, you might also see additional items like Previous Windows Installation(s), System Error Memory Dump Files, and Windows Upgrade Log Files.

6. Clear Recycle Bin and Downloads

If you wish to empty the recycle bin and your Downloads folder, select Recycle Bin and Downloads to remove these items.

7. Confirm Your Deletions

Press Remove Files to eliminate the selected items. The time this takes can vary depending on how many files you’ve chosen to delete.

8. Explore Advanced Storage Settings

After the deletion is complete, click on Storage at the top to return to the main Storage Optimization page. From there, navigate to Advanced Storage Settings at the bottom.