Running a disk cleanup on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help free up space and improve your computer’s performance. All you need to do is access the Disk Cleanup utility, select the drive you want to clean up, and choose the types of files you want to delete. Finally, confirm the deletion, and you’re done.
How to Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10
In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10 to remove unnecessary files and free up valuable disk space.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click the Start button on the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Opening the Start Menu is like unlocking the door to your house; it’s the gateway to all your system’s programs and settings.
Step 2: Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Search Bar
In the search bar, start typing “Disk Cleanup” and select the app from the search results.
The search bar is your best friend when looking for any program or file on your computer. Type “Disk Cleanup,” and Windows will find it for you in no time.
Step 3: Select the Drive to Clean Up
A dialog box will appear asking you to select the drive you want to clean up. Typically, you’ll choose the C: drive.
Selecting the appropriate drive is crucial. If you’re unsure, the C: drive is usually your best bet since it’s where most system files are stored.
Step 4: Click “OK”
Click the “OK” button to initiate the scan of the selected drive.
This step signals your computer to start analyzing the contents of the chosen drive, identifying files that can be safely deleted.
Step 5: Choose Files to Delete
A list of file categories will appear. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete.
You’ll see different categories like temporary files, system files, and more. Carefully choose which files you want to get rid of. If in doubt, you can always leave the default options checked.
Step 6: Confirm Deletion
Click “OK” and then “Delete Files” to confirm your decision.
This final step is like taking out the trash. Once you confirm, Windows 10 will start deleting the selected files, freeing up space on your drive.
After completing these steps, Windows will remove the selected files, and you should notice an immediate improvement in available disk space. The cleanup process may take a few minutes, depending on how much data needs to be deleted.
Tips for Running Disk Cleanup on Windows 10
- Run Regularly: Schedule Disk Cleanup to run on a regular basis, like once a month, to keep your system running smoothly.
- Use “Clean Up System Files”: This option will show additional file categories, often freeing up more space.
- Back Up Important Files: Before running Disk Cleanup, ensure you’ve backed up any critical files, just in case.
- Check Downloads Folder: Sometimes, the Download folder can accumulate a lot of junk. Manually clear it out periodically.
- Use Storage Sense: This is an automated version of Disk Cleanup that can be enabled in your system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disk Cleanup?
Disk Cleanup is a maintenance utility in Windows that helps free up space by removing unnecessary files.
Does Disk Cleanup delete important files?
No, Disk Cleanup only removes files that are safe to delete, like temporary files and system cache.
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Running Disk Cleanup once a month is usually sufficient for most users.
Can I undo Disk Cleanup?
Once you delete files using Disk Cleanup, they cannot be recovered. It’s best to double-check your selections before confirming.
Is Disk Cleanup the same as defragmentation?
No, Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary files, while defragmentation reorganizes fragmented data on your disk for better performance.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu
- Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Search Bar
- Select the Drive to Clean Up
- Click “OK”
- Choose Files to Delete
- Confirm Deletion
Conclusion
Running Disk Cleanup on Windows 10 is an essential task to keep your computer running smoothly. Regular maintenance like this can prevent sluggish performance and free up valuable disk space. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more Windows 10 features that can optimize your system. Remember, keeping your computer clean is like keeping a tidy house; it makes everything more efficient and pleasant to use. So, don’t wait—run Disk Cleanup today and notice the difference immediately!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.