How to Reduce Windows System Data Storage

Reclaim disk space by clearing cached Windows update files, temporary logs, and dormant System Data components in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Execute the Disk Cleanup Utility. Press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and press Enter. Select your primary system drive, typically C:, and click OK to scan for removable files.
2. Remove Windows Update Cleanup files. Within the Disk Cleanup window, check the boxes for Windows Update Cleanup and Delivery Optimization Files. Click OK and select Delete Files to initiate the removal process.
3. Clear temporary system files. Open the Settings app via Windows + I. Navigate to System > Storage > Temporary files and allow the system to calculate the sizes of various caches.
4. Perform removal of temporary files. Select all categories except Downloads if necessary. Click Remove files to purge the accumulated temporary data from your system drive.
5. Clear Storage Sense cache. In the same Storage menu, toggle Storage Sense to On. Click on Storage Sense and select Run Storage Sense now to clear non-essential system logs and cache immediately.
6. Reset the Windows Update components. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter, then navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all folder contents.