Cleaning up disk space in Windows 10 (or even Windows 11, honestly) can be a bit of a hassle if you’re not used to where everything is. The classic Disk Cleanup tool is handy, but sometimes it doesn’t do enough, or it feels like a chore to navigate. Still, it’s better than letting junk pile up and slow things down. If you’ve noticed your PC getting sluggish, or just wanna free up some GBs, this little utility can work wonders — but only if you know where to find all the options and how to properly clean what needs to go.
Sometimes, the default is enough, but other times, you need to dig a bit deeper. Your goal here probably is to clear out cache files, temporary internet files, old Windows updates, or even those system error dump files that sit around forever. It’s annoying how Windows hides some of this stuff behind a few layered menus, but hey, it’s Windows, right? We’re gonna go step by step and hopefully make this process less painful.
How to Disk Cleanup Windows 10 (and 11, sort of the same)
Getting started: Open the cleanup tool
First, hit up that search bar — the little box next to the Start menu — and type “Disk Cleanup”. The app should pop right up. On some setups, you might need to run it as an administrator to access all options (especially if you want to delete system files).Just right-click on the result and choose Run as administrator. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Anyway, clicking that will open the Disk Cleanup window.
Choosing what drive to clean
Yeah, it’ll ask you which drive you want to wipe. Usually, it’s C:, the main drive where Windows lives. On one machine it worked perfectly with just C:, on another I had to do the “Clean up system files” option (more on that in a sec).Selecting the drive and hitting OK kicks off an analysis—this might take a few seconds or a minute if your disk is packed.
Analyzing disk space — here’s what you’re looking at
This step isn’t just for show. Windows scans and then shows a list of files that can be safely deleted: temp files, thumbnails, system cache, old update files, etc. On some setups this fails the first time, then works after a reboot or a restart of the tool. Expect to see a bunch of checkboxes—hover over each for more details if you’re worried about accidentally deleting something important. Honestly, most should be safe, but caution is always good.
Deciding what files to wipe
Check off the boxes for stuff you’re ready to get rid of. If you’re unsure, look for the description or do quick searches on the file types. Files in Recycle Bin, temporary internet files, and system error dumps are usually safe, but those old Windows update leftovers or previous Windows installs can be bigger and tempting to delete when you’re trying to free up space. Remember, if you pick “Clean up system files” (bottom button), Windows can safely go deeper into cleaning beyond what the initial scan shows.
Confirm and delete — finally!
When you click OK, Windows will pop a confirmation box — usually saying “Are you sure?” Then, hit Delete Files. From there, it’ll do its thing, which might take a few minutes depending on how much there is to clean. You’ll see progress, and then… poof, your disk is lighter. Just make sure you don’t have anything you want to keep open, because once it deletes, that’s it.
Pro tip: It’s worth running this regularly, especially if you see your disk space crawling down. On some setups, it’s a good idea to run Storage Sense in Settings for automatic cleanups. You can find it under Settings > System > Storage. Toggle it on and customize what gets cleaned, so you don’t have to do this manually every month.
Extra tip: Clean system files for more space
If you wanna go even further, click the Clean up system files button at the bottom of the Disk Cleanup window. This refreshes the scan and includes stuff like previous Windows installations, Windows Update leftover files, or even old device driver backups. It’s especially useful if you upgraded Windows recently or are looking to reclaim some serious storage. Just be aware, deleting old Windows installations (like from the Upgrade process) might prevent you from going back to the older version later, so double-check you’re okay with that.
Once you’ve cleaned everything out, your system will breathe a little easier. Don’t forget, on some systems, a reboot can help finalize the cleanup and free up the space immediately. Also, it’s good practice to clear your Recycle Bin regularly—because “Deleted files” aren’t really gone until that’s emptied.
Tips for Disk Cleanup
- Run Disk Cleanup monthly—it’s an easy habit to keep your PC feeling spry.
- Use “Clean up system files” when you want to go deeper.
- Backup important files before cleaning, just in case someone accidentally checks a box they shouldn’t.
- Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup, so you don’t have to think about it.
- Don’t forget to empty Recycle Bin often. Those files still take up space!
Frequently Asked Questions
What files can be safely deleted in Disk Cleanup?
Mostly temp files, cache, Recycle Bin contents, and system error dumps. Not your personal docs or photos—those are safe. But always review what you’re deleting if you’re uncertain.
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Ideally once a month. If you download a bunch of files or do lots of updates, more frequent cleanup might help prevent space shortages and keep things smooth.
Can Disk Cleanup delete personal files?
Nope. It’s mainly system and temporary files, so personal stuff like documents or videos stays put. Still, it’s good to back stuff up if you’re about to do serious cleanup.
What’s the deal with “Clean up system files”?
This feature digs deeper into system clutter—like old Windows install files or previous versions of Windows. It can free a ton of space but should be used carefully if you might want to roll back updates later.
Will Disk Cleanup make my PC faster?
Usually, yes. Clearing out junk frees up space and can make your system respond faster, especially if you’re running low on disk storage. Still, it’s not a miracle fix, but it helps.
Summary
- Open Disk Cleanup
- Select the drive
- Analyze disk space
- Pick files to delete
- Confirm and clean
Wrap-up
All in all, Disk Cleanup is kinda old-school but still effective for knocking out the obvious clutter. It’s not gonna do everything, especially if your disk is really cluttered, but it’s a solid start. Regular maintenance, paired with some automatic tools like Storage Sense, can make a big difference in how your PC feels day to day. No magic here—just a handy little utility doing its best to keep your system running smoothly.