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Windows 11 Storage Doesn’t Add Up: 7 Ways to Fix It

Storage may not add up due to hidden files on your PC

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Several users have recently complained about an issue regarding their storage not adding up in Windows 11. To some, it feels like the system’s storage on theirhard drive suddenly vanished.

If your Windows storage usage settings is misreporting files by a huge amount, take your time to explore this article to troubleshoot the issue.

Why doesn’t storage space add up?

There is almost no straightforward cause for this. However, you may have hidden files and directories that contain system files unaccounted for in the calculation. Other probable causes are:

Although the causes are not only limited to these, let’s explore the possible ways to troubleshoot the problem.

What can I do if storage space doesn’t add up in Windows 11?

Before proceeding to explore advanced fixes on account used space on the hard drive, you should consider performing the following preliminary checks:

Having checked the above and you still have a whooping amount of storage space that doesn’t add up, you can then explore the solutions provided below:

1. Check your System’s Cleanup recommendations

Alternatively, there are other ways you can clear out more spaces by removing other recommended files on Windows.

2. Remove temporary files

Alternatively, if you need a more simplified approach to accessing anddeleting temporary files in Windows 11you can check here.

3. Delete hibernation files

Running the above command easily frees up much space on the drive where the operating system is installed. Also, somehibernation files may be corrupt, so it is wise to clear them out.

4. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

The storage problem on Windows 11 should be fixed. Alternatively, you can check out our list of thebest PC maintenance software.

5. Uninstall unnecessary software

Alternatively, you can save up more storage space by using one of thebest automated uninstaller softwareavailable for use by checking here.

A specialized program that we recommend you try using in this situation is CCleaner. It has a software uninstaller feature that allows you to easily uninstall programs or a group of programs with just a single click.

CCleaner

6. Reconfigure your System Restore settings

This should reduce the gap in the storage on Windows 11 if it’s not adding up due to system restoration files. Also, consider checking here for what to do if theRestore points fail to work.

However, avoid dragging the value to 0 because that would prevent your system from saving previous updates. Hence, you will have no Windows backups to roll back to if you ever need to.

7. Perform a disk cleanup

You can also select from ourlist of best tools to delete unnecessary filesand free up your storage space.

All the troubleshooting steps provided in this article are a great solution to fixing your Windows 11 storage space issue.

If any fixes have solved your problem, kindly let us know by using the comments below. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to use this section if you have further questions or suggestions.

More about the topics:storage,Windows 11

Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.

Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.

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Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.