Contents

1 How to Remove Junk Files From Windows

How to Remove Junk Files From Windows

Your computer creates and stores temporary files, which can clutter your hard drive and slow down your system. To remove junk files from Windows, follow these steps.

These temporary files can take up your storage space. With the methods below, you can delete the junk files on your Windows, freeing up space and increasing productivity. Let’s begin.

1. Remove the Temporary Files

Temporary files are generated during routine tasks and installations and accumulate gradually over time. Deleting them frees up storage and contributes to smoother system performance. Check our guide on deleting temporary files on Windows.

2. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a useful tool in Windows that lets you delete unnecessary files from your PC. It scans and calculates the free space on your chosen drive.

Follow these steps to use Disk Cleanup and remove junk files like downloads, temporary Windows installation files, internet leftovers, and other unnecessary files.

Step 1: Press Windows + S on your keyboard, search for Disk Cleanup, and open it.

Step 2: Choose the driver you wish to clean from the dropdown and click OK.

Step 3: The tool will now scan for space-saving potential by removing junk files. Step 4: Check the boxes next to items you want to remove. Click View Files to see which files will be deleted. Close the window after checking the files. Step 5: Press ‘Clean up system files’ to remove unnecessary files.

Step 6: Select the driver you want to clean up and click OK. It will scan your device again.

Step 6: Click OK to delete junk files.

Delete files by clicking Step 7 and confirming the action.

3. Remove Junk Files Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a Windows command-line interpreter that allows you to control your device by typing commands, eliminating the need for multiple clicks. It is a fast way to remove unwanted files from your Windows and improve its speed.

However, exercise caution when using Command Prompt as it can permanently erase essential data on your computer. Follow the steps below to use Command Prompt as a junk cleaner:

Note: Create a system restore point before using Command Prompt as a junk cleaner.

Step 1: Click the Windows icon, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Note: Select Yes to allow the app to make changes when prompted.

Step 2: Enter the command “Cleanmgr” and press Enter.

Step 3: Select the drive you want to clean from the dropdown and click OK. It will take 2-3 minutes to scan your device and estimate the space that can be cleared.

Step 4: Remove selected items and press OK.

Confirm by clicking the Delete Files button.

Additional Parameters for Cleanmgr

Cleanmgr is a command-line tool that frees up disk space, deletes unnecessary files, and more. It offers parameters to control its disk-cleaning process, such as “sageset,” which directly opens the Disk Cleanup Settings window without the need for drive selection. To use it, simply enter “Cleanmgr /sageset.”

sagerun: Automates the disk cleanup process by selecting all file categories and running the cleanup without prompting you for confirmation. Enter the below command:

Cleanmgr /sagerun

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Automates the disk cleanup process by selecting all file categories and running the cleanup without prompting for confirmation. Enter the command: Cleanmgr /sagerun

The “lowdisk” function clears all file categories by default. To activate this command, simply type the following:

Cleanmgr /lowdisk

Moreover, you can specify which drive to clean by using Cleanmgr /lowdisk /c for drive C.

– verylowdisk: Similar to /lowdisk, but it deletes all junk files without confirmation. To clean up a specific drive, use the following command:

Cleanmgr /verylowdisk /c

Remove Unwanted Temporary Files Using Command Prompt

If you often clean up system-generated temporary files on your computer, here’s how to use Command Prompt:

Step 1: Go to Command Prompt and run it as administrator.

Step 2: To view temporary files, enter the command below and hit Enter.

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe %temp%\

Now, you’ll be taken to the temporary files window. Check and close them.

Step 3: Delete temporary files by typing the command below and pressing Enter.

del %temp%\*.*/s/q

4. Clear Residual Files of Software

Residue files, also called junk or leftover files, are the files that remain on your computer after uninstalling a program or performing system tasks. Clearing these files can free up space and improve performance. If you’re having trouble, read our guide to clear residue files from your Windows PC after uninstalling software.

5. Clean Up Restore Points

System restore points are copies of the system files and configurations on your computer that you may use to return to a prior state if something goes wrong.

However, restore points can accumulate over time and consume significant disk space. Removing the junk from restore points is easy. Follow these steps:

– Step 1: Click the Windows icon. Search for Disk Cleanup and launch it.

Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean up (usually the C drive) and press OK.

Step 3: Click the Clean up system files button and press OK in the prompt to allow changes.

Step 4: Select the driver and click OK.

Step 5: Go to the More Options tab and click Clean Up under the ‘System Restore and Shadow Copies’ section.

Delete button – Select to confirm the action.

6. Remove Browser and Thumbnail Caches

Browser and thumbnail caches are temporary files stored on your computer by web browsers and File Explorer. These caches store data that can be reused later, improving computer performance. Removing them offers many benefits, including freeing up disk space, enhancing browser performance, protecting privacy, reducing the risk of malware infections, and more. Clearing the thumbnail and browser cache is easy with our comprehensive guide.

7. Toggle on Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a Windows feature that deletes temporary files, unused applications, and other items to free up space. You can configure it to run manually or on a schedule. To enable Storage Sense on your Windows device, follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows icon.

2. Type “Settings” and select Open.

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“Step 2: Go to System and select Storage.”

Step 3: Toggle the button next to Storage Sense. Click Yes to allow the tool to change your device.

You can personalize Storage Sense to your needs.

8. Using a Third-Party Tool

Using third-party tools is a simple way to remove junk files on your Windows computer. Many tools can help you clean up junk files, but we’ll use CCleaner for this example.

Step 1: Launch a web browser and go to the CCleaner website. Download and install the software.

Step 2: Navigate to the Custom Clean section. Under the Windows and Application tabs, check the boxes next to what you want to remove.

Step 3: Click Analyze to check the files. Then, press Run Cleaner and select Continue to confirm your action.

FAQs on Removing Junk Files From Windows

Q: How often should I remove junk files?

The frequency of removing junk files depends on your computer usage. We recommend doing it at least once a month.

Q: Is it safe to delete system junk files?

Yes, deleting most system junk files is safe and won’t affect your device’s performance.

Q: Is restarting the computer after cleaning junk files necessary?

No, restarting your computer after cleaning junk files is not necessary. However, it can help clear out any remaining temporary files and ensure your changes take effect.

Get Rid of Unwanted Files

Cleaning your computer by removing unnecessary files or using tools like Disc Cleanup can help keep your system tidy. However, be careful when deleting certain files like web browser cookies, as it can cause unexpected issues. We hope this article has helped you remove junk files from your Windows device.