Where has my storage gone

[2657]

I have an Asus transformer tablet running Windows 8.1with 32 Gb storage which actually shows as 28,3 Gb, I have a 32 Gb SD card for all my files etc.

The available internal storage is disappearing as fast as I delete programmes, I run AVG tune up and clear some space but this disappears as I use the tablet, currently about 70Mb.

What is using all the storage on the internal drive, I knew when I bought it that the operating system took up a large chunk of the memory but the tablet is now becoming unuseable, I can't downloadup dates etc as there is no space?

 

[SMB]

I've only ever used Android and Apple tablets so I can't personally advise you but, if you do a search on the Internet for this problem with this particular tablet, you will find a few people have also had the same problem and forums offer advice on how to solve it. One was to empty the recycle bin after you delete apps etc but I don't want to put any links on here having not tried them myself! Hope you manage to find a solution.

 

[Reallyretired]

Whenever you get an update on windows there is a drop in available storage because it keeps the old versions so you can go back. You can delete these in file manager.

 

[2657]

Whenever you get an update on windows there is a drop in available storage because it keeps the old versions so you can go back. You can delete these in file manager.

Where do I find file manager?

 

[Bognor Saint]

Go to disk cleaner and then chose options to delete. Old window files should be there.
Also stored as :windows.old

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[DBK]

Is 32GB all the disk space you have? You really need 256GB and you shouldn't need to spend more than £30 for one. It will mean reinstalling the Window 8.1 which might be a struggle if you don't have it on a disk.

Alternatively, move all files like images to an external drive linked by a USB cable. This might free up a bit of space but Windows 8.1 is probably taking up at least 20GB so you don't have much to play with.

 

[2657]

Is 32GB all the disk space you have? You really need 256GB and you shouldn't need to spend more than £30 for one. It will mean reinstalling the Window 8.1 which might be a struggle if you don't have it on a disk.

Alternatively, move all files like images to an external drive linked by a USB cable. This might free up a bit of space but Windows 8.1 is probably taking up at least 20GB so you don't have much to play with.

The initial lack of disc space is the problem, I have moved all storage files to an sd card, I also have a couple of separate hard drives with all music and photos etc
All that is left is windows and installed apps that I can't remove plus a few programmes that I need.
I do not have the knowledge to move any of the operating system to an external hard drive.

 

[SMB]

If it's the same as Windows in laptops could you factory reset it and re-install the OS, that should get rid of all the previous updates, junk etc. You would need to install your required programs again etc.

 

[2657]

If it's the same as Windows in laptops could you factory reset it and re-install the OS, that should get rid of all the previous updates, junk etc. You would need to install your required programs again etc.

A little beyond my capabilities I'm afraid but thanks for the info

 

[SMB]

What exact model do you have as, after reading some forums, there is a diy storage bay where you can add additional SSD storage. Of course, this is not cheap and if your tablet is fairly old you might not consider it viable.
Another partial solution that was posted was this:

That's a lot of space for Windows updates. There are ways to get rid of the fluff from the updates. Right click on the drive - properties - tools clean disk. On the next screen click clean again and check the items to clean. Among the items will be some update leftovers.

Another poster suggested formatting the tablet then installing Windows 10 which saved 12gb. I know you said this would be beyond your capabilities but if you know someone who could do it for you then it might sort your problem. There's also threads which indicate you can upgrade to Windows 10 using a media creation tool supplied by Microsoft for free and looks simple (search update windows 8.1 to 10 free). A problem you might have is your lack of storage to download the update unless it can be stored on your external sd card or hard drive, catch-22. Hope this helps.

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[SMB]

Ps I added the last paragraph, it's not from a post!

 

[kevenh]

Whenever you get an update on windows there is a drop in available storage because it keeps the old versions so you can go back. You can delete these in file manager.

Windows OS deletes the windows.old eventually. After 30 days or something.
Or, when the owner knows the new OS on his PC is OK it can be removed by disk cleanup tool.
Where the OP can also find options to delete temp folders’ content, etc.

You can find disk cleanup in Menu or by right clicking on the drivers (and “My PC”?). Drive Cleanup is a Properties option.

Deleting system manages files manually via file explorer should be the last option, IMO

The main problem is the small OS drive.
You’ll always be managing free space.
I had that isssue with a 128GB SSD OS drive

You can configure where Windows saves data too. I’ve changed them all to d: locations. Even then there’s still free space admin needed eventually.
At least a Windows PC upgrade is a POP task

 

[Welsh girl]

I reset mine to factory setting and sold it . Got very annoyed with it and it was so slow with so little space to keep things on it.
I added a guest to it so the future buyer could see it working , then deleted my account

 

[2657]

Thanks to all for the advice.
After doing a search on the internet for this problem one suggestion was that as the increasingly limited storage space is re used and written over the capability reduces, that's my simplistic take on what was posted.

