- If your computer’s C: drive is filling up for no apparent reason, there are things you can do to fix it.
- We tell you several methods you can do to try to resolve when the C drive of your Windows computer fills up uncontrollably.
As usual, drive C is the one with the most information, since it is where the Windows operating system is located, in addition to where all applications are usually saved. The problem comes when this unit grows in its storage without it being a consequence of new installations.
That is, the C drive is filling up quickly, but it is not exactly related to new programs or downloads that you yourself are carrying out on this drive.
When this situation occurs, measures must be taken, some of them as simple tips with which to achieve more space and others as options to be carried out to solve the problem from inside the computer.
Be that as it may, you have to ensure that the C drive does not continue to fill up for no reason, since in the long run it can become a really intense problem, even causing your computer to not work correctly.
If your C drive filling up, check for malware
The first thing you should look for is any type of malware that could be present on the computer and for that Windows Defender will be your perfect ally.
You can also use the antivirus program that you have installed on your computer, since it will serve you perfectly to scan the C drive and erase any type of malicious software.
Starting from the premise of using Windows Defender, the steps to take, if the C drive continues to fill up, are:
- In the Start menu search bar, type Windows Security.
- Now you must click on the first result that appears on the screen.
- Next, click Virus and threat protection.
- Then, within Current Threats, you must click on Analysis Options.
- At this time you should make sure that the Full scan option is checked.
- All you have to do is click on Scan now and wait for the process to complete to see if the system finds and neutralizes any type of malware or virus.
If C drive fills up, wipe the disk
It may be the case that the problem comes from temporary files that accumulate on the C drive or even from excessive thumbnails on the system.
You can use Disk Cleanup to stop the C drive from being so full due to temporary files, thumbnails and other non-essential files.
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu search bar.
- Now click on the option that appears on the screen, but clicking on Run as administrator.
- Then select C drive and click OK.
- Under Files to delete, you should have to check temporary Internet files, thumbnails, and previous Windows installations and updates, clicking OK when you have it.
- In the window that opens, click on Delete files.
- Once it’s finished, if the problem came from this part, you will see how you have recovered a lot of storage space.
If C drive keeps getting full, use CHKDSK
Errors on the C drive itself may be causing the storage to decline, so you will need to run the CHKDSK scan.
To achieve your goal you will have to use this command as follows:
- Type cmd in Windows search.
- When you get a Command Prompt you must click on Run as administrator.
- Once inside you just have to write chkdsk C: /f
- After that press Enter.
- Now you will see how the command scans the C drive for errors, correcting those it finds.
- All you have to do is restart your computer once you see that the scan has finished.
If C drive keeps filling up, restore the system
Windows restore points are what you can use to return to the configuration and state of the operating system on a specific date.
They are saved automatically, unless you have that function disabled. The problem with this service is that it takes up a lot of storage space.
It is best that you manage them, that is, that you verify what space this Windows option is going to occupy.
- Type System Restore in the Start menu search bar, and when you see Create a restore point appear, tap it.
- Now, in Protection Settings, select the Local Disk (C:) in the Drives box, then click Configure.
- Move the Maximum Usage slider to the left as far as you deem necessary, knowing that the further it goes this way, the less space it will take up.
- All you have to do is click Accept > Accept.
If drive C keeps filling up, don’t let your computer hibernate
The last option you can analyze is to suppress hibernation of the computer. This function allows you to leave the computer almost off, so that when you return, you can continue in the same place where you left off.
The problem with this Windows option is that it stores a lot of data on the hard drive, which can cause it to fill up quickly, especially if it is used very often.
To prevent it from being executed you must do the following:
- Start the Command Prompt by typing cmd in the search bar, selecting the first option that appears, but clicking Run as administrator.
- Once inside the Command Prompt you just have to write the following: powercfg.exe /hibernate off
- After that press Enter and that’s it.
With everything you just read you will be able to solve the excessive and recurring storage problems that sometimes occur in Windows.
What you should do if C drive fills up for no reason is very important because if you don’t fix it in time, it can end up in more serious problems for your Windows computer.
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