Keeping your Windows 10 PC in top shape doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With the right approach, you can perform disk cleanup and optimization tasks efficiently, saving time while keeping your system smooth and responsive. These strategies are tailored for practical, everyday use, whether you’re a beginner looking for quick fixes or an advanced user seeking fine-tuned control.
1. Use Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup
Windows 10 includes Storage Sense, a built-in tool that automatically deletes temporary files, clears the Recycle Bin, and removes unused system files. For quick setup, go to Settings > System > Storage, then turn on Storage Sense. Configure it to run periodically so cleanup happens in the background without manual intervention.
2. Clear Temporary and Junk Files with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities streamlines disk cleanup by combining multiple maintenance tasks into one scan. Its 1-Click Maintenance feature removes temp files, browser cache, and leftover program files in seconds. This is especially useful for users who want to skip manually hunting down unnecessary files in multiple folders.
3. Uninstall Large or Unused Applications
Unused applications take up significant disk space. Beginners can use the Settings > Apps panel to identify large programs and remove them. Advanced users can take this further by using Glary Utilities’ Uninstall Manager, which highlights disk usage by app and removes leftover registry entries after uninstalling.
4. Manage Startup Programs for Faster Boot
Programs that load at startup slow down boot times and consume memory. Beginners can access the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and disable unnecessary startup apps under the Startup tab. Advanced users can use Glary Utilities Startup Manager, which not only disables but also delays certain programs for optimized boot performance.
5. Empty the Downloads Folder Regularly
Downloads often accumulate files you only needed once. Sorting by size or date makes it easier to quickly remove the biggest or oldest files. A monthly cleanup prevents this folder from becoming a hidden storage drain.
6. Defragment and Optimize Hard Drives
Traditional hard drives benefit from regular defragmentation. Use Windows’ built-in Optimize Drives tool by searching for “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start menu. For SSDs, the tool will run TRIM instead, which maintains performance without physical defragmentation.
7. Use Disk Cleanup for System-Level Files
The classic Disk Cleanup tool is useful for removing system files like previous Windows installations or outdated updates. Access it by typing “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, selecting your drive, then clicking “Clean up system files” for deeper cleaning.
8. Schedule Automatic Maintenance
Windows 10 performs background tasks like security scanning and system diagnostics automatically, but ensuring this runs during idle time prevents slowdowns while you work. Go to Control Panel > Security and Maintenance > Maintenance to adjust the schedule.
9. Remove Duplicate Files
Duplicate files waste storage space and can cause confusion when working on projects. Advanced users can use Glary Utilities’ Duplicate Files Finder to safely identify and delete duplicates by checking file content instead of just names.
10. Compress Old Files and Folders
For rarely used but important data, compressing folders can free up gigabytes. Right-click a folder, select Properties > Advanced, then enable compression. This is especially helpful for archival data and can be combined with external backups for organization.
11. Keep the Recycle Bin in Check
Rather than letting the Recycle Bin store deleted files indefinitely, set a size limit. Right-click the Recycle Bin > Properties, then adjust the maximum size per drive. This ensures files are permanently deleted once the limit is reached, keeping disk space free automatically.
12. Repair File System Errors Promptly
Corrupt files or bad sectors can slow down performance. Beginners can run CHKDSK by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing chkdsk /f. Advanced users can schedule this scan on reboot for thorough checks or use Glary Utilities’ Disk Repair tool, which provides a graphical interface for quick repairs.
By combining built-in Windows 10 features with the comprehensive tools in Glary Utilities, you can perform deep cleanup and optimization tasks quickly, often in a single scan. Whether you automate these processes or prefer manual control, each of these strategies is designed for maximum efficiency with minimal time investment.