Low Memory: Freeing Up Space on the Windows System Drive (C:)
Follow this guide if SCREENish told you that the system drive is almost full, so Windows cannot extend virtual memory — or if you simply want more free space. Aim for at least 5–10 GB free on drive C:.
Why it matters for your work hours: when C: is full, Windows loses its memory safety cushion (the pagefile has no room to grow). Once memory runs out, programs crash — including the time tracker — and the hours you work may not be recorded.
Quick wins (5 minutes)
- Empty the Recycle Bin. Right-click the Recycle Bin on the desktop, then choose Empty Recycle Bin. Deleted files still take space until you do this.
- Clean the Downloads folder. Open File Explorer > Downloads, sort by size, and delete old installers, videos and archives you no longer need.
- Run Disk Cleanup. Press Windows, type disk cleanup, open it, select drive C:, tick everything offered (especially Temporary files and Recycle Bin), then click Clean up system files and tick Windows Update Cleanup too — this one alone often frees several GB.
Bigger wins
- Storage Sense (Windows 10/11): Settings > System > Storage. Turn Storage Sense On so temporary files get cleaned automatically, and open Temporary files to remove what is already there. The same screen shows what is taking your space (Apps, Videos, etc.).
- Uninstall unused programs: Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by size, remove what you don't use.
- Move personal files. Videos and photo folders can move to another drive (D:) or an external disk, or to cloud storage.
Don't delete anything from
C:\Windows, C:\Program Files, or files you don't recognize — when in doubt, ask your IT support. The safe places to clean are the Recycle Bin, Downloads, and the tools listed above.Check the result
Open File Explorer > This PC and look at the bar under Local Disk (C:). Once it shows 5–10 GB free or more, restart the computer. The SCREENish warning will disappear on its own once the danger is gone.
Related: Low Memory: What the Warning Means and How to Fix It · Low Memory: Turning On Virtual Memory (Pagefile) in Windows