How to Do Disk Cleanup on Windows

What Causes This?

Windows builds up temporary files over time from updates, app installs, browser caches, thumbnails, error reports, and files left behind in the Recycle Bin. These files are usually safe to remove, but they can pile up and take several gigabytes of storage. Low free space can also happen when old Windows update files or previous installation files are still sitting on the drive after a major update.

Common Symptoms

• Your C: drive is almost full or showing red in File Explorer
• Windows feels slower when opening apps or saving files
• You get low disk space warnings
• Updates fail because there is not enough free storage
• You notice large amounts of "Temporary files" in Storage settings

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check what is using space

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Storage.
   3. Wait for Windows to calculate usage, then review categories like Temporary files, Apps, Documents, and Other.

2. Run Windows Temporary Files cleanup

   1. In Settings > System > Storage, click Temporary files.
   2. Let Windows scan the drive.
   3. Check items you want to remove, such as Temporary files, Thumbnails, Delivery Optimization Files, and Recycle Bin.
   4. Be careful with Downloads — only select it if you are sure you do not need those files.
   5. Click Remove files.

3. Use the classic Disk Cleanup tool

   1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
   2. Select your C: drive and click OK.
   3. Review the list and check items you want to delete.
   4. Click Clean up system files to scan for larger removable items.
   5. Select C: again if prompted.
   6. Check options like Windows Update Cleanup, Temporary Windows installation files, and System created Windows Error Reporting if available.
   7. Click OK > Delete Files.

4. Empty the Recycle Bin

   1. Right-click Recycle Bin on the desktop.
   2. Select Empty Recycle Bin.
   3. Confirm the deletion.

5. Remove apps you do not use

   1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   2. Sort by Size to find large programs.
   3. Click the three dots next to an app and choose Uninstall.
   4. Do not remove drivers, security software, or anything you do not recognize.

6. Turn on Storage Sense for ongoing cleanup

   1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
   2. Turn on Storage Sense.
   3. Click Storage Sense to configure it.
   4. Set Windows to automatically delete temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule.

7. Restart your PC

   1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
   2. After rebooting, check This PC in File Explorer to confirm free space has increased.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your PC for temporary files, leftover update data, cache files, and other unnecessary clutter that wastes disk space. It gives you a faster, more thorough cleanup without digging through multiple Windows menus, and it helps you avoid deleting the wrong files manually.

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