Is your Windows 11 PC running a little sluggish? Low disk space can significantly impact your computer’s performance. Luckily, Windows 11 has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that can help you free up valuable space by removing unnecessary files.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
1. Launch Disk Cleanup:
- Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar and click on the app.
2. Select the Drive:
- Disk Cleanup will analyze your drive for files that can be deleted.
- If you have multiple drives, ensure the C: drive is selected and click OK.
3. Choose Files to Delete:
- A window will appear listing different file categories, such as:
- Downloaded Program Files
- Temporary Internet Files
- Windows error reports and feedback diagnostics
- DirectX Shader Cache
- Delivery Optimization Files
- Recycle Bin
- Temporary Files
- Thumbnails
- Check the boxes next to the file types you want to delete.
- Click OK to proceed.
4. Clean up System Files (Optional):
- For a deeper clean, click Clean up system files in the Disk Cleanup window.
- This will allow you to delete files like previous Windows installations and system error memory dump files.
5. Confirm Deletion:
- A confirmation window will appear. Review the files you’ve selected for deletion.
- Click Delete Files to permanently remove them.
6. Wait for the Process to Complete:
- Disk Cleanup will now begin deleting the selected files. This may take a few minutes depending on the amount of data being removed.
Tips for Effective Disk Cleanup:
- Run Disk Cleanup regularly: Make it a habit to run Disk Cleanup once a month to maintain optimal disk space.
- Empty your Recycle Bin frequently: Don’t let files pile up in the Recycle Bin. Empty it regularly to free up space.
- Uninstall unused programs: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features to uninstall applications you no longer need.
- Consider cloud storage: Store large files like photos and videos in cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive to save local disk space.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use Disk Cleanup to free up space on your Windows 11 PC and keep it running smoothly.
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