Windows 10 might be one of the best Microsoft operating systems to come out in a while, but their latest policy regarding major Windows 10 updates is causing quite a stir in the technology industry. Specifically, the large update coming up this October could potentially cause major problems for your organization.
In fact, the latest update could fail, causing your computer to crash in the process. This ultimately leads to frustration and wasted time on your end. The reason this happens is because the system doesn’t have enough storage space on it to install the update. Microsoft hasn’t informed users of the size of the update, but judging from the update last spring, it could be anywhere from 16GB for the 32-bit operating system to 20GB for the 64-bit operating system.
This wouldn’t be so bad if the update checked your current file storage to make sure the update happens without incident, but that’s not how it works. We’ll walk you through the process to make sure that the Windows 10 update doesn’t break your computer.
Check Your Current Free Storage Space
The easiest and best way to make sure the update doesn’t harm your computer is just to check how much space you have on your computer prior to the update. This makes sure that there’s enough room for the update to go off without a hitch. You can use the aforementioned download sizes as a decent enough guideline. To check your current storage space, you can follow this path: Settings > System > Storage.
If you don’t have enough room, you have some options. You can empty your Recycling Bin, delete temporary files, and empty your Downloads folder, although you’ll want to be a little careful with what you delete. You want to make sure you don’t throw out something you will need eventually.
Try Out Windows Storage Sense
To access Windows Storage Sense, follow this path: Settings > System Storage > Storage sense. There’s a toggle on this page that lets Windows automatically delete files that you don’t need. Select Change how we free up space automatically and you’ll see a new page that lets you customize these features, including how often Storage Sense deletes files. You can also use the Clean Now button to immediately begin the process. This gives you an approximation of how much space you need to clean up before you can install the Windows 10 update.
Delete Large Files or Unused Applications
Depending on the kind of computer you’re using (or rather, whether it’s a personal computer or a company computer), you can uninstall apps that are taking up lots of space. Other files to be on the lookout for include video files, large pictures, games, and music files.
Not sure if you have enough room for the Windows 10 update? Be sure to give Technology Specialists a call at 260-422-3979.
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