More often than not, it feels like there are more error messages on Windows 11 than there are stars in the universe, and this error message is one that really drives the point home. It pops up randomly and seems to only exist to annoy the hell out of us... Which is why the "Disk is Either Full or Read-Only" error is so damn frustrating. Thankfully, there are quite a few simple things you can check and run through that will help you solve this problem pretty quickly.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to fix disk is either full or read-only error on Windows 11
- What is causing the full or read-only error on Windows 11?
Table of Contents
How to Fix Disk Is Either Full or Read-Only Error on Windows 11
As Windows, applications and you download files, "generate data" over time, available space shrinks, and sometimes Windows displays warnings even when the drive should have free space. The good news is that most of the time this is a simple fix but before you begin the steps below, restart your computer or shut it down for a few minutes. If that solves the problem you can wrap this guide up here. However, if it keeps coming back, you need to take action!
Check for Large Files
It's not a common issue, but sometimes massive files can cause problems. These are usually huge media (video) files, so check if you have any that might be causing issues.
- Open File Explorer.
- Select the drive you want to inspect.
- In the search bar, type
Size: > 1GB
Adjust the number as needed to uncover very large files. - Review the results and identify items that can be deleted or moved.
After locating large files, delete anything unnecessary or move personal files to external storage or cloud services such as OneDrive or Google Drive. This frees up space without losing access to your data.
Check the Disk for Errors
File system problems can cause Windows to think a disk is full or locked in read-only mode. Running the Check Disk utility can correct these issues.
- Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter the command: chkdsk <drive letter>: /f /v /x
For example, use chkdsk C: /f /v /x for the C drive. - Allow the scan to finish. If repairs are needed, Windows will apply them automatically.
Remove the Windows.old Folder
If you recently upgraded Windows, the system may have created a Windows.old folder that stores the previous installation. This folder is usually massive and will fill the C drive without you even knowing. Though it is standard procedure when you choose to keep your files.
- Open Settings and select System.
- Click Storage.
- Open Temporary files and wait for the scan to complete.
- Find Previous Windows installation(s) and select it.
- Click Remove files.
- Restart the computer after the cleanup.
Use Storage Sense and Cleanup Recommendations
Windows can automatically locate and remove unnecessary system files, cache, and temporary data.
- Open Settings and go to System, then Storage.
- Under Storage Management, select Storage Sense.
- Click Run Storage Sense now.
Use Cleanup Recommendations
- Return to the Storage page.
- Open Cleanup recommendations.
- Review each category, including Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
- Select the items to remove and confirm the cleanup.
Reinstall or Remove Third-Party Cleanup Software
If the error began after using a disk cleaning tool such as CCleaner, the application may not have completed its tasks correctly.
- Uninstall the cleanup program.
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall the software if you still want to use it, or rely on Windows built-in cleanup tools instead.
