How to reduce the size of Windows 8.1

[ugcheleuce]

Hello

I have a tablet computer that I bought a number of years ago, from Hewlett-Packard (there's no name on the device so I have no idea what model it is). It runs Windows 8.1, and it's got a total storage of 20 GB. Space is running out, and I could not figure out where that space hog was, until I discovered that the C:\windows\ folder takes up 19 GB of space. A tip from some web site to disable hibernation gained me 1.5 GB, but still... is it normal for Windows to take up 99% of the disk? (depends on the disk, I suppose)

So, is there any way to reduce the size of Windows so that it takes up a more reasonable amount of space (say, 12-15 GB instead of 17.5 GB)? I checked the "add/remove" dialog to see if there are Windows features that I can miss, but there doesn't seem to be any overly large features installed. There are no restore points either (restore point creation is off).

Thanks
Samuel

 

[davexnet]

Use a program such as Treesize to help you analyze your space

 

[RolandJS]

Take heed if/when you touch Windows Prime -- I touched Windows Media Player, and so far, I am unable to install again. This is for Windows 7 Pro, I am not sure if W8 will be likewise.

 

[RolandJS]

Update on WMP, after a repair install, WMP and windows features returned.

 

[Bree]

... it's got a total storage of 20 GB. ... C:\windows\ folder takes up 19 GB ... is there any way to reduce the size of Windows....

If the OP is still looking for an answer, with C:\Windows that large it sounds like it is long overdue for a clean up of old windows update backups. See this tutorial.

WinSxS Folder (Component Store) - Clean Up in Windows 8.1