Storage

Windows 11 includes tools to help you manage your PC's internal and external storage devices. These devices are used to contain Windows and other system files, plus installed applications and your documents and other data files.
Storage basics
All Windows PCs have at least one internal fixed disk, typically a solid-state drive (SSD). But it's possible to add additional disks to most desktop PCs and even some laptops, some of which may still be of the old-fashioned hard disk drive (HDD) type. And most Windows users are probably familiar with USB-based removable disks, which are typically SSDs, HDDs, or smaller-capacity drives (sometimes referred to as memory sticks or thumb drives).

Whatever the underlying technology, disks are divided, internally, into one or more volumes (sometimes referred to as partitions) that are formatted using a file system so that they can be used to store the files and folders required by Windows and its users.

For the most part, you don't need to be concerned with the low-level details of how these storage devices interact with your PC. But it is helpful to understand the handful of Windows 11 storage features that you will run into from time to time. And that is what we discuss in this chapter.
Manage internal storage
Windows lets you manage how your PC utilizes the storage space in its internal drives and other storage devices. This functionality is especially useful for those with PCs that have a second storage device, since you can configure which to use for your apps, games, and data. For example, many PC gamers use a fast SSD for the system drive---where Windows is located---and then a larger HDD for installing games.

You manage internal storage devices with Storage settings, which can be accessed by opening the Settings apps (WINKEY + I) and navigating to System > Storage.

Under the "C:" drive heading---which is typically named "Windows (C:)" but will be labeled according to the name you see in File Explorer---you can see what types of files are taking up the storage space in your PC's system drive.

The usage is grouped by type. Some of these entries are read-only, but some can be further configured. In the next few examples, we'll explore some of the storage-related tasks you can accomplish here.
You can also see what's taking up space on other fixed and removable storage devices by selecting the link "Storage used on other drives" under the Advanced storage settings header on the main Storage settings page.
Delete temporary files to free up storage space
You can often recover gigabytes of additional storage space by deleting temporary files. To do so, select Temporary files. On the page that appears, you can select various types of temporary files---like Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, Temporary Windows installation files, and many others---to remove them and free up space.

To free up space, select the times you wish to remove and then select the "Remo...