What takes up space
Most of a disk is usually taken by apps, games, downloaded files and temporary data. Windows adds update packages and caches. When less than roughly a tenth of the disk remains, the computer can slow down noticeably.
How to look at it
- Open Settings → System → Storage. You will see a breakdown by type of data.
- Under Cleanup recommendations review temporary files and large or unused files.
- Turn on Storage Sense if you want Windows to clean up temporary files by itself.
- You can find the largest folders in File Explorer or in a tool that displays folder sizes.
How to tell a disk is ageing
You can find a disk's status in Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Disks & volumes, in the Properties of a specific disk. Warning signs are disk health warnings, noticeable slowing down, read or copy errors and unexpected freezing. Always back up, not only after a warning.
What BirdGuard can do
BirdGuard shows drives, free space, disk health (type, status, temperature, wear), temporary files and the largest folders with a Show in Explorer button. It deletes nothing on its own; you decide what to delete.