Dell Windows 11 OS 102GB Hard Drive Issue - Nearly Full


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mrp356b

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Windows 11
My opportunity is that my C: is nearly full. I've moved as much as I can to my D: Drive and External F: Drive.
My big Folders on the C: Drive are WINDOWS Folder - 44.5GB Size/ 32.36GB Size on Drive, PROGRAM FILES Folder- 7.57GB Size/ 7.56GB Size on Drive,
PROGRAM FILES(86) Folder 11GB Size/8.86GB Size on Drive, USERS Folder 9.25GB Size/ 8.46GBGB Size on Drive, PROGRAM DATA Folder 5.87GB Size/ 5.87GB Size on Drive.
I've used Disk Cleanup, cleanmgr, appwiz.cpl, restore, recycle.bin delete,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
Have you used an application such as WinDirStat or Wiztree to see some granular detail about what is taking up space?

Have you considered turning off Hibernation...if you are using it now?

Do you have any idea how recently you have used your largest installed applications and which of them are at least semi-critical?

Is Windows up to date?

Do you regularly run Storage Sense?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Fishmill Special
    CPU
    Intel 265K
    Motherboard
    MSI Pro Z890-A
    Memory
    G Skill DDR5 2 x 16 kit 6000/36
    Graphics Card(s)
    none
    Sound Card
    none
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 2316H
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    WD SN770 NVME 500 GB boot; Intel 660p NVME 2 TB and WD Green 3 TB storage
    PSU
    Be Quiet 13M 750 ATX 3.1
    Case
    Lancool PC-K65
    Cooling
    Noctua U12S
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 Wired
    Mouse
    Dell MS-116
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes
Have you moved your libraries (downloads, documents, etc.) to D: ?

www.elevenforum.com

Move or Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to move or restore the default location of the Downloads folder for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Downloads folder (shell:Downloads) is a component of the user profile that is used as a unified location for storing personal data. By default, the...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

I doubt that it'd be a good idea to move any library to an external drive, even if Windows permits it.

(Editorial comment: 100GB is very small for a boot drive, in 2026.)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 26200.8728
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D Rev. 1.0
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Innocn 32" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1500W
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    SilverStone Technology XE360-TR5, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Cherry KC 500 MX LP (mechanical)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    2000/250 Mbps (down/up)
    Other Info
    xFinity gateway
  • Operating System
    windows 11 26200.8728
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 27" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Cherry Streaming (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
You can spin you wheels all you want to moving stuff off that drive, but the fact of the matter is, the drive is not large enough for modern Windows. Windows 11 is requiring more and more as it advances. You don't even have enough free space to get through an upgrade.
For a Windows feature update, you need 20-25 gb free space.
For an upgrade your need 30-35gb.
An in-place upgrade requires up to 50 gb.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
Fishmill said:
Have you used an application such as WinDirStat or Wiztree to see some granular detail about what is taking up space?

Have you considered turning off Hibernation...if you are using it now?

Do you have any idea how recently you have used your largest installed applications and which of them are at least semi-critical?

Is Windows up to date?

Do you regularly run Storage Sense?
Click to expand...
Hibernation is not turned on. Storage Sense is run daily. Not used WinDirStat nor Wiztree - will research. Turbo Tax last install. Have not installed much on my PC. Norton is the other install. Windows last update was 2/22/26. I have moved all my Word Docs, Excel Spreadsheets, Pictures and Videos to my D or F Drive. I did uninstall a coupe Windows Programs (Solitaire&Other Games etc).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
glasskuter said:
You can spin you wheels all you want to moving stuff off that drive, but the fact of the matter is, the drive is not large enough for modern Windows. Windows 11 is requiring more and more as it advances. You don't even have enough free space to get through an upgrade.
For a Windows feature update, you need 20-25 gb free space.
For an upgrade your need 30-35gb.
An in-place upgrade requires up to 50 gb.
Click to expand...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
I am beginning to agree with you 200%. I am driving a Yugo in a Ferrari World. I need a new desktop. I should have known better since I was a Program Coder since 1976 and retired November 2014. My laptop is much newer but I like my desktop with it's big screen, 24 monitor. Tine to spend some of my retirement money!!! Thank you for your input...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
I take it, you've been running Windows 11 for couple of years now. A reinstall could strip it down - to around 30 GB, depends how many apps you use/have on C:\ Extra apps + Windows Updates - could go up-to 50 GB (more or less).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinDOS 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    Intel & AMD
    Memory
    SO-DIMM SK Hynix 15.8 GB Dual-Channel DDR4-2666 (2 x 8 GB) 1329MHz (19-19-19-43)
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia RTX 2060 6GB Mobile GPU (TU106M)
    Sound Card
    Onbord Realtek ALC1220
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1x Samsung PM981 NVMe PCIe M.2 512GB / 1x Seagate Expansion ST1000LM035 1TB
Fishmill said:
Have you used an application such as WinDirStat or Wiztree to see some granular detail about what is taking up space?

Have you considered turning off Hibernation...if you are using it now?

Do you have any idea how recently you have used your largest installed applications and which of them are at least semi-critical?

Is Windows up to date?

Do you regularly run Storage Sense?
Click to expand...
Fishmill said:
Have you used an application such as WinDirStat or Wiztree to see some granular detail about what is taking up space?

