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Surface Go 3 Out of SSD Space

Anonymous
2024-12-10T00:54:54+00:00

When I tried to upgrade my Surface Go 3 to the 24H version of Windows 11, I was told by the software that there was insufficient room on the C: Drive (with the OS) and that I needed to use an external drive for overflow during the installation process; but even that was not enough because the C: Drive was still short about 1GB after I manually removed every app and data file I could. In the end, I created a Recovery Disk and wiped the hard drive clean on the recovery, which cleared enough space on the C: Drive to install Windows 11, and then upgrade to 24H, this time all without the need for an overflow drive.

So far, so good, but now with only a couple of apps added back, the C: Drive is 3/4 full again (with only 15GB or 57GB free). Even if I don't store a single data file or install any more apps, I fear the SSD will just be too small for the next upgrade (or one soon after). If this is true, then with the SSD soldered to the motherboard I'm afraid the device will become a (light) paperweight.

Any ideas (other than converting to Linux)? Can the OS live on a USB drive (though I doubt this is possible)? Thanks in advance.

Surface | Surface Go | Install and update

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-12-10T09:38:30+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    You're welcome! I'm glad to hear that Storage Sense is already helping you free up space.

    The Windows.old folder is created when you upgrade to a new version of Windows. It contains your previous version of Windows and allows you to roll back to it if needed. If you've confirmed that you don't need to revert to the previous version of Windows, you can safely delete the Windows.old folder to free up space.

    To help other customers who may be facing the same issue, please click 'Yes’ underneath the post that had the solution for you. This highlights the information for other customers. Thanks for your cooperation. 

    Good luck with the cleanup, and I hope your Surface continues to run well with the updates!

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn. W - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-12-11T18:17:56+00:00

    I am having similar issue. I have moved all files to an external hard drive. Left only those needed for functionality. I still have very low disk space. What can I remove? I have run cleanup. I have tried several of the solutions I could find. Still 80 - 85% full. What else can I remove?

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-12T23:24:18+00:00

    Getting rid of the old version of Windows did the trick for me. Please read the Storage Sense advice given in the expert response that I've just marked as an Answer.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-10T05:32:44+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I'm sorry that your Surface Go 3 is running low on storage space, especially considering its limited SSD size. Here are some strategies to make the most of the available storage and keep the device viable for future updates:

    • Use an SD Card: Insert a microSD card into the Surface Go 3's SD slot. You can move data files, install less-critical apps, and store large files here. The card acts like an extra drive and is always available.
    • Cloud Storage: Utilize cloud storage services like OneDrive to store files that you don't need immediate access to. This can help reduce the amount of data on your SSD.
    • Storage Sense can automatically free up drive space for you by getting rid of items that you don't need, like temporary files and items in your Recycle Bin. For more info, see Manage drive space with Storage Sense.
    • If you don't want to use Storage Sense, Cleanup recommendations can help you identify and clean up temporary files and system files from your device.
    1. Select Start  > Settings  > System  > Storage  > Cleanup recommendations.
    2. Review each of the categories, including Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps, and select the items you'd like to remove. Windows will suggest files for you and show the amount of space you'll save when you remove those items.
    3. After you've selected items to remove, select the Clean up button for each section.

    The steps above should help optimize your Surface Go 3 and manage storage constraints. I hope this helps. If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn. W - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-10T07:05:53+00:00

    Thanks. As I mentioned, I have already eliminated all extraneous files and have no data files on the C: Drive. But Storage Sense is more promising as it has located 11GB left behind in old Windows versions after updates to 24H. Trying now to clean that up. Thanks again.

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