Mastering Windows 10 & 11: Essential Steps for Effective Disk Cleanup

In today's digital age, maintaining a clutter-free Windows operating system is crucial for optimal performance and efficient use of storage. Regular cleaning not only ensures a sleek machine but also enhances system reliability. With Windows 10 and 11 housing potentially hundreds of thousands of files, a diligent disk-cleaning regimen can significantly free up valuable disk space. This guide summarizes effective steps to keep your system tidy and functional.

Introduction to Disk Cleanup​

Windows systems often accumulate a vast number of files—sometimes over 250,000 in a relatively clean setup and far more in complex, application-heavy installations. Over time, this can lead to performance degradation and wasted storage space.

Importance of Regular Cleaning​

Regular disk hygiene can mitigate these issues. Simple tools and techniques, many of which are built into your operating system, allow users to reclaim space and enhance system performance without incurring any costs.

Overview of Built-In Tools​

Historically, Windows has offered several utilities for cleaning up disk space, primarily the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr.exe). With the advent of Storage Sense in Windows 10 and 11, users now have an additional method to streamline their systems.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process​

Step 1: Utilizing Built-In Cleanup Tools​

To start your cleaning spree, let's explore the built-in Windows disk cleanup tools available on both Windows 10 and 11.

Disk Cleanup​

1. Accessing the Tool:
   • Type disk clean or cleanmgr.exe into the Start menu search box.
   • Select "Run as administrator" to permit wider access to system files for cleanup.
   []Select Drive:
   • Choose the drive letter (typically C: drive) containing your Windows installation and click OK.
   []Review Cleanup Options:
   • After a scan, a window presents various items selected for cleanup.
   • Make careful selections based on what you deem unessential, such as temporary files or system cache.
   []Execute Cleanup:
   • Click OK to start the cleanup. This process may take several minutes, especially if substantial space is recovered.

     Clean Up via Settings​

   • For Windows 10:
     1. Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
     2. Locate Configure Storage Sense or run it now, and select Free up space now.
     [
   • ]For Windows 11:
     1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage Sense.
     2. Click on Run Storage Sense now. This Settings-based cleanup mirrors the Disk Cleanup tool's functionality, removing redundant files such as temporary updates, delivery optimization files, and more.

        Step 2: Employing Microsoft PC Manager​

        The Microsoft PC Manager is a free tool available via the Microsoft Store, equipped with a comprehensive Deep Cleanup feature.
   []Access the Tool:
   • Upon launching, click the Deep cleanup option to bring up a checklist of items for potential cleanup.
   []Select Items for Deletion:
   • You can check additional items that you wish to remove. Click Proceed to start the cleaning operation, which concludes by informing you how much space has been reclaimed.

     Step 3: Running UnCleaner​

     UnCleaner is a free utility designed to catch unwanted temporary files that other tools may overlook.
   []Download UnCleaner:
   • Available from Major Geeks, this tool is safe to use on your Windows system.
   []Run UnCleaner:
   • After installation, simply click the Clean button to engage its scanning capabilities.
   • This tool can unearth nearly 70MB of files that have accumulated, even on seemingly clean systems.

     Step 4: Utilizing DriverStore Explorer​

     Obsolete device drivers can hog disk space unnecessarily. The DriverStore Explorer allows users to identify and delete older drivers safely.
   []Run as Administrator:
   • Launch the DriverStore Explorer in admin mode for proper functionality.
   []Select and Remove Old Drivers:
   • Click on Select Old Driver(s) to mark outdated drivers and then Delete Driver(s) to remove them.

     Step 5: Cleaning the Component Store with DISM​

     The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is powerful for maintaining the Component Store (WinSxS folder) that houses OS files.
   []Open Command Prompt in Admin Mode:
   • Search for PowerShell or Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
   []Analyze the Component Store:
   • Execute the command: dism /online /cleanup-image /analyzecomponentstore.
   []Conduct Cleanup:
   • If recommended, run dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup to remove reclaimable items.

     Step 6: Inspecting with WizTree​

     After executing the steps above, it’s beneficial to visually inspect your drive for large files using a treemap program like WizTree.
   []Scan the System Drive:
   • Launch WizTree, select your drive, and click Scan.
   []Identify Large Files:
   • The treemap will display files by size, allowing you to pinpoint items to discard that may be unnecessarily consuming space.

     Step 7: Uninstalling Unused Applications​

     Freeing up an OS can also include removing applications you no longer use.
   []Access Installed Apps:
   • Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
2. Consider Never-Used Apps for Uninstalling:
   • Click the three-dot menu next to any application to see available management options, including Uninstall.

     Conclusion: The Importance of Regular Maintenance​

     Routine cleaning can significantly improve Windows PC performance. Aiming to perform these cleanups at least once a month can enhance your computing experience by managing space more effectively. The cleaning process can also instill better habits in file management. Be intentional with downloads and regular disk usage, routinely evaluating what files are necessary to retain, ensuring your Windows environment remains optimized and free of unwanted clutter. As you integrate these practices into your workflow, the benefits will become evident—both in your system's efficiency and in the simple pleasure derived from a well-maintained machine. This article, originally published in January 2019, has been updated for August 2024, underlining the timeless relevance of effective system maintenance in today's computing landscape. Source