Freeing up space using Disk Cleanup

 Freeing Up Space Using Disk Cleanup in Windows 11

Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows 11 that helps you reclaim disk space by removing unnecessary files from your system. These files can include temporary files, system files, and various cached data that are no longer needed. This guide will walk you through using Disk Cleanup to free up space on your hard drive.

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Step 1: Accessing Disk Cleanup

Method 1: Using the Search Bar

1. Open the Start Menu:
• Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Search for Disk Cleanup:
• Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar.
3. Select the Disk Cleanup App:
• Click on the Disk Cleanup app from the search results.

Method 2: Using Run Command

1. Open Run Dialog:
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type the Command:
• Type cleanmgr and press Enter.

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Step 2: Selecting the Drive

1. Choose the Drive to Clean:
• When Disk Cleanup opens, it will prompt you to select the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive).
• Select the drive and click OK.
2. Scanning for Files:
• Disk Cleanup will take a few moments to scan your selected drive for files that can be removed.

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Step 3: Reviewing Cleanup Options

1. Cleanup Options Window:
• Once the scanning is complete, a window will appear listing various file categories that can be deleted to free up space.

Common File Categories:

• Downloaded Program Files: Files downloaded from the Internet (such as ActiveX controls and Java applets).
• Temporary Internet Files: Files stored by your web browser for faster access to previously visited websites.
• Recycle Bin: Deleted files that are still stored in the Recycle Bin.
• Temporary Files: Files that are not needed anymore, usually created by the operating system and applications.
• Thumbnails: Cache of thumbnail images for quicker access to image files.

2. Review Each Option:
• Check the boxes next to the categories you wish to clean. You can click on each category to see a description of what files are included.

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Step 4: Cleaning Up System Files

To free up additional space, you can also clean up system files.

1. Click on "Clean up system files":
• This button is available on the Disk Cleanup window. Click it to include system files in the cleanup.
2. Re-select the Drive:
• You will need to select the drive again (usually the C: drive) and click OK.
3. Review Additional Options:
• A new window will open with additional categories like Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, and Previous Windows Installations (if applicable).
4. Check Boxes:
• Check the boxes next to any additional categories you want to clean.

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Step 5: Performing the Cleanup

1. Click on OK:
• Once you’ve selected all the items you want to delete, click the OK button.
2. Confirm Deletion:
• A prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete these files. Click Delete Files to confirm.
3. Wait for Cleanup to Complete:
• Disk Cleanup will now remove the selected files. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the amount of data being deleted.

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Step 6: Reviewing the Results

1. Check Free Space:
• After the cleanup is complete, you can open File Explorer and right-click on the drive (e.g., C:) to select Properties and see how much space has been freed up.
2. Repeat Regularly:
• It’s a good practice to run Disk Cleanup regularly to maintain optimal disk space and performance.

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Conclusion

Using Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 is an effective way to free up space on your hard drive by removing unnecessary files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly reclaim valuable disk space, improve your system's performance, and ensure your computer runs smoothly. Regularly using Disk Cleanup can help prevent storage issues and keep your system organized.