Upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on a Lenovo laptop with 40GB free on SSD. After upgrade, only 14.5GB free. Does that sound correct or is there anything I need to clean up?

Post-Upgrade Free Space on SSD: What to Expect and Cleanup Tips

Upgrading your operating system can often lead to unexpected changes in your device’s storage space. If you’ve recently upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your Lenovo laptop and noticed a significant decrease in available storage—from 40GB down to 14.5GB—you’re not alone. Many users have experienced similar situations after making the transition. This article will explore why this happens and how you can reclaim some of that lost space.

Understanding Storage Reduction After Upgrade

When you upgrade from an older version of Windows to a newer one, several factors contribute to a drop in free space. Windows 11, with its new features and improvements, tends to require more space than Windows 10. This is especially true if your device was checking for compatibility and updating existing drivers during the transition.

Moreover, the upgrade process typically creates backup files needed to revert the operating system if something goes wrong. These files can consume a significant amount of space—sometimes upwards of 20GB—while the new system is designed to run efficiently with its new architecture.

Additionally, Windows 11 may come pre-installed with new applications and features that add to the total disk usage. Features like virtual desktops, integrated Microsoft Teams, and more might require additional resources and space compared to their Windows 10 counterparts.

Cleaning Up Your Storage

If you’re looking to free up some of that precious storage space after the Windows 11 upgrade, here are several steps you can take:

1. Disk Cleanup: Using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool is a great place to start. Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar, choose your primary drive, and select the types of files you’d like to delete. This can include temporary files, system caches, and previous Windows installations if they’re no longer needed.
2. Storage Sense: Windows 11 includes a feature called Storage Sense that automatically deletes unnecessary files. To enable it, go to Settings > System > Storage and toggle on Storage Sense. You can customize how often it runs and what it cleans up.
3. Uninstall Unused Applications: Sometimes pre-installed applications take up valuable space. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and evaluate which applications you can uninstall. This can help reclaim several gigabytes depending on what’s unused.
4. Delete Old Backups: If your upgrade included a backup of your old Windows installation, consider whether you need it. Windows keeps a folder called “Windows.old” that stores files from the previous version. If you’re sure everything is functioning well, you can delete it through the Disk Cleanup tool.
5. Analyze Disk Usage: To get a clearer picture of what’s consuming your space, you might want to use a third-party tool like WinDirStat or TreeSize. These programs visually break down your disk usage, allowing you to identify the largest files and folders quickly.
6. Cloud Storage Options: If you find that you’re regularly running low on space, consider moving some files to a cloud storage service, like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This not only frees up space but also provides a backup for your important files.

Conclusion

It’s common to see a reduction in available SSD space after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with changes stemming from system requirements and backup processes. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently clean up your storage and keep your Lenovo laptop running smoothly. Regular maintenance will help ensure you make the most of your storage and enjoy the benefits of the latest operating system without the worry of running out of space.