Have you considered turning off Hibernation...if you are using it now?

Do you have any idea how recently you have used your largest installed applications and which of them are at least semi-critical?

Is Windows up to date?

Do you regularly run Storage Sense?
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply and info. I think I am running a Yugo PC in a Ferrari World witha 102GB C: Drive. Time to spend some money. I tried to reply to your original comments and I don't know where they went. Here they are again:
Hibernation is off. I run Storage Sense Daily. Don't know about WinDirStat or Wiztree but will research. My only installs are Norton 2025 Deluxe and Turbo Tax 2025. I did upgrade my PC in the last 3 months from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Last Windows update was February 22, 2026 for Windows 11.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
neves said:
I take it, you've been running Windows 11 for couple of years now. A reinstall could strip it down - to around 30 GB, depends how many apps you use/have on C:\ Extra apps + Windows Updates - could go up-to 50 GB (more or less).
Click to expand...
I just upgraded my PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in the last 3 months. I think my major issue is I am running a laptop with 102GB C:, 128 MB Graphics Card, 12 GB RAM, Intel Core i5-9400 CPU 2.9 GHZ, Don't remember when I bought this Desktop. I have a Yugo PC trying to survive in a Ferrari World. You would think a Program Coder since January 1976, who coded til November 2014 would know better. I was looking for a short cut fix. Time to spend some money. Thank you for your time and input.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
glasskuter said:
You can spin you wheels all you want to moving stuff off that drive, but the fact of the matter is, the drive is not large enough for modern Windows. Windows 11 is requiring more and more as it advances. You don't even have enough free space to get through an upgrade.
For a Windows feature update, you need 20-25 gb free space.
For an upgrade your need 30-35gb.
An in-place upgrade requires up to 50 gb.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input and info. I agree 200%. I think I need a new computer built in this century. I was use to gettiing a new state of the art PC every other year at work to do coding on.
glasskuter said:
You can spin you wheels all you want to moving stuff off that drive, but the fact of the matter is, the drive is not large enough for modern Windows. Windows 11 is requiring more and more as it advances. You don't even have enough free space to get through an upgrade.
For a Windows feature update, you need 20-25 gb free space.
For an upgrade your need 30-35gb.
An in-place upgrade requires up to 50 gb.
Click to expand...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
I have to sing with the chorus here, you at least need a larger drive to give you some breathing room. :lmao:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear, Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD archive files
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 eD NAND PCIe SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
mrp356b said:
I just upgraded my PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in the last 3 months. I think my major issue is I am running a laptop with 102GB C:, 128 MB Graphics Card, 12 GB RAM, Intel Core i5-9400 CPU 2.9 GHZ, Don't remember when I bought this Desktop. I have a Yugo PC trying to survive in a Ferrari World. You would think a Program Coder since January 1976, who coded til November 2014 would know better. I was looking for a short cut fix. Time to spend some money. Thank you for your time and input.
Click to expand...

Upgrades usually save a back-up of previous Windows - which can be removed manually. Did you remove that? Also, a clean install - would have been recommended (especially if low on space).

Had Windows 11 installed since release - and with all apps installed was using 85 GB. Reinstalled it just recently - with same apps installed, and it's taking only 50 GB of space:

2026-03-14_091937.webp


My Windows/C partition has only 125 GB - i prefer to use a secondary partition for major apps. So, unless you have big size apps (or a lot of them) - even 100 Gb is still feasible. Tho, obviously - a modern SSD of at least 1 TB is still worth it as an upgrade (both for the sake of convenience - but also performance wise).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinDOS 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    Intel & AMD
    Memory
    SO-DIMM SK Hynix 15.8 GB Dual-Channel DDR4-2666 (2 x 8 GB) 1329MHz (19-19-19-43)
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia RTX 2060 6GB Mobile GPU (TU106M)
    Sound Card
    Onbord Realtek ALC1220
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1x Samsung PM981 NVMe PCIe M.2 512GB / 1x Seagate Expansion ST1000LM035 1TB
I agree with everyone that ultimately a larger disk drive will be warranted, but in the meantime, one thing that you can try to do is to enable the "Compact OS" feature. See this link for details:

Installing 24H2 on system-disk of less than 64GB - is it possible?

Hi Chaps, I'm usually rather miserly with allocating space for my system disk, as I don't really use much capacity and I usually assign more to my data partition. My current install of Win 23H2 resides on a system disk with 40GB of total space. I have two partitions on a single SSD: the 40GB...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic
    CPU
    Intel i7-14650HX
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    No GPU - Built-in Intel Graphics
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Varies as machine will often be moved to locations with different monitors
    Screen Resolution
    Varies
    Hard Drives
    1 x 1TB Gen 4 NVMe SSD
    PSU
    120W Power Brick
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 Max RGB Magnetic Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1 Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 2
    CPU
    Intel i7-1255U
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek® ALC3306-CG codec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13.3-inch IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
    Hard Drives
    2 TB 4 x 4 NVMe SSD
    PSU
    USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 Power / Charging
    Keyboard
    Backlit, spill resistant keyboard
    Mouse
    Buttonless Glass Precision Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    WiFi 6e / Bluetooth 5.1 / Facial Recognition / Fingerprint Sensor / ToF (Time of Flight) Human Presence Sensor
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