The drive fills up even when I am not downloading anything

Possible solutions

Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.

1. Viewing storage categories

   Find the ascending file category in Windows Storage.

   Steps to follow

   1. Press the Windows logo key and I together on your keyboard to open Settings.
   2. Select "System".
   3. Select "Storage".
   4. Wait for the categories to be calculated.
   5. Open the largest category, such as Applications or Temporary Files, and see what's taking up space.
   6. Choose to delete only what you recognize and have a copy of; do not delete system folders by hand.

2. Sync and copy settings

   If cloud copies or backups use the space, manage their storage without deleting system folders.

   Steps to follow

   1. In the storage view, determine where the files are growing - OneDrive, backups, or another folder of yours.
   2. Open the app that uses this and its storage/sync settings; check local copies and graphics.
   3. Before deleting, check if the file exists in another copy. Only change the program's documented save option, don't mess with Windows directories.

3. Security check

   If the cause of the growth is unclear and there is unusual activity, perform a security scan.

   Steps to follow

   1. Type "Windows security" in the Start search and open a real system program, not an ad window.
   2. Select "Virus and threat protection" and check for security updates.
   3. Click Scan Options > Full Scan > Scan Now.
   4. Wait for the end and view the Protection history. If the protection is managed by another antivirus, use its official full scan function.