How to Fix Low Disk Space Error Due to Full Temp Folder on Windows

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Running out of disk space on your Windows PC can be frustrating, especially when the culprit is a full temp folder. The low disk space error often pops up with a warning like “Low Disk Space” on your C: drive, and Microsoft’s support pages (e.g., support.microsoft.com) frequently point to temporary files as a common cause. In 2025, with larger apps and frequent updates, temp folders can fill up fast, eating up valuable space.

What Is a Low Disk Space Error Due to a Full Temp Folder?

A low disk space error occurs when your Windows C: drive (or another drive) has less than 10% free space. Temporary (temp) folders, which store short-term files created by Windows, apps, or installers, can grow massive and trigger this error. According to Microsoft’s documentation, temp files are meant to be deleted automatically, but this doesn’t always happen, leading to a cluttered drive.

Why Does the Temp Folder Cause Low Disk Space Errors?

Temp folders store files like:

  • App Cache: Temporary data from browsers or software.
  • Update Files: Leftover files from Windows or app updates.
  • Log Files: System and app logs that pile up.
  • Installer Files: Data from software installations or updates.

In 2025, X posts report users finding temp folders as large as 50GB, especially after major Windows updates or software installations. Common temp folder locations include:

  • C:\Windows\Temp
  • C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp

When these folders fill up, they can cause:

  • Slow PC performance
  • App crashes
  • Failed updates
  • The dreaded low disk space error notification

Let’s dive into how to fix this issue step by step.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Low Disk Space Error Due to Full Temp Folder

Follow these solutions to clear your temp folder, free up space, and resolve the low disk space error on Windows 10 or 11 in 2025.

1. Check Available Disk Space

First, confirm that your C: drive is indeed running low on space.

  • How to Check:
    1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
    2. Right-click C: drive > Properties.
    3. Check the “Used space” and “Free space.”
  • What to Look For: If free space is below 10% (e.g., less than 10GB on a 100GB drive), you’ll likely see the low disk space error.

Pro Tip: If your C: drive is nearly full, proceed to clear the temp folder immediately.

2. Clear the Temp Folder Manually

Manually deleting temp files is a quick way to free up disk space.

  • Steps:
    1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type %temp% and press Enter to open the user’s temp folder (C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp).
    3. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them (Shift + Delete for permanent deletion).
    4. If some files are in use, skip them by clicking “Skip.”
    5. Repeat for the system temp folder:
      • Type temp in Run to open C:\Windows\Temp.
      • Delete all files.
  • Important: Deleting temp files is safe, but don’t touch other system folders.

Caution: If you encounter “Access Denied” errors, run File Explorer as an administrator:

  1. Search for File Explorer in the Start menu.
  2. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
  3. Navigate to the temp folder and try again.

3. Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool can safely delete temp files and other junk.

  • Steps:
    1. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and open it.
    2. Select C: drive and click OK.
    3. Check these options:
      • Temporary Files
      • Temporary Internet Files
      • System Files (click Clean up system files to access this)
      • Recycle Bin
    4. Click OK > Delete Files.
  • Result: This can free up several GBs of space, depending on the temp folder size.

Pro Tip: After running Disk Cleanup, check your C: drive properties again to confirmRobinhood confirm the space freed.

4. Enable Storage Sense

Storage Sense automatically clears temp files and other junk to prevent low disk space errors.

  • How to Enable:
    1. Go to Settings (Windows + I) > System > Storage.
    2. Toggle Storage Sense to On.
    3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
    4. Set it to run weekly and check:
      • Delete temporary files
      • Empty Recycle Bin
      • Delete locally available cloud content
    5. Click Clean now to run it immediately.

Benefit: Storage Sense keeps your temp folder in check, reducing future errors.

5. Clear Software Distribution Folder

Windows Update temp files in the SoftwareDistribution folder can also consume space.

