How to Use Windows Disk Cleanup to Free Up Space and Improve Performance

The built-in Disk Cleanup tool in Microsoft Windows helps you reclaim valuable disk space by removing unnecessary files, freeing up storage, and improving overall system performance. This guide will walk you through the steps of using Disk Cleanup effectively.

  1. Open Disk Cleanup

    Open the Windows menu and type 'disk cleanup' to access the program.

    Windows Disk Cleanup
  2. Select items to clean

    Select the items you wish you clean from your computer. Then click the "Clean up system files" button.

    Windows Disk Cleanup - Select Items
  3. Select system items to clean

    Select from the additional system items available to clean.

    Windows Disk Cleanup - Select System Items
  4. Start Cleaning

    Press "Ok" to start the cleaning process. When completed, the window will automatically close.

    Windows Disk Cleanup - Cleaning
  5. Additional Options

    Advanced users may decide to remove 'shadow copies and restore points' to free up additional space. However, removing restore points is typically not recommended. In the event of a system failure, restore points are used to restore Microsoft Windows to a working state.