How to Use Disk Cleanup

Over time, your Windows computer collects unnecessary files that slow down performance and waste storage space. Learning how to use Disk Cleanup is one of the easiest and safest ways to free up disk space, improve speed, and keep your system healthy—without installing any third-party software.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to use Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 and Windows 10, what files are safe to delete, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Is Disk Cleanup in Windows?

Disk Cleanup Can Remove

  • Temporary system files

  • Recycle Bin files

  • Windows update leftovers

  • Temporary Internet Files

  • Error logs and memory dumps

Using Disk Cleanup regularly keeps your PC clean and responsive.

Why You Should Use Disk Cleanup

Understanding how to use Disk Cleanup helps you maintain your computer easily.

Benefits of Disk Cleanup

  • Frees up disk space

  • Improves system performance

  • Reduces system errors

  • Helps Windows updates run smoothly

  • No risk to personal files

It’s one of the safest maintenance tools Windows offers.

Which Windows Versions Have Disk Cleanup?

Disk Cleanup is available on:

  • Windows 11

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 8 / 8.1

  • Windows 7

The steps are almost identical across versions.

How to Use Disk Cleanup in Windows 11

Disk Cleanup still exists in Windows 11, even though Storage Sense is promoted more.

Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 11

Method 1: Using Search

  1. Click Start

  2. Type Disk Cleanup

  3. Press Enter

Method 2: Using Run Command

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type:

cleanmgr

  1. Press Enter

Disk Cleanup will open instantly.

Select the Drive to Clean

  1. Choose Local Disk (C:)

  2. Click OK

Disk Cleanup will scan your system.

Choose Files to Delete

You’ll see a list of file categories with checkboxes.

Safe Files to Delete

  • Temporary files

  • Recycle Bin

  • Thumbnails

  • Temporary Internet Files

  • Delivery Optimization files

Check the boxes and click OK → Delete Files.

How to Use Disk Cleanup in Windows 10

The steps for Windows 10 are almost the same.

Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10

  1. Press Windows + S

  2. Type Disk Cleanup

  3. Open the app

  4. Select C: drive

Clean Up System Files Using Disk Cleanup

This is the most powerful Disk Cleanup feature.

What Are System Files?

System files include:

  • Windows update cleanup files

  • Old Windows installation files

  • System error memory dumps

  • Temporary Windows files

These files can take up several gigabytes.

Steps to Clean System Files

  1. Open Disk Cleanup

  2. Click Clean up system files

  3. Select C: drive again

  4. Wait for rescan

  5. Select unwanted system files

  6. Click OK

This can free massive disk space safely.

Is It Safe to Delete Windows Update Cleanup Files?

Yes. Deleting Windows update cleanup files:

  • Does not affect system stability

  • Removes old, unused update files

  • Frees up significant storage

However, you won’t be able to roll back old updates after deletion.

How Much Space Can Disk Cleanup Free?

Depending on your system:

  • New PC: 200 MB – 1 GB

  • Older PC: 5–20 GB or more

Using Disk Cleanup after major updates gives the best results.

What Not to Delete in Disk Cleanup

Although Disk Cleanup is safe, be cautious.

Avoid Deleting These (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)

  • Downloads (if shown)

  • Previous Windows installations (if rollback needed)

  • System Restore points (unless space is critical)

Always read descriptions before deleting.

How Often Should You Use Disk Cleanup?

Recommended Frequency

  • Once a month

  • After major Windows updates

  • When disk space is low

Regular usage prevents storage issues.

Disk Cleanup vs Storage Sense

Windows now promotes Storage Sense, but Disk Cleanup is still useful.

Feature Disk Cleanup Storage Sense
Manual control Yes Limited
System file cleanup Yes Partial
One-time deep clean Yes No
Automatic cleaning No Yes

Using both together gives the best results.

How to Use Disk Cleanup from the Command Line

Advanced users can automate Disk Cleanup.

Run Disk Cleanup via Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt

  2. Type:

cleanmgr

  1. Press Enter

Automate Disk Cleanup

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type:

cleanmgr /sageset:1

  1. Select files to delete

  2. Run:

cleanmgr /sagerun:1

This is useful for scheduled cleanup.

Common Problems When Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup Takes Too Long

Fixes

  • Be patient (first scan is slow)

  • Restart the PC and try again

  • Run as administrator

Disk Cleanup Not Opening

Fixes

  • Use cleanmgr command

  • Run System File Checker

  • Update Windows

Disk Cleanup Doesn’t Free Space

Fixes

  • Use “Clean up system files.”

  • Combine with Storage Sense

  • Check large files manually

Tips to Keep Disk Space Free After Disk Cleanup

  • Enable Storage Sense

  • Delete unused apps

  • Clear Downloads folder

  • Move files tothe  external drive

  • Use cloud storage

These habits reduce the need for frequent cleanup.

FAQs About How to Use Disk Cleanup

Is Disk Cleanup safe to use?

Yes, Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool and completely safe.

Does Disk Cleanup delete personal files?

No, it only removes unnecessary system files.

Can Disk Cleanup speed up my PC?

Yes, freeing disk space improves performance and responsiveness.

Why does Disk Cleanup show different files each time?

Windows generates new temporary files constantly.

Is Disk Cleanup still available in Windows 11?

Yes, it is still fully supported.

Conclusion

Learning how to use Disk Cleanup is one of the easiest ways to maintain your Windows computer without technical knowledge. Whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, Disk Cleanup helps free storage space, remove junk files, and keep your system running smoothly.

By using Disk Cleanup regularly, cleaning system files carefully, and combining it with good storage habits, you can enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more reliable PC.

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