Junk files can pile up on your Windows 10 or 11 PC over time, slowing down performance, taking up valuable space, and sometimes even causing errors. If you want to keep your computer running smoothly, it’s important to remove these unwanted files regularly. Whether you’re just starting out or you have some PC experience, this guide will walk you through the top 10 ways to repair and refine your junk file removal strategies.
Beginner Strategies: Simple and Safe Steps
What Are Junk Files and Why Remove Them?
Junk files are temporary files, cache files, leftover files from uninstalled apps, and other debris that accumulate during normal PC use. They include things like:
– Windows temporary files
– Internet browser cache
– Old update files
– Error logs
– Application leftovers
Removing these files helps free up space and can even fix minor system glitches.
1. Use Windows Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool in Windows 10 and 11 that helps you safely remove common junk files.
Step-by-step:
– Open the Start menu and type Disk Cleanup.
– Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
– Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free up.
– Check the boxes for file types you want to delete (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
– Click OK, then Delete Files.
Example: After a major Windows update, use Disk Cleanup to remove leftover update files and free up gigabytes of space.
2. Empty the Recycle Bin Regularly
Files in the Recycle Bin still occupy disk space until you permanently remove them.
How to do it:
– Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Select Empty Recycle Bin.
Tip: Make it a habit to do this every week or after deleting large files.
3. Clear Your Web Browser Cache
Internet browsers store cached data to speed up loading times, but these files can become excessive.
For Microsoft Edge or Chrome:
– Open the browser.
– Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing data window.
– Select Cached images and files and click Clear.
Advanced tip: Schedule browser cache cleaning once a month for all browsers you use.
4. Use Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup
Windows 10 and 11 include a feature called Storage Sense that can automate junk file removal.
To enable:
– Go to Settings > System > Storage.
– Turn on Storage Sense.
– Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to adjust how often files are cleaned (daily, weekly, monthly).
Example: Storage Sense can automatically empty your Recycle Bin and delete temporary files, reducing manual cleanup.
Intermediate Strategies: Taking It Further
5. Remove Unused Applications and Their Leftovers
Uninstalling unused programs can free up space, but sometimes leftover files remain.
To uninstall:
– Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
– Scroll through the list and uninstall what you don’t need.
Advanced tip: After uninstalling, check the Program Files and AppData folders for leftover folders and delete them if present.
6. Clean Up Downloads and Documents Folders
Over time, your Downloads and Documents folders can fill up with files you no longer need.
Advice:
– Regularly go through these folders.
– Sort by date or file size to identify unnecessary files.
– Delete or move them to an external drive if you want to keep them.
7. Repair Junk File Removal with Glary Utilities (Recommended)
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive tool that automates and streamlines junk file removal for all skill levels.
Key features for junk file removal:
– One-Click Maintenance scans and cleans up temporary files, browser cache, and other junk in a single click.
– Disk Cleaner finds deep system junk files that basic tools may miss.
– Tracks Cleaner removes usage traces, further freeing up disk space.
– Scheduled cleaning keeps your system tidy automatically.
How to use:
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Open the program and select 1-Click Maintenance.
– Review the results and click Repair Problems.
– For more control, use Advanced Tools > Disk Cleaner.
Pro tip: Glary Utilities also helps optimize your registry, manage startup programs, and more, making it a go-to solution for both beginners and advanced users.
Advanced Strategies: For Experienced Users
8. Use Command Prompt for Deeper Cleaning
Experienced users can use built-in commands for more control.
For example, remove temporary files:
– Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
– Type: del /q/f/s %TEMP%\* and press Enter.
Caution: Be sure you know what you’re deleting, as this method doesn’t send files to the Recycle Bin.
9. Manually Clear Windows Update Cache
Sometimes, Windows Update stores old files that aren’t cleared by default tools.
Steps:
– Stop the Windows Update service.
– Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
– Delete all files in this folder.
– Restart the Windows Update service.
This can help fix update errors and free up space.
10. Automate Cleanup with Task Scheduler
Advanced users can automate cleanup tasks using Windows Task Scheduler.
Example: Schedule Disk Cleanup to run monthly.
– Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu.
– Create a Basic Task and choose when to run it.
– Set the action to run cleanmgr.exe (the Disk Cleanup tool).
This ensures your PC remains clean without manual intervention.
Summary: Building a Reliable Junk File Removal Routine
By following these 10 tips, you can keep your Windows 10 or 11 PC free of junk files, improving speed, reliability, and available storage. Beginners should focus on built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense, while advanced users can benefit from automation, manual file inspection, and third-party solutions like Glary Utilities.
No matter your skill level, establishing a regular cleanup habit will help your computer run smoothly for years to come.