How to Buy More Storage on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 16, 2025

Running out of space on your Windows 11 PC? It’s frustrating when your computer starts slowing down, updates can’t install, or you keep seeing the dreaded “Low Disk Space” warning. But don’t worry — you have multiple ways to buy or add more storage on Windows 11, whether through OneDrive cloud storage, Microsoft Store upgrades, or external hardware options.

This detailed, beginner-friendly guide walks you through every option — step by step.

Why You Might Need More Storage

Windows 11 and modern applications consume more space than ever. Between system updates, games, photos, and large files, even a 256GB drive fills up fast.

You might need extra storage if you notice:

  • Frequent “Low Disk Space” notifications.

  • Slow boot times or performance lags.

  • Windows updates failing to install.

  • No room for apps, downloads, or documents.

Luckily, you can expand storage virtually (cloud) or physically (hardware) depending on your needs and budget.

Check Your Current Storage in Windows 11

Before you buy anything, check how much space you have left.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System → Storage.

  3. View your drive usage breakdown — apps, files, temporary data, and more.

This helps identify whether you need more cloud space, a new drive, or just some cleanup.

Option 1: Buy More OneDrive Cloud Storage

If you use OneDrive (Microsoft’s built-in cloud service), you can buy additional storage online without upgrading hardware.

Step 1: Open OneDrive Settings

  1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (bottom-right).

  2. Select the Settings gear → choose Settings.

Step 2: View Your Current Plan

  1. Go to the Account tab.

  2. Click Manage storage.
    This will open your OneDrive account in a browser.

Step 3: Upgrade to a Paid Plan

  1. On the OneDrive page, click Buy more storage.

  2. Choose from available options, like:

    • 100 GB standalone plan

    • Microsoft 365 Personal (1 TB)

    • Microsoft 365 Family (6 TB shared)

  3. Click Subscribe and follow on-screen instructions to purchase.

✅ Once purchased, your new storage amount will automatically appear in your OneDrive account — no restart needed.

Option 2: Purchase Additional Storage via Microsoft 365

Subscribing to Microsoft 365 gives you access to Office apps and 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

Step 1: Open Microsoft 365 Plans

  1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365.

  2. Sign in using your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Choose the Right Subscription

Select from:

  • Microsoft 365 Personal: 1 TB storage for one user.

  • Microsoft 365 Family: 6 TB total (1 TB per user, up to six users).

Step 3: Confirm and Activate

  1. Click Buy now and complete the purchase.

  2. Your OneDrive storage will upgrade automatically.

💡 Bonus: Microsoft 365 also gives you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other premium tools — a smart all-in-one upgrade.

Option 3: Add External or Physical Storage

If you’d rather expand physical space instead of cloud storage, external drives are the easiest way.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Drive

You can pick:

  • External Hard Drive (HDD): Cheaper, larger capacity.

  • External Solid-State Drive (SSD): Faster, more reliable.

  • USB Flash Drive: Portable and affordable.

Choose one based on speed, storage size, and budget.

Step 2: Connect and Format

  1. Plug the drive into a USB port.

  2. Windows 11 will detect it automatically.

  3. If prompted, select Format drive → Choose NTFS (for Windows) → Click Start.

Now you can move files, backups, or apps to this new storage.

Option 4: Upgrade Internal Storage (SSD or HDD)

If you’re tech-savvy or have a desktop PC, you can upgrade internal hardware:

  • Replace your HDD with a larger SSD.

  • Add a secondary SSD via an available slot.

You can then clone your Windows installation using tools like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup to move everything safely.

💡 Tip: Always back up your data before replacing drives.

Option 5: Free Up Space Before Buying More

Before spending money, check if you can reclaim space:

  1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

  2. Click Cleanup recommendations.

  3. Delete temporary files, previous Windows installations, and recycle bin content.

  4. Enable Storage Sense to automate cleanup.

You might free up several gigabytes without upgrading at all.

How to Move Files to OneDrive or External Drives

Once you have extra storage, make the most of it:

  • Move files to OneDrive:
    Drag and drop folders into the OneDrive folder in File Explorer.

  • Move large files to an external drive:
    Right-click files → Select Cut → Paste them into your external drive.

This helps keep your system drive (C:) clean and fast.

How to Manage Storage Automatically

Enable Storage Sense in Windows 11:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense.

  2. Toggle On.

  3. Set cleanup frequency — daily, weekly, or monthly.

Windows will automatically delete temp files, empty Recycle Bin, and manage OneDrive local copies.

What to Do If You Still Run Out of Space

If you’ve upgraded cloud and hardware storage but space still feels tight:

  • Check for duplicate files using apps like CCleaner or Duplicate Cleaner.

  • Move game libraries to external or secondary drives.

  • Use Compact OS (advanced) to reduce Windows footprint.

  • Consider cloud-only storage for non-essential files.

Tips to Prevent Storage Problems in the Future

  • Regularly clean temp files.

  • Store photos and videos in OneDrive or Google Drive.

  • Avoid keeping large downloads on the desktop.

  • Backup media to an external drive monthly.

Think of your PC’s main drive like a closet — it stays faster when not overcrowded.

Security & Privacy Notes When Using Cloud Storage

While cloud storage is convenient, remember:

  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

  • Don’t store sensitive information in public cloud folders.

  • Always check OneDrive privacy settings.

Microsoft encrypts your files, but extra protection never hurts.

Troubleshooting Common Storage Issues

Problem Solution
OneDrive not syncing Restart the app and check your internet connection.
External drive not detected Try another USB port or update drivers.
Storage Sense not working Make sure it’s enabled in Settings → Storage.
“Low Disk Space” even after cleaning Empty hidden folders like C:\Windows\Temp.

Conclusion

Buying more storage on Windows 11 is easier than you might think. Whether you choose OneDrive cloud storage, Microsoft 365, or physical drives, you can expand your capacity in minutes.

Start by checking your current space, decide whether cloud or hardware works best for your lifestyle, and follow the steps above to keep your PC running fast and clutter-free.

Remember — managing storage is like organizing your digital home. A bit of tidying goes a long way!

FAQs

1. How much does extra OneDrive storage cost?
You can get 100 GB for around $1.99/month, or 1 TB with Microsoft 365 Personal ($69.99/year).

2. Will buying Microsoft 365 automatically increase my OneDrive space?
Yes. Once you subscribe, your OneDrive expands to 1 TB per user.

3. Can I use external storage for apps and games?
Yes, you can move Microsoft Store apps and game files to external drives through Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Move.

4. Is it safe to use third-party external drives?
Absolutely — just format them and use reliable brands like Seagate, WD, or Samsung.

5. Do I need to restart my PC after buying storage?
For cloud storage — no. For physical drives or upgrades — yes, a restart helps Windows detect new storage properly.

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