The most recent BIOS update won't download and I've cleaned out and uninstalled files and programs.

[Slhiaz]

I've tried downloading the newest BIOS update and recovery. I've cleaned out my C drive, uninstalled unused programs, and there is now 6% storage on my C drive. The download still stops and states that there is not enough free disk space to complete the update. Any suggestions?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Slhiaz 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

If you're experiencing issues downloading and installing a BIOS update due to insufficient disk space on your HP 17 Laptop PC (17-c2000) running Windows 11, here are some steps you can take to free up additional space:

Clear More Disk Space:

Remove Temporary Files:

• Open "Settings" > "System" > "Storage."
• Under "Storage Sense," click "Configure Storage Sense or run it now."
• Check the box for "Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using."

Delete System Files:

• Open "Disk Cleanup" by typing it into the Windows search bar.
• Run Disk Cleanup for drive C.
• Select "Clean up system files" which will re-analyze your disk.
• Check the options for "Windows Update Cleanup," "Downloaded Program Files," "Temporary Internet Files," and "Recycle Bin."
• Click "OK" to delete these files.

Uninstall More Unused Programs:

• Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Apps & features."
• Sort apps by size to find and uninstall large ones you don't use.

Expand Storage Temporarily:

Use an External Drive:

• Connect an external drive and offload large files such as videos, music, or pictures temporarily.

Cloud Storage:

• Use cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to move files out of your hard drive.

Optimize Existing Files:

• File Compression:
  • Compress large files or folders that are infrequently used.
  • Right-click a file or folder > "Send to" > "Compressed (zipped) folder."

Using Storage Sense:

• Activate Windows 11’s Storage Sense to automatically clean up files.
• Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Storage," and toggle on "Storage Sense."

Attempt BIOS Update Again:

• Once you’ve freed up more space, try downloading the BIOS update again using the HP Support Assistant:
  • Open HP Support Assistant > Updates > Check for Updates.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the BIOS update.

Consider Upgrading Storage:

• If you frequently encounter space issues, consider adding a new internal SSD or HDD if the laptop can accommodate an upgrade.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Slhiaz]

Thanks HAWKS_EYE. The only suggestion that I didn't try is the File Compression. Hopefully that will do it.  

[Hawks_Eye]

@Slhiaz 

Fingers crossed that the File Compression trick unlocks the BIOS update — sometimes it’s that one quirky step that makes everything click. 

You’ve been impressively thorough already, and it sounds like you’re just one nudge away from cracking it.

If it still gives you trouble, we can dig deeper into update logs or explore alternate install methods like HP's BIOS recovery or bootable USB flash update. You’ve handled tougher issues before — this one’s on borrowed time. 😄

Let me know how it goes!

Cheers!
Hawks_Eye