Junk files accumulate on every Windows PC, eating up valuable storage space, slowing down performance, and sometimes causing system glitches. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned pro, keeping your system clean of unnecessary files is crucial for optimal speed and reliability. This guide delivers the 15 most effective junk file removal strategies for Windows 10 & 11, with practical examples, pro tips, and clear step-by-step instructions. Recommendations include manual methods and professional tools for every skill level.
Why Is Junk File Removal Important?
Every time you use your computer—installing programs, browsing, or even running updates—Windows generates temporary files. Over time, leftover installer files, cache, logs, and old updates pile up. If ignored, these can rob you of gigabytes of space, bog down your PC, and lead to software conflicts.
Section 1: Essential Junk File Removal Strategies for Beginners
1. Use Windows Disk Cleanup
Windows Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility designed to delete temporary files, system cache, Recycle Bin contents, and more.
How to use it:
1. In the Start menu, type Disk Cleanup and select the app.
2. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
3. After scanning, check categories like Temporary files, Thumbnails, and Recycle Bin.
4. Click OK to delete the selected files.
2. Empty the Recycle Bin Regularly
Deleted files aren’t truly gone until you empty the Recycle Bin.
How to do it:
– Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.
3. Clear Temporary Files via Settings
Windows 10 & 11 offer a simple way to clear temp files through the Settings app.
How to do it:
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click Temporary files.
3. Select files to remove and click Remove files.
4. Uninstall Unused Applications
Unused programs leave behind associated files and take up valuable space.
How to do it:
– Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, browse the list, and uninstall programs you no longer use.
5. Delete Browser Cache and History
Web browsers store tons of temporary data. Clearing this can free up space and improve privacy.
How to do it (example with Microsoft Edge):
1. Open Edge, click the three dots, then Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
Section 2: Intermediate Junk File Removal Tactics
6. Remove Old Windows Update Files
After updates, Windows stores backup files for rollback. These can be safely removed if your PC is stable.
How to do it:
– Run Disk Cleanup as administrator, check Windows Update Cleanup, and clean up.
7. Delete System Restore Points
System Restore points take up considerable disk space over time.
How to do it:
1. Search for Create a restore point.
2. Click Configure, then Delete to remove all restore points. Set a new one if needed.
8. Manage Storage Sense
Windows 10 & 11 feature Storage Sense to automate cleanup tasks.
How to do it:
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense and customize its schedule to automatically clear junk.
9. Use a Dedicated Cleanup Tool: Glary Utilities
While Windows offers basic tools, Glary Utilities provides a more thorough approach. It scans for junk files across the system, cleans browser traces, fixes registry issues, and manages startup items all from a user-friendly dashboard.
How to use Glary Utilities for junk file removal:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities.
2. Launch the program and click 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Review the scan results, then click Repair Problems.
4. Use the Advanced Tools tab for deeper cleaning (e.g., Disk Cleaner, Temporary Files Cleaner).
Benefits:
– Cleans deeper than built-in tools.
– Finds leftover files from uninstalled apps.
– Automates regular cleanups with a scheduler.
10. Remove Unused User Profiles
Old or unused user profiles leave behind lots of data.
How to do it:
1. Right-click Start, select System.
2. Click Advanced system settings > User Profiles > Settings.
3. Select and delete profiles no longer needed.
Section 3: Advanced Junk File Removal for Power Users
11. Delete Prefetch and Superfetch Data
Windows uses prefetch and superfetch to speed up boot times, but old data can pile up.
How to do it:
1. Open Run (Win + R), type prefetch, and press Enter.
2. Delete all files in the folder.
3. Repeat for C:\Windows\Temp.
12. Clean Up WinSxS Folder
The WinSxS folder stores all Windows system components and can become huge.
How to do it:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the command: Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
13. Remove Orphaned Program Files
Uninstalled programs sometimes leave behind folders in Program Files.
How to do it:
– Manually review C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) for abandoned folders and delete them if sure they’re not needed.
14. Delete Old Driver Packages
Outdated drivers can remain hidden and take up space.
How to do it:
1. Open Disk Cleanup as administrator.
2. Check Device driver packages to clean up.
15. Automate Cleaning with Glary Utilities’ Scheduler
For truly hands-off maintenance, use Glary Utilities’ built-in scheduler to run regular cleanups.
How to do it:
1. In Glary Utilities, go to Menu > Settings > Schedule.
2. Set your preferred cleanup frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).
3. Save your settings and let the tool maintain your PC automatically.
Conclusion: Combining Methods for Maximum Effect
No single method can catch all junk files. For best results, use a combination of built-in Windows tools, manual checks, and comprehensive utilities like Glary Utilities. Set reminders or automate tasks to keep your PC clutter-free, fast, and reliable.
Regular maintenance not only saves space but can extend the life of your PC and prevent frustrating slowdowns. Whether you’re a beginner or power user, these 15 strategies have you covered. Start cleaning today for a smoother Windows 10 or 11 experience.