-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Operating Systems and Recovery
- Re: i need to update but have no space

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
07-19-2025 11:38 AM
i need to do updates on my computer. i go to install updates and it says error due to not enough space. i do NOT have hardly anything even on this laptop. ALL files are saved on an external hard drive. ive been told intell processors have major issues with the laptops running slowly. maybe the update would help with that but im unable to update. i also can NOT find the diagnostic area where i need to check that. its telling me some error with that as well. i need this all explained to me like im a 5 year old!!
07-22-2025 07:44 AM
@hjghygf8674, Welcome to HP Support Community,
Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue
Clear Out Hidden Junk
Press Windows key + R
Type this: cleanmgr and press Enter
A window will pop up. Pick (C:) drive if asked.
Click Clean up system files
Check the boxes for:
Windows Update Cleanup
Temporary files
Recycle Bin
System created Windows Error Reporting
Click OK, then Delete Files
Check Storage Space
Let’s see how much space you have left:
Click the Start button (Windows icon)
Type Storage settings and press Enter
You’ll see a breakdown: how much space is left, and what’s using it.
If you see almost no space left on the C: drive, we’ll try more cleanup.
Remove Unneeded Apps
Click the Start button
Type Add or remove programs
Go down the list:
Uninstall things you don’t recognize or use (like games, trial software, or toolbars)
Be careful not to remove system apps or anything that says Intel, Microsoft, or Windows
Try the Update Again
Plug your laptop into power (always good when updating!)
Click the Start button, type Check for updates, and hit Enter
Click Download and Install
Still getting the space error?
Use External Drive for Update
You can tell Windows to use your external hard drive temporarily.
Plug in your external hard drive.
Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files
Scroll and click Optional updates or Windows Update files
If it gives you the option to choose a drive, pick your external one.
If this doesn’t work, you might need a USB drive with at least 16GB free to create an update tool (I’ll help with that if needed).
You may be looking for HP Diagnostics.
How to Run It:
Turn off the laptop completely
Turn it back on and immediately tap the Esc key repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap) until a menu appears
Press F2 to open HP Diagnostics
Choose System Tests or Storage Tests
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps.
Take care and have a good day.
Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!
Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee