Ask for forgiveness, not permission: Microsoft now automatically backs up your files to OneDrive — yep, without asking. Want to deactivate it? Right-click on the OneDrive icon > Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup and deactivate any folders you don’t want synced.
How much free storage should you have on your computer?
If your computer is slow, check its hard drive. You may need to clear storage space to make your PC run more smoothly. Simply put, your device needs a certain amount of free space to work correctly.
How much free space your computer needs will depend on the brand and model. We’ll give you details in this tech tip. In the meantime, you should also look for signs that your hard drive is failing. Watch for things like strange sounds.
If you hear strange noises, it might be time for an upgrade. Tap or click here for six more ways to keep your device going strong. Scroll down for ways to make your computer high-performance again.
How much free hard drive space do you need?
Want to find out your drive’s capacity? We can help you see how much wiggle room you have.
Windows computers need at least 100 MB of free space
👍 This rule of thumb applies to computers running Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
🦖 Are you still running Windows 7? That’s dangerous! It doesn’t get patch updates. You’re making it easy for hackers to break into your computer.
🖥️ However, even 100 MB may not be enough. Your computer needs at least 10% of free space available to install updates, Dell reports.
Easy ways to clear storage space
One easy way to free up storage space is to use Disk Cleanup, a built-in tool that finds files to delete. You can also use OneDrive Files On-Demand.
If you’re feeling extra technical, you can use Windows command prompts. Tap or click here for a step-by-step guide to clearing storage space on your Windows computer.
Is your Microsoft account at risk? Check now to see what's connected
Connecting third-party apps and services to your Microsoft account makes it easy to access them. Depending on which program you connect, this integrates data in various ways. This may include your personal information, activity, history, contact list and more.
PC patch alert! Update your Windows computer now
Patch Tuesday is still a couple of weeks away, but Microsoft has released an optional update for its Windows 11 operating system. The November optional KB5020044 cumulative update includes 25 bug fixes and enhancements.
Use Microsoft OneDrive? Here's a phishing attack you need to know about
Your inbox is cluttered with messages from some of the most well-known brands in the world: Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Walmart and Google, to name a few. You don’t have to use their services to find yourself on their mailing lists.
Window's tool to wipe out your data leaves some behind - Here's how to fix it
Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes. Ever accidentally sent an email before you finished writing it or spilled coffee on your keyboard? You’re not alone.
What happens when you accidentally delete a file? It may end up in your computer’s digital trash can, but that’s not always the case. Don’t panic. There are a few ways to recover deleted files. Tap or click here to learn how.
Easily remove old files on your PC with these tools
There will come a time during the life of your PC that you will run out of space — no matter how large the hard drive is. Old files can easily clutter the most spacious hard drive, and you’ll need to clear them out to make room for new stuff. This will not only increase storage space but also improve the performance of your PC.
Miss the look of Windows 7? Change these settings
It’s official. Microsoft is no longer offering any support for Windows 7. Support ended on Jan. 14, 2020.
This means Windows 7 will no longer have support specialists backing it up or updating, and in order to have a safe computer, you’ll need to upgrade your OS to Windows 10. Tap or click here to learn how to get Windows 10 for free.