I have purged at least 2 Gb of superfluous programmes files etc over the last few weeks but the freed storage space disappears within a few hours of use.

I have looked at Disk clean up and everything has already been cleaned, only 6.6Kb to clean!

 

[kevenh]

I reset mine to factory setting and sold it . Got very annoyed with it and it was so slow with so little space to keep things on it.
I added a guest to it so the future buyer could see it working , then deleted my account

Is this Asus tablet model about 6yr old?
Maybe it is getting too out dated now.
I don’t know what the OPs needs are but I ditched mini laptops for a tablet successfully
I’ve an iPad Mini 4 with 128GB storage - which is also getting old, tech wise

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[kevenh]

Thanks to all for the advice.
After doing a search on the internet for this problem one suggestion was that as the increasingly limited storage space is re used and written over the capability reduces, that's my simplistic take on what was posted.

I have purged at least 2 Gb of superfluous programmes files etc over the last few weeks but the freed storage space disappears within a few hours of use.

I have looked at Disk clean up and everything has already been cleaned, only 6.6Kb to clean!

I don’t know how rapidly storage tech is changing to resolve this but, yes, none spinning disk storage (like SSD) are expected to fail after a number of read write cycles. It’s a number in the millions but I’ve seen “SSD life left” stats in product GUI

 

[2657]

I reset mine to factory setting and sold it . Got very annoyed with it and it was so slow with so little space to keep things on it.
I added a guest to it so the future buyer could see it working , then deleted my account

Is this Asus tablet model about 6yr old?
Maybe it is getting too out dated now.
I don’t know what the OPs needs are but I ditched mini laptops for a tablet successfully
I’ve an iPad Mini 4 with 128GB storage - which is also getting old, tech wise

I have been very pleased with this tablet, yes I have had it for about 6 years and since my main laptop failed 6 months ago I have used it for all my computing needs.

I do not want to upgrade to Windows 10 or use any Apple products but will probably have to go down one of those routes and a keyboard is essential for me.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have moved all storage files to an sd card, I

Any important files make sure you have at least one other backup as SD cards are not the most reliable of storage devices. I've had quite a few die, even had one go up in a puff of smoke when I plugged it in.

 

[kevenh]

I do not want to upgrade to Windows 10 or use any Apple products but will probably have to go down one of those routes and a keyboard is essential for me.

If you can live with the storage limits and the asus is otherwise OK for you, definitely stick with it

I was anti Apple for years. I had to occasionally work on Macs for work and never saw the attraction, but mrskevenh wanted an MP3 player many years ago, and I thought my Philips MP3 player too techy for her.
So I bought her an iPod.
In the short time I had it, to get her some tunes on it before wrapping it, I was an apple gadget fan.
It was a much simpler user experience.
I bought my own iPod.
Then I later chose an iPhone for work as soon as my employer offered one.
Now I’m buying my own iPhones (0% apr over 2 yr (~£17) from apple)
Oh! Forgot, somewhere in that period I got an iPad for its larger screen... lol

edit: the iPhone finance I mentioned is a little short. Maybe there was a small deposit missed, but it is about right. iPhone SE2 32GB

 

[2657]

If you can live with the storage limits and the asus is otherwise OK for you, definitely stick with it

I was anti Apple for years. I had to occasionally work on Macs for work and never saw the attraction, but mrskevenh wanted an MP3 player many years ago, and I thought my Philips MP3 player too techy for her.
So I bought her an iPod.
In the short time I had it, to get her some tunes on it before wrapping it, I was an apple gadget fan.
It was a much simpler user experience.
I bought my own iPod.
Then I later chose an iPhone for work as soon as my employer offered one.
Now I’m buying my own iPhones (0% apr over 2 yr (~£17) from apple)
Oh! Forgot, somewhere in that period I got an iPad for its larger screen... lol

edit: the iPhone finance I mentioned is a little short. Maybe there was a small deposit missed, but it is about right. iPhone SE2 32GB

It still functions for my basic computing needs so will stick with it for a while.
It's not bee a good year for gadgets, I have an ipod touch which died earlier in the year, I liked the ipod but did not like Apple's control over loading stuff onto it.

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[Gellyneck]

I have looked at Disk clean up and everything has already been cleaned, only 6.6Kb to clean!

Just to confirm, you did also click the "Clean up system files" button?

 

[2657]

Just to confirm, you did also click the "Clean up system files" button?
View attachment 442349

I think so, all the items listed had zero in the box except the bottom one which I think was thumbnails 6Kb