How to Fix the C : Drive Turning Red on Windows 10/11

Lucas Watson

Updated: June 19, 2024

When installing a system on our computer, we typically designate the C : drive as the system disk. The C : drive is crucial for our computer as it houses the operating system, virtual memory, and software cache. These components consume significant space on the C : drive. When the C : drive turns red, indicating it is running out of space, it can lead to problems such as computer stuttering, restarting, and blue screens.In our daily lives, we often need to download various software and files. By default, most software installs on the C : drive, which can quickly fill up and cause it to turn red, as shown in the image below. Windows will then warn you that the volume of your C : drive is running out of space. So, how can you fix this problem? Follow my tutorial to find out!

• 1: Why Does the C : Drive Turn Red
• 2: How to Fix This Issue
• Solution 1: Slimming Your C : Drive
• Solution 2: Expand the Capacity of Your C : Drive
• Situation A : The C : Drive is Next to Other Disks
• Situation B : The Recovery Zone is Next to the C : Drive
• Situation C : The C : Drive is Next to a Green Zone
• 3: Final words

1. Why Does the C : Drive Turn Red?

Here are some possible reasons:

2: How to Fix This Issue

Understanding these reasons can help you choose an appropriate solution to address the problem. If your C : drive has more than 150 GB but is still running out of space, follow these steps to free up space and restore your C : drive to normal.

Solution 1: Slimming Your C : Drive

Step 1 : Find and open the "Disk Cleanup" app on your PC.

Step 2 : Choose your C : drive and click OK.

Step 3 : Select the files you want to clean up on your computer and click OK.

(Tip: These files can be cleaned up without any risk and will not affect the normal use of your computer.)

Step 4: Click the Delete Files option.

Then go back to check the status of your C : drive. However, if the capacity of your C: drive is still insufficient after cleaning, you can try to expand your C: drive. Follow solution 2 below to increase the capacity of your C: drive!

Solution 2: Expand the Capacity of Your C : Drive

So how do you expand your C : drive? Disk management varies for different users. Here are three ways to handle different situations. First, right-click your Start button and open Disk Management. Then, follow the instructions based on your situation.

Situation A : The C : Drive is Next to Other Disks

Step 1: Format the disk next to the C : drive (if there are important data on this disk, please back up your data before formatting).

Step 2: After formatting, delete this disk. Right-click the disk in Disk Management and click "Delete Volume."

Step 3: Right-click the C : drive and select "Extend Volume" to expand the capacity of your C : drive.

Situation B : The Recovery Zone is Next to the C : Drive

Step 1: Click here to download Disk Genius software.

Step 2: After installing Disk Genius, open it and find the recovery zone.

Step 3: Right-click it and select the "Delete Current Partion" option and Save all.

Step 4: Then right click the free space and click Allcoate free space to the next drive.

Step 5: Click start, once done, your disk management should look like Situation A. Then, format the disk and extend your C : drive.

Situation C : The C : Drive is Next to a Green Zone

This is an early disk partitioning method. If you find that your Disk Management looks like the image below, it can be a little troublesome. You may need to first back up and delete all the files in the green area of the disks, and then follow the steps in Solution A.

3: Final words

This article shares reasons and solutions for when the C: drive turns red and provides different solutions for various situations readers may encounter. By following this tutorial, you can manage your C: drive space more effectively and ensure your computer runs smoothly. Hope this article can solve your problems.