  • Steps:
    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search cmd > Run as administrator).
    2. Stop the Windows Update service by typing:net stop wuauserv
    3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution in File Explorer.
    4. Delete the Download folder’s contents.
    5. Restart the Windows Update service:net start wuauserv

Note: This is safe but may require re-downloading updates.

6. Check for Large Log Files

Log files in temp folders can grow large, especially for developers or IT professionals.

  • Steps:
    1. Open C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp.
    2. Sort files by size (right-click > Sort by > Size).
    3. Delete large log files (e.g., .log or .tmp extensions) not in use.
  • Tool: Use TreeSize Free to identify large files across your drive.

7. Move or Expand Your Drive

If your C: drive is too small, temp files can quickly cause low disk space errors.

  • Options:
    • Move Temp Folders:
      1. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.
      2. Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced > Environment Variables.
      3. Change the TEMP and TMP paths to a larger drive (e.g., D:\Temp).
    • Expand Storage:
      • Upgrade to a larger SSD (500GB+ recommended for 2025).
      • Use an external drive for non-essential files.

Caution: Ensure the new temp folder path exists before changing it.

8. Run a Third-Party Cleanup Tool

Tools like CCleaner can clear temp files and optimize your system.

  • Steps:
    1. Download CCleaner (free version available).
    2. Run the Cleaner tool and select:
      • Temporary Files
      • Browser Cache
      • System Trash
    3. Click Run Cleaner.
  • Benefit: CCleaner is faster than manual cleanup and catches hidden temp files.

Note: Stick to trusted tools to avoid malware.

9. Check for Malware

Malware can generate large temp files, contributing to low disk space errors.

  • Steps:
    1. Run Windows Defender:
      • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
      • Click Quick Scan or Full Scan.
    2. Use a third-party tool like Malwarebytes for deeper scans.
  • Prevention: Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

10. Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions may fail to clean temp files properly.

  • Steps:
    1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
    2. Click Check for updates.
    3. Install updates and restart your PC.
  • Benefit: Updates often include fixes for temp file management.

Preventing Low Disk Space Errors in 2025

To keep your temp folder from causing low disk space errors again:

  • Enable Storage Sense: Run it weekly to auto-clear temp files.
  • Monitor Disk Space: Check C: drive space monthly.
  • Limit App Installations: Install large apps on a secondary drive.
  • Clean Regularly: Use Disk Cleanup or CCleaner monthly.
  • Use Cloud Storage: Store files on OneDrive or Google Drive to save local space.
  • Update Software: Keep Windows and apps updated to avoid temp file buildup.

Common Temp Folder Locations and Their Uses

Folder PathPurposeSafe to Delete?
C:\Windows\TempSystem temp filesYes, if not in use
C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\TempUser-specific temp filesYes, if not in use
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DownloadWindows Update filesYes, after updates
C:\ProgramData[AppName]App-specific temp/cache filesCheck app requirements

FAQs About Low Disk Space Error Due to Full Temp Folder

Is it safe to delete all temp files?

Yes, most temp files are safe to delete, but skip files in use. Restarting your PC can free up locked files.

How much space should my C: drive have free?

Keep at least 15-20% free (e.g., 15-20GB on a 100GB drive) to avoid performance issues.

Can a full temp folder slow down my PC?

Yes, it can reduce available space for system operations, causing slowdowns or crashes.

Why does my temp folder keep filling up?

Apps, updates, and browsing generate temp files. If not cleared regularly, they accumulate.

What if I can’t delete some temp files?

Run File Explorer as an administrator or use Disk Cleanup. If files are locked, restart your PC and try again.

Conclusion: Keep Your Disk Space Free

A low disk space error due to a full temp folder is a common but fixable issue. By clearing temp files manually, using Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense, and monitoring your drive, you can free up space and keep your Windows PC running smoothly. Tools like CCleaner and regular updates can prevent the problem from recurring.

Don’t let a full temp folder slow you down! Follow these steps to reclaim your disk space today. Have questions or other fixes? Share them in the comments below!

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