How to Run Disk Cleanup

Screenshot of Disk Cleanup tool interface on Windows

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility that removes temporary files and other unnecessary data to free up disk space. To run it, press the Windows key, type "Disk Cleanup," and select the app from the search results.

How Disk Cleanup Works

The tool scans your computer for files that are safe to delete, such as temporary internet files, downloaded program files, and system cache files. It then allows you to select which files to remove. The process is quick and doesn't require technical expertise.

Main Types of Files Removed

Disk Cleanup targets several categories of files:

Temporary files: Created by applications and the system for short-term use.
System cache: Temporary files stored by Windows to speed up system processes.
Download program files: Used during software installations.
Recycle Bin: Deleted files waiting to be permanently erased.
Thumbnails: Small preview images generated by Windows.

When and Why to Use Disk Cleanup

Common Misconceptions

Some users confuse Disk Cleanup with defragmentation. While both improve system performance, Disk Cleanup deletes unnecessary files, whereas defragmentation reorganizes data on the disk. Disk Cleanup is safer for routine maintenance.

Fully Worked Example

To run Disk Cleanup:

Press the Windows key and type "Disk Cleanup."
Select the app from the search results.
Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
Click "OK" to scan for removable files.
Check the boxes next to the file types you want to delete.
Click "OK" to confirm and start the cleanup process.

After completing these steps, your system will have more free space, improving performance.

For a deeper clean, use the "Clean up system files" option, which removes additional system files like old Windows updates and error dump files. This requires administrative privileges.