DiskshaperHow to free up disk space on Windows 11
Start with Windows’ own Cleanup recommendations in Settings, System, Storage: it clears temporary files and old Windows updates. Then scan with Diskshaper for what Windows does not know about: shader caches, Steam and Epic leftovers, Premiere and Resolve caches, old installers and duplicate photos. Everything goes to the Recycle Bin, so you can undo it.
Updated 11 November 2026 · Hollowbit Studio
Step by step
- Run Windows’ cleanup firstSettings, System, Storage, Cleanup recommendations. Tick temporary files and old updates.
- Download Diskshaper for WindowsFree, no account. If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, Run anyway.
- Press Scan this PCYou get Everyone, Gaming and Video editing groups with sizes.
- Move what is Safe to the Recycle BinThen empty the Recycle Bin to get the space back.
What Windows cleans and what it misses
Windows cleans its own temporary files, update leftovers and the DirectX shader cache. It does not know about Steam’s per-game shader caches, folders left by uninstalled games, editing app caches, or the installers piling up in Downloads.
Turn on Storage Sense
Settings, System, Storage, Storage Sense can empty the Recycle Bin and clear Downloads on a schedule. Be careful with the Downloads option if you keep files there.
Big wins people forget
Games you have not played in months (uninstall from the launcher, reinstall any time), old phone backups and video exports. Diskshaper lists games with the last time you played.
Questions
Is it safe to delete the Windows temp folder?
Yes, for files not in use. Windows skips the ones that are. Diskshaper lists %TEMP% under App caches.
Should I delete the WinSxS folder?
No. Never delete it by hand. Use Windows’ cleanup, which removes old components safely.
Is Diskshaper safe for Windows?
It never touches Windows system folders, and it moves files to the Recycle Bin instead of deleting them.
More guides
- How to clear your shader cacheShader caches from Steam, NVIDIA, AMD and DirectX can take tens of gigabytes. Here is where they live, whether it is safe to clear them, and how.
- How to remove Steam leftovers after uninstalling a gameUninstalled a Steam game but the space did not come back? Steam often leaves the game folder behind. Here is how to find leftovers safely.
- How to clear the Premiere Pro media cachePremiere Pro’s media cache can grow to tens of gigabytes. Where the cache files are on Mac and Windows, whether it is safe to delete them, and how.
- How to clear the DaVinci Resolve cacheDaVinci Resolve’s render cache, optimized media and proxies can fill a drive. Where they are, what is safe to delete, and how.