Low Disk Space? Upgrade to Windows 11: Free Up Space & Get the Latest Features

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While numerous computers are currently operating on the most recent Windows 11 operating system, a segment of users employing devices with limited disk space may encounter challenges during the upgrade process. This article is designed to assist users, particularly those with Surface devices or tablets, who are facing disk space constraints when attempting to upgrade to Windows 11. We will explore effective methods for upgrading devices with minimal free disk space or those equipped with smaller hard drives, specifically 32 GB or less.

Overcoming Disk Space Limitations for Windows 11 Upgrade¶

Recognizing the prevalent upgrade issues and substantial user demand, Microsoft has implemented a more structured rollout of downloads, specifically catering to users with devices characterized by limited hard drive capacity. This approach aims to streamline the upgrade experience and mitigate potential hurdles associated with insufficient disk space.

Addressing “Windows Needs More Space” Notifications¶

Microsoft proactively sends notifications to devices identified as having limited storage, directly offering the free Windows 10 upgrade as a solution. If you have received such a notification, it is advisable to proceed with the suggested method to facilitate the upgrade process. This direct notification system is designed to guide users through the upgrade efficiently, considering their device’s specific storage limitations.

Utilizing the Windows Media Creation Tool for Upgrade¶

For users who have not received direct upgrade notifications, or are specifically aiming for a Windows 11 upgrade, the Windows Media Creation Tool presents a viable alternative. This tool can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website and is designed to assist in upgrading tablets and Surface devices, even those with constrained storage.

Upon launching the Media Creation Tool, it initiates a compatibility assessment to determine if your device meets the minimum disk space requirements. Should the tool display a message indicating “Windows needs more space“, it becomes necessary to perform a Disk Clean-up. This involves freeing up the required space by uninstalling unnecessary programs, removing language packs, and deleting other dispensable files.

Employing External USB Drives for Upgrade¶

In scenarios where internal disk space is severely limited, utilizing an external USB drive offers a practical solution for the Windows 11 upgrade. The Windows setup can be configured to back up the existing Windows version to an external USB drive during the upgrade process. It is recommended that the external drive have a minimum capacity of 8GB, with 16GB being a more advisable size to ensure sufficient space for backup and temporary files.

Before initiating the installation, it is crucial to ensure your device is connected to a reliable power source to prevent interruptions during the upgrade. For devices with a single USB port, an SD card can be considered as an alternative external drive, although a USB drive is generally recommended for its stability and performance. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of formatting the external drive in NTFS to minimize the risk of installation errors.

Post-Upgrade Disk Space Management¶

It’s important to note that even after a successful Windows 11 upgrade on devices with limited storage, you might find yourself with very little free space remaining. This is primarily due to the creation of folders like Windows.old, $Windows.~BT, and $Windows.~WS, which are generated during the upgrade to facilitate potential rollback to the previous operating system. These folders can consume a substantial amount of disk space. While these files are automatically deleted after approximately one month, users needing immediate space reclamation may opt for manual removal.

Leveraging Disk Cleanup Tool¶

To expedite the removal of these temporary installation files, the built-in Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows provides a straightforward method. This utility can identify and delete files associated with previous Windows installations, including the Windows.old folder, thereby freeing up valuable disk space.

Manual Deletion of Temporary Folders¶

Alternatively, users comfortable with file system navigation can manually delete the $Windows.~BT and $Windows.~WS folders. However, it is critical to understand that deleting these folders will eliminate the option to roll back to the previous Windows version. This decision should be made cautiously, especially if you are uncertain about the stability of the new Windows 11 installation on your device.

Rollback Considerations¶

If an external USB drive was used during the upgrade process, it retains the necessary data to facilitate a rollback to the previous Windows version. This provides an added layer of security and flexibility, allowing users to revert to their previous setup if issues arise after the upgrade.

System Compression and Minimum Space Requirements¶

Windows 11 and Windows 10 are designed to support systems employing compressed installations. This feature allows these operating systems to function effectively even on devices with minimal free space. Notably, systems with compressed installations can be upgraded with as little as 8.5 GB of free disk space. This optimization is particularly beneficial for devices with inherent storage limitations.

Further Resources for Disk Space Management¶

For users seeking additional strategies to manage and optimize disk space on their Windows devices, the following resources offer further guidance:

• Setup needs space to update Windows 11: This resource provides specific insights into the disk space requirements for Windows 11 updates and offers troubleshooting steps for related issues.
• We can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11: This article addresses scenarios where the system is unable to accurately determine if sufficient disk space is available for installation, offering solutions to overcome this detection problem.
• System Compression in Windows: Understanding system compression can be crucial for maximizing available space. This resource explains how system compression works and its benefits for low-disk-space devices.
• Delete Windows.old folder: For users seeking to manually remove the Windows.old folder, this guide provides step-by-step instructions and important considerations.
• Delete $Windows.~BT & $Windows.~WS folders: This resource explains how to safely delete the temporary installation folders, while highlighting the implications for system rollback.
• Rollback from Windows 10: If reverting to a previous Windows version becomes necessary, this guide provides the steps and precautions for performing a system rollback.
• Free up disk space: This comprehensive resource offers a range of techniques and strategies for freeing up disk space on Windows devices, catering to various user needs and technical levels.

By understanding these methods and resources, users with devices facing low disk space can confidently approach the Windows 11 upgrade process and effectively manage their storage post-upgrade.

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