7 Ways to Fix Windows 11 C Drive Getting Full Automatically

Does your computer give you a warning that the Local Disk C has insufficient space, or are you unable to download or install the most recent updates for Windows 11?

If so, your C drive is already full, and you need to create some more space for normal operations. Many users encounter the problem of their windows 11 C drive getting full automatically. 

But why is it the case? Why is Windows 11’s C drive getting full automatically and how can this problem be resolved?

In this article, we are going to discuss some of the ways you can solve the problem of your Windows 11 C drive getting full automatically.

Why does C drive get full automatically in Windows 11?

All programs and downloads are by default saved in the Local Disk C which is the system drive in the majority of Windows versions.

This may be one factor causing Windows 11’s C drive to fill up with data. Here are a few additional causes that could erratically take up your C drive capacity:

• The Local Disk C may have stored user information like images, downloads, or private data
• Your files might overtake the system space due to malware or virus problems
• Most files are saved in the C disk by default, as was already indicated. As a result, you might have unknowingly saved large files
• Cache, temporary downloads, and junk files from Windows could be present on the local drive C

How do I stop C drive from getting full automatically in Windows 11?

1. Perform a Disk Cleanup

1. Press the Windows + E key combination to launch File Explorer.
2. Click on This PC, right-click on C drive, and then select Properties.
3. Click on Disk Cleanup.
4. Select the files you want to delete from your PC and then select OK.

2. Empty the Recycle Bin

1. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.
2. Select Empty Recycle Bin.
3. You will be prompted to permanently delete files. Click Yes, and your system will then delete all files on the Recycle Bin.

3. Use EaseUS Partition Master to extend the Windows C drive

3.1 Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. Download EaseUS Partition Master from its official download site.
2. Launch EaseUS Partition Master and then select the System C drive and select Resize/Move.
3. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C drive and then click OK. 

3.2 Extend the System C drive without unallocated space

1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master and then right-click on a partition with enough free space on the system disk and then select Allocate Space.
2. Select the system drive and drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click OK to confirm. 

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4. Transfer large files to an external hard drive

1. Connect an external drive to your computer.
2. Press the Windows key + E to launch File Explorer.
3. Navigate through your folders selecting the files you would like to transfer.
4. Press the Ctrl + X key combination to cut the files.
5. Navigate to the external drive you have connected above and press the Ctrl + V key combination to paste the files.
6. Wait for the process to complete and then safely remove the external drive.

5. Delete temporary files

1. Press the Windows + R key combination to launch the run command.
2. Type %temp% in the run text field and then press OK.
3. Press the Ctrl + A key combination to select all files and then press Shift + Del to permanently delete the files.
4. If asked for Administrator access, click Continue.

6. Upgrade your hard drive

Although this solution is extremely obvious, it is still worth mentioning. If you’re struggling with low space on your drive, you should think about replacing your drive with a higher-capacity one.

Or, at least, use an external drive to back up every non-system file from the C drive on this one.

7. Scan your computer for viruses

1. Click the Windows Start icon and then select Settings.
2. On the menu that appears, click on Windows Security and then select Virus & threat protection.
3. Click the Quick scan button. 
4. For a more thorough option, click the Scan options button and then select Full scan.

Windows Defender is a great built-in antivirus but if you want the best results you should consult our list of the best antiviruses for Windows 11.

What is eating up my C drive space?

1. Press the Windows key + I to launch Settings.
2. Click on System and select Storage on the right side.
3. Here, you will see what is eating up your C drive space.
4. Selecting Show more options will show you the additional files, including programs, documents, images, and temporary files, which are using up space.

In Windows 11, you can quickly determine what’s consuming up space on your computer by utilizing the Storage settings.

Following the procedures above, you can check what files are occupying space on your Windows 11 hard drive.

How to free up space on Windows 11?

You can free up space in Windows 11 by deleting any unnecessary files from your computer. Additionally, look for large applications that you do not need or no longer use.

Ensure that these applications are uninstalled. You should also make sure that you have updated your operating system to eliminate any issues or loopholes that might be consuming space.

We also have a great guide on how to find & delete duplicate files in Windows 11 that will be of much help in recovering drive space.

If your C drive is getting full automatically in Windows 11, you do not have to start seeking help from an IT technician.

Following the steps discussed above, you can free up space or even replace your hard drive to solve the problem.