How To Fix Unexpected C:\ Storage Space Decreasing And Filling Up?

C: drive storage space problems are a common occurrence, and one that can be terrifying. If you're on a Windows computer and your C: drive is filling up, you might be wondering what's causing it to happen. I've tested many sites that claim to fix this problem only to be disappointed by their lack of ability to solve it. The following few steps will show you how to regain free space on your C:\ drive, and in most instances, save you hours of painstaking cleanup work.

An unexpectedly full C: drive can significantly affect the performance of your unit. However, several factors can make your C: drive unexpectedly decrease its space. It may be due to:

• Virus or malware
• File system corruption
• Windows restore points
• Temporary and cached files
• Hidden files

Before fixing your storage space, always make sure to either back up and restore files or save them in your external hard drive.

Here are some actions you can do to stop your storage space from filling up:

Use an Antivirus Program.

When your computer starts behaving abnormally, it’s usually due to a virus attack. Scan your computer immediately and remove suspicious files and programs. If this did not solve your problem, you might need to run Disk Cleanup.

Use Disk Cleanup

Running the Disk Cleanup program would be the easiest way to free up disk space on your computer. It removes the cache and temporary files that may have built up in the system. It can also remove files that haven’t been in use. Here’s how you can do it:

1. From the Start menu, find Disk Cleanup.
2. Then, select which drive you would like to clean. Choose Ok after.
   
3. Mark all the files to be deleted. Choose Ok to finish.
   

Delete Restore Points

If cleaning up your disk was still not enough, it may be due to the restore points in Windows. A restore point is a backup that your computer makes in case you have no choice but to restore Windows or when you need to do a complete overhaul of the system.

It’s helpful to recover important files, but it also eats up a huge amount of space. Disabling the Windows Protection System might be just what you need.

1. First, go to the Control Panel. Choose System Security.
   
2. On the left side, you will see “System Protection.”
   
3. A pop-up window named System Properties will appear. Choose C: drive and then select Configure.
   
4. Another pop-up window will appear. Choose “Turn off system protection” and then select Delete before pressing Ok to finish.
   

Fix the Corrupted File System

If you have already run your antivirus, freed up disk space using Disk Cleaner, and even tried turning off the system restore points and still plagued by the storage space running low, you may have a corrupted system file. Corrupted system files tend to report that the disk space is already full incorrectly.

When this happens, you need to use the Command Prompt by following these steps:

1. Type the Command Prompt in the search box.
2. Right-click on it, then choose “Run as administrator.”
   
3. When asked if you will allow the program to make changes into the computer, allow it.
4. Type in "chkdsk C: /f /v /x"
   
5. Then type “Y” after the prompt asks whether you would like to schedule the volume to be checked when the system restarts.
   

Your computer will restart and scan. Check your C drive if it’s still filling up.

Transfer large Files and Applications to Another Drive

Sometimes, some programs require a huge space. Gaming and computational programs can be the reason why your disk space keeps decreasing. If this is the case, you will need to extend the partition. This causes space to be added to an unallocated volume on Windows.

1. On the search bar, type “Computer Management.” Right-click on it.
2. Select “Run as administrator.”
   
3. Then choose Storage.
   
4. After that, choose Disk Management.
   

At the bottom, click on which volume you want to be extended, and then choose Extend Volume. After that, you can set or add size to your target partition. Once you’re done, choose Next and then Finish.

Final Words

With the solutions given above, you should fix the issue of your C: storage space decreasing. If none of these solutions help, you either need to remove some files and programs or reinstall Windows.

Summary: Fix unexpected C:\ storage space decreasing and filling up

• Disable Hibernation
• Turn off System Restore
• Uninstall programs you don't use
• Delete unnecessary files and folders with storage spaces direct
• Move Windows Update files to another drive
• Run Disk Cleanup software
• Check for viruses and malware