Over time, every Windows PC accumulates unnecessary files—temporary data, leftover system files, outdated drivers, and other digital clutter that can bog down performance and eat up valuable storage space. Windows 11, although more optimized than previous versions, is not immune to this phenomenon. That’s where Disk Cleanup comes in—a utility designed to help users remove redundant files safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re trying to speed up a sluggish computer, free up disk space, or simply maintain your system’s health, running a thorough Disk Cleanup is a highly recommended maintenance task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of using Disk Cleanup in Windows 11, explain the options in depth, and also explore automated alternatives like Storage Sense.
How to Perform Disk Cleanup on Windows 11
Step 1: Launching the Disk Cleanup Tool
To begin, open the Disk Cleanup utility. The fastest method is to press Windows + S to open the search bar, then type “Disk Cleanup” and select it from the list. You can also open it by pressing Windows + R, typing cleanmgr, and pressing Enter. Upon launching, you’ll be prompted to select a drive—this is typically the C: drive, where Windows and most programs are installed. Select it and click OK. The tool will then analyze the drive, which may take a few moments depending on your system’s size and usage.
Step 2: Reviewing and Selecting Files to Delete
Once the analysis is complete, you’ll be presented with a list of file categories that can be deleted. This includes options such as Temporary Internet Files, Delivery Optimization Files, System-created Windows Error Reporting, and more. Each category has a brief description and shows how much space it occupies. It’s safe to select most of these, but if you’re uncertain about any category, it’s best to research it or leave it unchecked. For instance, Thumbnails and Downloaded Program Files can typically be deleted without consequence, while you might want to review the Downloads folder manually before deletion.
Step 3: Cleaning Up System Files
For a deeper cleanup, click on the “Clean up system files” button within the Disk Cleanup window. This will relaunch the tool with elevated (administrator) privileges and include additional system-related files like Windows Update Cleanup, Previous Windows Installations, and Device Driver Packages. These can free up significant space—especially the remnants of major Windows updates or upgrades. Just be aware that removing previous installations means you won’t be able to roll back to an earlier version of Windows. Once you’ve selected the files to delete, click OK, then Delete Files when prompted. The cleanup process may take several minutes depending on the volume of data being removed.
Automating Cleanup with Storage Sense
If you prefer not to manually run Disk Cleanup regularly, Windows 11 offers Storage Sense, a tool that automatically deletes unnecessary files on a scheduled basis. To enable it, open Settings using Windows + I, navigate to System > Storage, and turn on the Storage Sense toggle. Click on the Storage Sense link to customize its behavior. You can configure it to run daily, weekly, or monthly, and instruct it to delete files from the Recycle Bin, Downloads folder, and temporary file locations after a specified number of days. This is ideal for users who want to keep their systems tidy without manual intervention.
Advanced Cleanup Tools and Options
While Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense are excellent built-in options, advanced users may consider third-party tools like CCleaner, BleachBit, or Wise Disk Cleaner for even more granular control. These tools often include features like deep application caches, browser cookie cleaning, and customizable exclusions. However, it’s important to use them carefully and avoid features like registry cleaning, which can cause system instability if used improperly. Additionally, command-line and PowerShell options exist for scripting disk cleanups as part of maintenance routines, but they’re best reserved for IT professionals or tech-savvy users.
Disk Cleanup Tips and Tricks for Windows 11
🔍 1. Always Run “Clean Up System Files”
The initial Disk Cleanup scan only shows basic options. For a thorough cleanup, always click the “Clean up system files” button. This re-scans your system with administrative privileges and includes:
- Windows Update Cleanup
- Previous Windows installations
- Delivery Optimization Files
- Device Driver Packages
These can free up multiple gigabytes—especially after a major Windows update.
2. Empty the Recycle Bin Regularly
Disk Cleanup allows you to clear the Recycle Bin, but you can also manage it manually. Old deleted files sit there indefinitely unless you:
- Set Storage Sense to automatically empty it every 1, 14, 30, or 60 days.
- Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and choose “Empty Recycle Bin.”
Freeing this space is quick and safe.
3. Use Storage Sense Smartly
Storage Sense is a powerful automation tool that can keep your PC clean without effort. Under Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense, configure:
- Auto-deletion of temp files from apps.
- Regular purging of the Downloads folder (set this carefully).
- Scheduling (daily, weekly, or monthly).
Pro tip: If you use OneDrive, you can also tell Storage Sense to move unused files to the cloud and keep your local storage lean.
4. Remove Old Restore Points and Shadow Copies
Restore Points take up disk space. If you’re confident your system is stable:
- Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection > Configure.
- Click “Delete” to remove all restore points for a drive.
- Adjust the max usage slider to limit how much space future restore points consume.
Be cautious—this removes your ability to roll back to earlier states.
5. Try Command-Line Cleanup for Advanced Scenarios
Advanced users can automate or script cleanup tasks using the Command Prompt or PowerShell:
- Run Disk Cleanup silently:
cleanmgr /sagerun:1First, set cleanup options using:cleanmgr /sageset:1 - Clear temp folders using:
Remove-Item -Path "$env:TEMP\*" -Recurse -Force
This is ideal for IT admins or tech-savvy users who want deeper control.
6. Manually Clean Temp Folders
Beyond what Disk Cleanup covers, you can manually purge:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%, and press Enter. - Select all files (Ctrl + A), then press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.
- Repeat with
C:\Windows\Temp(you may need admin rights).
This helps eliminate stubborn files not detected by Disk Cleanup.
7. Uninstall Unused Apps and Features
Free up additional disk space by removing:
- Pre-installed bloatware
- Large apps or games you no longer use
- Optional features (like legacy Windows components)
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps to review and remove anything unnecessary.
8. Use Disk Analyzer Tools for Insights
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell what’s eating up space. Use WinDirStat or TreeSize Free to visualize disk usage. These tools show what folders and files are taking up the most space, helping you target large or redundant files.
9. Create a Custom Cleanup Routine
Develop a monthly or quarterly maintenance habit:
- Run Disk Cleanup (with system files)
- Empty Recycle Bin
- Manually clean temp folders
- Uninstall old apps
- Run Storage Sense
You can even script this as a batch file for semi-automation.
10. Avoid Registry Cleaners
Many third-party tools like CCleaner offer registry cleaning. Avoid this unless absolutely necessary, as it can cause system instability and offers minimal space savings. Stick to disk/file cleaning only.
Bonus Tip: Use External or Cloud Storage
If you’re constantly low on disk space:
- Move large personal files (videos, photos) to external drives or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
- Consider enabling Files On-Demand in OneDrive to keep cloud-only copies of rarely accessed files.
Final Thoughts
Disk Cleanup remains one of the simplest and safest ways to maintain your Windows 11 system. Whether you’re freeing up disk space, improving performance, or just doing routine housekeeping, understanding how to use this tool effectively is a key part of computer hygiene.
Combined with Storage Sense, you can automate the process to ensure your system remains lean and optimized over time. While it’s tempting to ignore maintenance until performance dips, regularly performing disk cleanups can help prevent slowdowns and extend the life of your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Disk Cleanup safe to use?
Yes, Disk Cleanup is built into Windows and is designed to safely remove non-essential files. Be cautious only when selecting options like “Previous Windows installations” if you plan to roll back your system.
Q2: How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
You can run it monthly for routine maintenance or more frequently if you’re low on disk space. For convenience, enable Storage Sense to automate this.
Q3: What’s the difference between Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense?
Disk Cleanup is a manual tool, while Storage Sense automates the cleanup process based on rules you configure. Both can be used together for optimal results.
Q4: Can I undo a Disk Cleanup?
Not typically. Once files are deleted, especially system files or cache, they can’t be restored unless you have a backup or system restore point.
Q5: Does Disk Cleanup improve performance?
Yes, in many cases. Deleting temporary and unnecessary files can free system resources and improve speed, especially on machines with limited storage.