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3 Quick Ways to Free up Space for Windows Updates
Best solutions to free storage space and install updates
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
A certain amount of free storage space is required for Windows 10’s cumulative patch or feature updates. If there is not enough space, a window will pop up when users check for updates readingWindows needs more spaceto update.
The message window allows users to update Windows with an external storage flash drive. However, freeC:drive space might still be required to update Windows, even with external flash storage.
An error like this, which prevents you from updating the OS, is a significant challenge, considering that you would be losing out on critical security patches in addition to regular feature updates.
So, let’s find out all about theWindows needs more to updateerror and the solutions to get rid of it.
What does the Windows needs more space to update error mean?
Microsoft recommends users have at least 64 GB of free storage to install Windows 11 and be able to download updates released in the future. There are similar storage recommendations for Windows 10 as well.
Microsoft releases regular updates to introduce features, security patches, and bug fixes. And all these will occupy some space on the computer.
So, if your laptop doesn’t have enough space to update, these can’t be installed, which is what the error indicates. The solution to it is straightforward, free up storage space on the computer!
Let’s find out how you can do that.
How do I fix the Windows needs more space to update error?
1. Check the Cleanup recommendations
You can similarly clear more storage space on the computer by removing other files recommended by the OS and removing the Windows that needmore space to updateerror.
2. Uninstall software
Uninstalling extra software that’s seldom utilized is perhaps the best way to free up HDD space for Windows updates, as programs and apps usually hog the most storage.
To free up valuable storage on your PC, the most reliable method is installing uninstall software that removes the programs and associated registry entries.
These efficient tools will offer automated support for uninstalling multiple programs at once after scanning your PC to find unused apps and other residual files that take storage.
Hence, you can save significant storage using automated help from thebest uninstaller softwareavailable on the market.
Since you have to make sure that no roots remain when uninstalling a program, the best software we use isCCleaner. It was created to remove all junk and associated files to an app so your PC remains fast and lightweight.
CCleaner
3. Reduce disk space storage for System Restore
Restore points take up considerable space on the drive, and if you are running out of it, the best option is to reconfigure theSystem Restoresettings, and set it to consume lesser space.
When you are done with these three solutions, check forWindows Updates, and you will now be able to install the latest version.
How do I free up internal storage?
There are various ways tofree up storage space in Windows 10 and 11. Most usersrun the Disk Cleanup tool; remember, it’s very effective at the job. Disk Cleanup should help you clear a few GBs of storage space when running after a long time.
But, there’s another more straightforward option, Storage Sense, to automatically free up space. Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows accessible throughSettingsthat helps users configure the cleanup frequency and choose the files to be cleared.
With Storage Sense set up, you don’t need to delete non-critical files to free up storage space manually. Instead, it’s all automatic.
There you go! These solutions should help you remove the insufficient space to update errors in Windows 10 and 11. If there is still not enough space on Windows, you will need an additional external drive to install the updates.
Also, find out how todelete temporary files in Windows 11.
Do you know of any other workarounds? Feel free to share your expertise with us via the comments section below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
