Junk files can accumulate on your Windows PC over time, slowing down performance, eating up valuable storage, and sometimes even causing errors. Cleaning up this digital clutter is crucial for maintaining a fast and reliable system, whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned Windows pro. Below you’ll find 12 essential junk file removal strategies, with step-by-step guidance for both beginners and advanced users. These tips will help you keep your PC running smoothly, and where appropriate, we’ll show you how Glary Utilities can simplify and automate many of these tasks.
Beginner Strategies
1. Use Windows Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool designed to identify and remove unnecessary files.
Step-by-step:
– Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup, then open the utility.
– Select your main drive (usually C:) and let it calculate how much space you can free up.
– Check boxes next to file types like Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Thumbnails.
– Click OK, then confirm by clicking Delete Files.
2. Empty the Recycle Bin
Deleted files often linger in the Recycle Bin, taking up space.
How to do it:
– Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Select Empty Recycle Bin and confirm.
3. Clear Temporary Files Using Windows Settings
Temporary files can accumulate from apps and system updates.
Steps:
– Open Settings (Windows key + I).
– Navigate to System > Storage.
– Click Temporary files, review the list, and check unnecessary file types.
– Click Remove files.
4. Uninstall Unused Applications
Unused programs create leftover files and folders.
How to uninstall:
– Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
– Click on the program you no longer use and select Uninstall.
5. Delete Browser Cache and Cookies
Web browsers store cache and cookies that can pile up over time.
Example for Microsoft Edge:
– Open Edge and click the three dots in the upper right.
– Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
– Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data, then click Clear Now.
6. Use Glary Utilities 1-Click Maintenance
Glary Utilities offers an all-in-one approach for beginners.
How to use:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Launch the program and click the 1-Click Maintenance tab.
– Check all relevant options (Registry Cleaner, Temporary Files Cleaner, etc.), then click Scan for Issues.
– When the scan completes, click Repair Problems to clear out junk files and optimize your system.
Advanced Strategies
7. Manually Clean the Temp Folder
Some temporary files aren’t cleared by basic tools.
Manual steps:
– Press Windows key + R, type %temp%, then press Enter.
– Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them. Skip any files in use.
8. Remove Old System Restore Points
System restore points can occupy a lot of disk space.
How to remove:
– Open Control Panel > System > System Protection.
– Select your system drive and click Configure.
– Under Disk Space Usage, click Delete to remove all restore points except the latest.
9. Purge Windows Update Cleanup Files
Windows updates leave behind unneeded files.
Steps:
– Open Disk Cleanup again.
– Click Clean up system files.
– Check Windows Update Cleanup and click OK.
10. Analyze and Clean with Storage Sense
Storage Sense can automate cleanup routines.
Set up Storage Sense:
– Go to Settings > System > Storage.
– Click Storage Sense and turn it on.
– Set how often you want it to run and which files to target (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
11. Deep Clean with Glary Utilities Advanced Tools
Glary Utilities provides advanced modules like Disk Cleaner and Tracks Eraser.
How to use:
– Open Glary Utilities and click on Advanced Tools.
– Select Disk Cleaner for a thorough scan of hidden junk files system-wide.
– Use Tracks Eraser to remove traces from apps and Windows activities.
12. Remove Duplicate Files
Duplicate files eat up space and increase clutter.
Finding and deleting duplicates:
– Open Glary Utilities, go to Advanced Tools, and choose Duplicate Files Finder.
– Select folders to scan and review the results.
– Safely delete unnecessary duplicates, keeping at least one copy of each important file.
Final Tips for Both Beginners and Advanced Users
– Always back up important files before large-scale cleanups.
– Schedule regular maintenance, either manually or using Glary Utilities’ scheduler.
– Be cautious when deleting files from unfamiliar folders.
By regularly practicing these 12 strategies, you’ll keep your Windows system fast, reliable, and clutter-free. Whether you prefer built-in Windows tools or an all-in-one solution like Glary Utilities, keeping junk files at bay has never been easier.