Introduction
One of the most common issues users face while using Windows 10 is running low on memory. This can cause slowdowns, freezes, and even crashes. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to free up memory on your Windows 10 device, allowing it to run more efficiently. In this guide, we will explore some of the best methods to free up memory, so you can enjoy a smoother experience on your Windows 10 device.
Delete Unnecessary Files
One of the easiest ways to free up memory on your Windows 10 device is to delete unnecessary files. These files can accumulate over time, taking up valuable space on your hard drive. Here’s how to delete them:
Identify Unnecessary Files
Before you can delete unnecessary files, you need to find them. Start by checking the Recycle Bin. If there are files in there that you no longer need, empty the Recycle Bin. You can also use a disk cleanup tool to identify unnecessary files, like temporary files that your system no longer needs.
Delete Files in the Recycle Bin and Temp Files
To delete files in the Recycle Bin, simply right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.” To delete temporary files, use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. To access this tool, search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, and then follow the on-screen prompts to delete unnecessary files.
Uninstall Unused Applications
If you have applications installed on your Windows 10 device that you no longer use, uninstalling them is an easy way to free up memory. Here’s how to do it:
Identify Unused Applications
To identify unused applications, go to the Start menu and scroll through your list of installed applications. Look for applications that you no longer use or need. You can also check the Control Panel to view a list of installed applications and sort them by date to see which ones you haven’t used in a while.
Uninstall Applications
To uninstall an application, go to the Start menu and right-click on the application you want to uninstall. Select “Uninstall” from the context menu, and then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process. You can also use the Control Panel to uninstall applications.
Use the Disk Cleanup Tool
The Disk Cleanup tool is a built-in utility in Windows 10 that helps you free up space on your hard drive by identifying and removing unnecessary files. Here’s how to use it:
What the Disk Cleanup Tool Does
When you run the Disk Cleanup tool, it identifies and removes temporary files, old system files, and unnecessary files from various Windows components, including the recycle bin and the downloads folder. This helps you free up space on your hard drive.
How to Use the Disk Cleanup Tool
To use the Disk Cleanup tool, search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, and then select the drive you want to clean up. The tool will then scan your system for unnecessary files, and present you with a list of files to delete. Choose which files you want to delete, and then click “OK” to complete the process.
Use Storage Sense
Storage Sense is a feature in Windows 10 that helps you free up space on your hard drive by automatically deleting temporary files and other unnecessary files. Here’s how to enable and use it:
What Storage Sense Does
When Storage Sense is enabled, it automatically frees up space on your hard drive by deleting temporary files, files in the recycle bin, and other unnecessary files. It can also automatically move files from your Downloads folder to the recycle bin after a set period of time.
How to Enable and Use Storage Sense
To enable Storage Sense, go to Settings > System > Storage, and toggle the switch next to “Storage Sense” to “On.” You can then choose how often you want Storage Sense to run, and whether or not you want it to automatically delete files in your Downloads folder. You can also manually run Storage Sense by clicking “Free up space now” under the Storage section in Settings.
Disable Hibernation
Hibernation is a feature in Windows 10 that allows your system to save the current state of your computer to the hard drive, so you can resume where you left off later. However, this feature can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. Here’s how to disable it:
What Hibernation Is
When you put your computer into hibernation, it saves the current state of your system to the hard drive and then shuts down. When you power your computer back on, it resumes where you left off.
How to Disable Hibernation
To disable hibernation, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “powercfg.exe /hibernate off” (without the quotes) and press Enter. This will disable hibernation on your system. If you ever want to re-enable hibernation, simply open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “powercfg.exe /hibernate on” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Move Files to an External Drive
If you have large files on your Windows 10 device that you don’t need to access regularly, you can free up space on your hard drive by moving them to an external drive. Here’s how to do it:
How Moving Files to an External Drive Works
When you move files to an external drive, you are essentially transferring them from your hard drive to the external drive. This frees up space on your hard drive and allows you to store files that you don’t need to access regularly on a separate device.
How to Move Large Files to an External Drive
To move large files to an external drive, simply connect the drive to your Windows 10 device, and then drag and drop the files from your hard drive to the external drive. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the files using Windows Explorer. Make sure to safely eject the drive before unplugging it from your computer to avoid data loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to free up memory on your Windows 10 device. By deleting unnecessary files, uninstalling unused applications, using the Disk Cleanup tool, enabling Storage Sense, disabling hibernation, and moving files to an external drive, you can maintain optimum performance on your system. Remember to regularly check your device and remove anything that’s no longer needed to keep it running smoothly.
Additionally, make sure to back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage service to avoid losing important files in case any issues arise with your device. By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize the performance of your Windows 10 device and enjoy a smoother computing experience.
