FIX: Windows needs more space error during update

by Matthew Adams

Windows & Software Expert

Last update: January 18, 2021

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A certain amount of free storage space is required for Windows 10‘s cumulative patch or feature updates.

If there is not enough space for Windows update, a window will pop up when users the Check for updates or Fix issues buttons stating that Windows needs more space.

The window above gives users an option to update Win 10 with an external storage flash drive. However, a certain amount of free C: drive space might still be required to update Win 10 even with external flash storage.

That window will not include a Continue button when there’s an X beside part A for free C: drive space even if users have inserted a sufficient USB drive for part B.

Users can click the Free up space button on the Windows needs more space window. That button opens Storage in Settings from which users can click drive C to open a storage usage list.

That shows users what file categories are hogging the most space.

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How do I free up space for Windows Update?

1. Click the Free up space now option

Users can also click a Free up space now option on the Storage tab in Settings to erase temporary files.

Windows will then scan for temporary and superfluous files wasting hard drive space. Then select some file checkboxes there, and press the Remove files button.

Need some help in clearing up storage for updates? Check out these guides.

2. Uninstall software

Uninstalling superfluous software that’s seldom utilized is perhaps the best way to free up HDD space for Windows updates as programs and apps usually hog the most storage.

1. To do that, press the Windows key + R hotkey, which opens Run.
2. Enter appwiz.cpl in Run and click OK to open the uninstaller Control Panel applet shown directly below.
3. Then users can select software to uninstall there.
4. Click Uninstall to remove a selected program.
5. Then click Yes to give further confirmation to uninstall the software.

3. Reduce disk space storage for System Restore

1. System Restore can also hog a lot of hard drive storage. To reduce the amount of storage allocated to System Restore, press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut.
2. Enter System Restore in the search box.
3. Click Create a restore point to open the window shown directly below.
4. Press the Configure button to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
5. Drag the Max Usage bar further to the left to reduce the hard drive storage space allocated to System Restore.
6. Click the Apply button.
7. Select the OK option.

There you go, these solutions should help you remove the not enough space error during Windows upgrade.

Do you know of any other workarounds? Feel free to share your expertise with us via the comments section below.

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