What is Disk Cleanup

Running out of Disk space? Well, that's not a good sign because it might create a slowdown of your PC. Fortunately, Windows came up with its built-in Disk Cleanup feature that allows users to clear all unwanted files, junk, and system logs that make the computer slow down.

In this article, we're going to discuss the Disk Cleanup, When to Use, How to Use, Features, Common Issues while freeing up space and much more.

What is Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is Microsoft's in-built feature that is used to remove any unnecessary files from the system. It has been designed in such a way that no important data or files will be hampered (only the junk will get cleared) of your system. Microsoft designed its Disk Cleanup application utility tool to free up disc space so that you can enjoy working seamlessly.

When to Use Disk Cleanup

The best method to keep your system clean is by performing a regular disk cleanup. Below are some key highlighters that will explain when exactly you need to perform the Windows Disk Cleanup.

Case I: If your Windows PC is running out of Storage

Case II: If you upgrade your Windows PC to a newer version

Case III: When you uninstall any games or software, some additional files remain in the system logs.

Case IV: To keep your Windows system running up and smooth.

Disk Cleanup Terminologies

• Disk Space: The term disk space refers to the total amount of storage or the total storage capacity of a storage device it is measured in units like gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes.
• System Files: System files are important files that play an important role in the operating system to operate properly or to function properly their files are also called system reserved files.
  These files are mostly located in the DiskC reserved for the operating system in the computer or desktop.
• Cleanup: This process includes removing unwanted files available on the disk: temporary, junk, and delivery optimization files to free up disk space and improve functionality.
• Temporary Files types: The files that are created by the programs running on your machine for temporary use, these types of files are not important they can be deleted later once they are no longer needed.
• Recycle Bin: Recycle Bin is a folder/directory in the Windows operating system that temporarily stores the deleted files, from where you can also restore them within a given time.
• Deletion of files (Permanently or Temporarily): Press Shift + Del for Permanently (files get deleted permanently from the computer). Press Delete or Del for Temporarily (files go to the recycle bin).

Function of Disk Cleanup

The primary function of disk cleanup is to identify and delete unnecessary files such as temporary files, system files, and cached files.

Below are some functions of disk cleanup.

• Temporary file cleanup: It removes temporary files generated by various applications and programs, these files can be deleted later after being used if these files are not removed they can acquire a lot of space in the disk.
• System files cleanup: It can also identify and delete system files such as old Windows files that are no longer needed.
• Recycle bin cleanup: It can also delete the files presented in the recycle bin by permanently deleting them.
• Cleanup of temporary Internet files: It deleted temporary files stored by web browsers, such as cache web pages and memory.

How Does Disk Cleanup Work?

Disk Cleanup works by scanning the system's storage drive (hard drive) to identify the files that are no longer needed and can be deleted without any problem.

• Scanning: when the user starts disk cleanup process it starts scanning the drive to analyze the type and size of the file that can be deleted safely.
• Identification of Files: During the scanning, it identifies various types of files such as Temporary files, cache files, Recycle Bin files, system files and old Windows files.
• Space Analyzing: After the completion of the scanning, it shows the storage occupied by the files.
• Selection of the Files: After the scan is finished the user can select the files from the given list that can be cleaned up.
• Deletion: After the selection of the files, disk cleanup proceeds to remove them from the hard drive.

Steps to Perform Disk Cleanup - Windows Settings

Performing a Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 or 11 is a very seamless task and can be performed in just a few steps. Let's break-down the steps to perform this action and free up some space.

Step 1: Access to Disk Cleanup

Step 1: Open the search bar type Disk cleanup press enter.

Search for the Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu and click to open it.

Step 2: Select the dedicated Drive for cleanup

Select any drive that you wish to perform disk cleanup (e.g. C:)

Step 3: Check Mark Your desired Preferences and Proceed

Ensure to check boxes to perform the disk cleanup:

• Temp files
• System files
• Windows Update Cleanup

Once, you’ve made the selection, click OK to confirm.

Perform Automatic Disk Cleanup - Storage Sense

You can use the Windows built-in tool that will help you in removing temp file, empty recycle bin and remove the unused files automatically. 

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Navigate to Settings > System > Storage

Step 2: Toggle ON the Storage Sense

On the top mid section, you’ll find an option for Storage Sense (along with a TOGGLE button). Click to Toggle ON.

Step 3: Configure Storage Sense

Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to customize:

• Delete Temp Files (check box)
• Empty Recycle Bin (1, 14, 30, or 60 days) – set a time line
• Remove files from the “Downloads” folder (that hasn’t been opened for more than.. (1,14,30 or 60) days

For Read More Additional Disk Cleanup methods, refer to this - How To Free up Drive Space in Windows

Difference Between Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmentation

Common Issues

Some of the most common issues that might arise during Disk Cleanup are:

• Unable to Open Disk Cleanup
  • Run Command Prompt as an Admin and type "cleanmgr"
  • Run the sfc scan (System File Checker) to spot and fix system file corruption.
• Unable to Remove Files
  • Try running Disk Cleanup as an admin
  • Ensure to clean up your Recycle Bin
  • Certain files that can't be removed, for such incidents, try to use any third-party trusted software (e.g. CCleaner)

Conclusion

Disk Cleanup is one of the best practice to follow to ensure that your Windows 10, Windows 11 or any other system is running smoothly. It helps in keeping your system optimized. Whether you want to clean up temp files, or enable Storage Sense, it all can be done within a few clicks. Ensure to perform regular system maintenance, keep your system junk free for a smooth seamless experience.