Quick Summary
The ERROR_DISK_FULL error indicates that the operating system cannot write data to the disk because it is full. This often results in program failures, inability to save files, and overall system instability.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Disk Space: The hard drive or partition where Windows is installed has run out of available storage space. This is the most common cause.
- Temporary Files Accumulation: Temporary files created by Windows and applications can accumulate over time, consuming significant disk space.
- Large Files and Unnecessary Programs: Large files like videos, images, and downloaded programs, as well as unused installed applications, can quickly fill up the disk.
- System Restore Points: System Restore points can consume a considerable amount of disk space, especially if many restore points are stored.
- Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin might contain a large amount of deleted files, which still occupy disk space.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Empty the Recycle Bin
Step 1: Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Step 2: Select 'Empty Recycle Bin'.
Step 3: Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Method 2: Run Disk Cleanup
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'Disk Cleanup', and press Enter.
Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive).
Step 3: In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, check the boxes for the types of files you want to remove (e.g., Temporary Internet Files, Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
Step 4: Click 'OK' and then 'Delete Files' to confirm.
Method 3: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter.
Step 2: Under 'Programs', click 'Uninstall a program'.
Step 3: Review the list of installed programs and uninstall any programs you no longer use.
Method 4: Delete Temporary Files Manually
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type '%temp%' and press Enter. This will open the temporary files folder.
Step 3: Select all the files and folders inside this location (Ctrl + A).
Step 4: Press the Delete key. You may need administrative privileges to delete some files. If prompted, click 'Continue'.
Step 5: Skip any files that you are unable to delete.
Method 5: Disable or Reduce System Restore Disk Space Usage
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'Create a restore point', and press Enter.
Step 2: In the 'System Properties' window, click the 'System Protection' tab.
Step 3: Select your system drive (usually C:) and click 'Configure'.
Step 4: You can either disable System Protection completely (not recommended) or adjust the 'Max Usage' slider to reduce the amount of disk space used for restore points.
Step 5: Click 'Apply' and 'OK'.
Method 6: Move Large Files to an External Drive
Step 1: Identify large files, such as videos, photos, or documents, that you don't frequently access.
Step 2: Connect an external hard drive or USB drive to your computer.
Step 3: Copy or move the identified files to the external drive.
Step 4: After confirming the files are successfully copied, you can delete them from your computer's hard drive.
Method 7: Enable Storage Sense (Windows 10 and later)
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type ‘Storage settings’, and press Enter.
Step 2: Turn on the Storage Sense toggle switch. You can also click ‘Configure Storage Sense or run it now’ to adjust settings like how often it runs and what types of files it cleans up.