Keeping your computer running smoothly is important. Over time, files and system data can build up and take up valuable storage space. Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that helps free up storage space by removing unnecessary and temporary files. This article will show you how to find and use Disk Cleanup in Windows 10, 8, and 7.
What is Disk Cleanup?
Disk Cleanup is a system tool included in all versions of Windows that removes files and system data that are no longer needed. It can help regain valuable hard drive space and keep your computer running efficiently. Here are some of the main things Disk Cleanup does:
- Removes temporary internet files and browsing history
- Deletes temporary system files and logs
- Clears out old Windows update files
- Empties the Recycle Bin
- Removes temporary application files and caches
- Gets rid of system error memory dumps
- Clears out obsolete Windows components
Running Disk Cleanup regularly can help speed up your computer by removing clutter and ensuring there is plenty of free space available for programs and files you use actively. It’s a quick and easy way to do some basic system maintenance.
How to Find Disk Cleanup in Windows 10
Finding Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 is very simple. Here are the steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Disk Cleanup”. Select the Disk Cleanup desktop app from the search results.
- In the pop-up window, select the main drive (usually Local Disk C:) that you want to clean up and click OK.
- Disk Cleanup will scan the drive and show you how much space you can recover. Check the file types you want to delete.
- Click the Clean up system files button to remove additional system data and old Windows updates.
- Click OK to confirm and let Disk Cleanup remove the selected files.
The Disk Cleanup app can also be quickly accessed by right-clicking on the Windows C: drive icon and selecting Properties -> Disk Cleanup.
Finding Disk Cleanup in Windows 8/8.1
The steps to access Disk Cleanup in Windows 8/8.1 are:
- Go to the Start screen and type “Disk Cleanup”. Select it from the search results.
- Click on the drive you want to clean up and click OK.
- Review the file types that can be deleted and check the ones you want removed.
- Click the Clean up system files button to delete old system data and Windows updates.
- Confirm by clicking OK to run Disk Cleanup.
Alternatively, you can right-click the drive in File Explorer and choose Properties -> Disk Cleanup.
How to Use Disk Cleanup in Windows 7
Accessing Disk Cleanup in Windows 7:
- Go to the Start menu and search for “Disk Cleanup” and select it.
- Choose the drive to clean up and click OK.
- Review the available file types that can be deleted and check the boxes next to ones you want to remove.
- Click OK to start deleting the selected file types.
You can also right-click on a drive and select Properties -> Disk Cleanup to open the utility.
What Files Does Disk Cleanup Remove?
Disk Cleanup combs through a number of file categories and system data to free up space. Here are some of the main things it can delete:
| File Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Temporary internet files | Browser cache and history files, cookies, etc. |
| Temporary system files | Log files, RAM memory dumps, etc. |
| Recycle Bin | Permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin |
| Windows update cleanup | Old Windows update installers and logs |
| Windows error reports | Problem and crash report files |
| Application caches | Cached application files and data |
| System DirectX Shader Cache | Cached graphics shader data |
The exact options available will depend on your version of Windows.
Choosing Which Files to Delete
When you open Disk Cleanup, it will calculate how much space can be freed up from each file category. You get to choose which files to delete by checking or unchecking the boxes next to them:
- Temporary internet files – Safe to delete to remove browser history, caches, cookies, etc.
- Temporary system files – Typically safe to remove these.
- Recycle Bin – Check this to permanently delete files in the Recycle Bin.
- Windows update cleanup – Old update files and logs that are safe to remove.
- Windows error reports – Problem reports and memory dumps that can usually be deleted.
- Application caches – Check this to clear out cached app data.
- Windows Defender – Deletes temporary Windows Defender files.
In most cases, you can safely delete the temporary files and system logs to free up space. Only delete application cache files if you want to fully reset an app. You may want to uncheck the Recycle Bin if you have files you may need to restore later.
Cleaning up System Files
To clean up additional Windows system files, click the Clean up system files button in Disk Cleanup. This opens an expanded view that lets you remove:
- Old Windows update files
- Previous Windows installation files
- Windows error reporting files
- Network connection logs
Cleaning up these extra system files can recover a significant amount of additional hard drive space but is still generally safe to do. You will be prompted for administrator access before deleting these protected system files.
How Often Should You Run Disk Cleanup?
It’s a good idea to run Disk Cleanup about once a month to clear out temporary files and system clutter that builds up over time. Here are some good times to use it:
- If your hard drive space is getting full
- After installing a major Windows update
- When your computer starts running slower
- Before uninstalling programs or Windows
- After browsing the internet extensively
Setting a monthly reminder can help keep storage optimized. You may also want to use the built-in Storage Sense feature to have Windows automatically run Disk Cleanup and remove other unneeded files periodically.
Tips for Using Disk Cleanup
Follow these tips to use Disk Cleanup most effectively:
- Close other programs first – Running Disk Cleanup is faster with other apps closed.
- Select all drives – Be sure to clean up other disks besides just your main system drive.
- Delete Windows update files – This can recover several GB of space in some cases.
- Check your Recycle Bin – Empty it or restore files before deleting.
- Review selected file types – Deselect any you don’t want removed.
- Click Clean up system files – Access more options to remove.
Alternative Cleanup Tools
In addition to Disk Cleanup, there are some other tools you can use to free up disk space in Windows:
- Storage Sense – Automatically runs Disk Cleanup and removes other unneeded files on a schedule.
- CCleaner – Popular 3rd party cleanup utility for Windows systems.
- System Ninja – Cleans system files and allows fully uninstalling programs.
- Wise Disk Cleaner – Cleans up junk files and optimizes the system.
- BleachBit – Open source disk space cleaner with advanced options.
Disk Cleanup should handle most basic cleanup needs, but trying an additional specialized tool can provide extra system optimization.
Conclusion
Disk Cleanup is a quick, easy, and safe way to clean up clutter and free up valuable disk space in Windows. It removes temporary files, caches, logs, and other unneeded system data. Run Disk Cleanup regularly to keep your system running lean and optimized. Just open it from the Start menu, select your drive, choose what to delete, and click OK to clean things up. Together with performing regular backups, using Disk Cleanup should be part of your basic computer housekeeping routine.
