Windows 10 and 11 are designed to be efficient, but over time, junk files inevitably accumulate and slow down your system. Removing these unnecessary files is a key part of regular PC maintenance. But which junk file removal strategies deliver the best results? Here, we explore expert-recommended methods, including both built-in Windows tools and powerful third-party solutions like Glary Utilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find actionable steps for a cleaner, faster computer.
Why Does Junk File Removal Matter?
Junk files come in various forms—temporary files, cache, old Windows updates, log files, browser leftovers, and more. These files can take up gigabytes of space, reduce performance, and even cause software conflicts or errors. Regular cleanup improves speed, frees up storage, and helps your PC run more reliably.
Junk File Removal Strategies for Beginners
If you’re new to PC maintenance, start with easy-to-use, safe methods that don’t risk deleting important files.
Using Windows’ Built-In Disk Cleanup
1. Open the Start menu and type Disk Cleanup. Click to launch the app.
2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
3. Disk Cleanup will scan for removable files. After scanning, it will present a list of file types you can safely delete, such as Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and System created Windows Error Reporting files.
4. Check the boxes next to the file types you want to remove.
5. Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm.
Cleaning Temporary Files with Windows Settings
1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Under Storage Sense, click Temporary files. Windows will scan for unnecessary files.
4. Select the types of files to delete, such as Temporary files, Thumbnails, and Previous Windows installations (if applicable).
5. Click Remove files.
Why Use Glary Utilities?
While Windows offers basic tools, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities make the process easier and more thorough. Glary Utilities provides a user-friendly interface and scans for a wider range of junk files.
How to Use Glary Utilities for Junk File Removal
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open the program and select 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Check Junk Files Cleanup and Temporary Files Cleaner.
4. Click Scan for Issues. Glary Utilities will locate junk files across your system, including those missed by Windows’ built-in tools.
5. Review the results and click Repair Problems to remove the junk files.
Glary Utilities also offers a scheduler, allowing you to automate regular cleanups so your PC stays optimized without manual intervention.
Strategies for Advanced Users
Experienced users may want greater control and seek to free up even more space by targeting less obvious areas.
Manual Cleanup of Update and System Files
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type cleanmgr /sageset:1 and press Enter. This enables extra cleanup options.
3. Now run cleanmgr /sagerun:1 to launch Disk Cleanup with advanced options. Select deeper cleanup items like Windows Update Cleanup and Device driver packages.
Targeting Browser and Application Junk
Browsers and third-party applications often store their own cache and log files.
For Google Chrome:
– Open Chrome, type chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar.
– Select Cached images and files and other data types you want to remove, then click Clear data.
For other applications, check settings or preferences for options to clear cache or history, or use Glary Utilities’ Browser Cleaner to handle this automatically.
Automating Cleanup Tasks
Setting up regular cleanups ensures junk files don’t accumulate.
With Glary Utilities:
1. Open the program and go to the Schedule tab.
2. Set up a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule for 1-Click Maintenance or Junk File Cleanup.
3. The program will run cleanup tasks automatically at your chosen intervals.
Best Practices for Safe Junk File Removal
– Always review the list of files before deleting—avoid removing unfamiliar system files unless you’re sure.
– Back up important files before performing major cleanups, especially when using advanced tools.
– Update your cleaning tools regularly for the latest compatibility and detection rules.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your system is still slow after removing junk files, you may need deeper troubleshooting—such as registry repair, malware scans, or hardware upgrades. Glary Utilities also includes tools for registry repair and startup optimization, helping you diagnose and fix broader performance issues.
Conclusion: The Best Junk File Removal Strategy
For basic users, Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense are reliable starting points. For more thorough and convenient cleaning, Glary Utilities stands out—offering deeper scans, automation, and easy operation for all skill levels. Advanced users can combine manual methods with these tools for the most comprehensive results. Regular junk file removal keeps your Windows 10 or 11 PC running smoothly, saving you time and frustration in the long run.