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Deleting Files Doesn’t Free up Space? Here’s What to Do

Using Shift to permanently delete files is a fast solution

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Space and storageare vital elements tied to the optimal functioning of your computer. So when deleting files doesn’t free up space, it causes a real worry.

However, this should not be the case, as many solutions exist. In this guide, we discuss them and point at some causes of this situation.

Why does deleting files not free up space?

Why does deleting files not free up space?

What do I do if deleting files doesn’t free up space on my computer?

What do I do if deleting files doesn’t free up space on my computer?

Before you go through the fixes below, you may try these workarounds:

That said, you may now try the solutions we list below.

1. Permanently delete files

2. Empty the Recycle Bin

3. Run a defragmentation tool

4. Fix disk errors

That is as far as we share in this guide. So, if deleting files doesn’t free up space, we hope you can now fix it.

Do you think there are other solutions our readers need to know? If that is the case, leave us a note in the comments section below, we would love to interact with you.

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Afam Onyimadu

Windows Software Expert

Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems, dating back to his introduction to Windows 98. He is passionate about technology amongst many other fields. Aside from putting pen to paper, he is a passionate soccer lover, a dog breeder, and enjoys playing the guitar and piano.

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Afam Onyimadu

Windows Software Expert

Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems.