hdd too small for Windows10 update

[eriknz]

For some time now Windows10 cannot complete an upgrade on my hybrid as there is not enough HD space. The original hd is 28.18 GB of which only 8.08 GB is free. I have NO applications of my own installed, only the bare Windows and HP system. So there is nothing I can do to make more space available. I have even removed my anti-virus NORTON360 system.

Windows now tells me that my current OS version will not be supported after October 2018 so I feel pushed in a corner where I don't want to be.

I have been chatting with an HP representative who suggested to talk to the sales team to get an external hdd. I can hardly believe that this is the solution.

I bought this system less than two years ago as a highly portable Windows10 machine. With an external HD it is hardly portable anymore.

Is there anyone with sufficient technical expertise who can tell me what the best solution is out of this predicament?

Thanks!

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

@eriknz

The best option on these baby laptops is a clean install of Windows 10 .Your Windows 10 license key is embedded in BIOS and you can reinstall Windows at any time. Microsoft provides the free Media Creation Tool to download files and create a Windows 10 usb flash drive.Big advantage is you will have latest updated version of Windows 10. Disadvantage is you will need another pc to do this. At least 8gb flash drive required:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Select Download tool now, and select Run.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10.
-------------------------------
When the flash drive is prepared insert it in a usb port. Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping Esc key. From the menu tap F9 key and use the arrow keys to move to and select usb. Tap Enter key.
When installing and you go through first few screens- choose Custom and select each partition and delete each (if you have more than one).Install on the unallocated space left from that process.Continue with installation.It should pickup the key from BIOS but if it asks at any point just choose "I don't have a key". It will continue and should activate once you are online.

This will not include the original software from HP but most of it can be installed from your Support page.

[eriknz]

Hello CherylG!

Thanks a lot for this detailed advice. I had been hoping that a flash drive would do the trick.

I will follow this advice as soon as I have time and will let you know here the outcome. It may take a few days.

This world is a better place with volunteers like you around!

Cheers,

Erik

[CherylG]

@eriknz

You're very welcome. Happy to help. Thank you for the kind words.

 The guide here shows the screens you will go through..so you are familiar:

https://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-install-windows-10/

[eriknz]

Hello again CherylG!

Sorry it took a while before I had time but I have now followed your detailed instructions and it all works fine.

Thanks again a lot for your great help!

I do hope other find this post useful too.

Cheers,

Erik V.