Keeping your Windows 10 or 11 PC free from junk files is essential for maintaining speed, reclaiming storage space, and ensuring smooth operation. However, before removing these files, it’s wise to back up important data and have a strategy to avoid unintentional loss. This article walks you through the top 10 practical strategies for cleaning junk files, with a focus on safe, effective cleanup and backup methods. Each step is illustrated for beginners and advanced users, ensuring everyone can optimize their system with confidence.
What Are Junk Files and Why Should You Remove Them?
Junk files accumulate through everyday PC use: temporary files, cache, system error logs, leftover files from uninstalled programs, and more. Over time, they eat up valuable disk space and can slow down your system. Removing them regularly is key, but you should always safeguard important data before a major cleanup.
1. Create a System Restore Point Before Cleanup
Beginner Steps:
– Press the Windows key, type “Create a restore point” and select the top result.
– In the System Properties window, click the “Create” button under System Protection.
– Enter a name for the restore point (e.g., “Pre-Cleanup Backup”) and click “Create”.
Advanced Tip:
If you want to script restore point creation, use PowerShell:
– Open PowerShell as administrator.
– Run:
Checkpoint-Computer -Description “Pre-Junk-Cleanup” -RestorePointType “MODIFY_SETTINGS”
2. Use Windows File History or Backup Utility
Beginner Steps:
– Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
– Click “Add a drive” and select an external drive for File History.
– Turn on “Automatically back up my files.”
– Click “More options” to choose folders and frequency.
Advanced Steps:
– Use the Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) for full system images.
3. Manually Backup Important Documents Before Cleanup
Even when cleaning up “junk” files, mistakes can happen. Manually copy your Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding.
4. Use Glary Utilities for Safe Junk File Removal
Glary Utilities offers a comprehensive Junk File Cleaner that safely identifies unnecessary files while minimizing risk to essential data.
Beginner Steps:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open the program and click “1-Click Maintenance.”
– Ensure “Disk Cleanup” and “Tracks Eraser” are checked.
– Click “Scan for Issues,” review results, and click “Repair Problems.”
Advanced Steps:
– Use “Advanced Tools” > “Disk Cleaner” to customize file types and locations.
– Review files flagged for removal before confirming deletion.
5. Clean Up with Windows’ Built-In Disk Cleanup Tool
Beginner Steps:
– Press Windows key, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select the app.
– Choose the drive to clean (usually C:) and click OK.
– Check boxes for files you want to remove (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
– Click OK > Delete Files.
Advanced Steps:
– Click “Clean up system files” for deeper cleaning (including old Windows Update files).
6. Automate Temporary File Cleanup via Storage Sense
Beginner Steps:
– Go to Settings > System > Storage.
– Toggle “Storage Sense” to On.
– Click “Configure Storage Sense or run it now.”
– Set how often you want Windows to delete temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin.
Advanced Steps:
– Customize Storage Sense schedules and file types for automated, regular maintenance.
7. Use Command Line Tools for Advanced Cleanup
Advanced Users:
– Open Command Prompt as administrator.
– Use: cleanmgr /sageset:1
Configure cleanup options, then run: cleanmgr /sagerun:1
– For automated scripts, combine with Task Scheduler for regular runs.
8. Backup and Clean Third-Party Application Junk
Applications like browsers and media players generate cache and temporary files.
Beginner Steps:
– Open each application and use their built-in options to clear cache/history.
– Most browsers: Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data.
Advanced Users:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Tracks Eraser” to clear multiple app caches at once.
– For manual backups, copy browser profiles or export bookmarks before cleaning.
9. Safeguard System and Registry Changes
Beginner Steps:
– Before running tools that clean registry or system files, create a System Restore Point (see Step 1).
– Avoid using registry cleaners unless you’re sure you know what’s being removed.
Advanced Users:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Registry Backup and Restore” feature for an extra layer of safety.
– Export registry manually using regedit:
Open regedit, select Computer, File > Export.
10. Schedule Regular Cleanups and Backups
Keeping your system tidy is an ongoing task.
Beginner Steps:
– Set reminders to run Disk Cleanup or Glary Utilities’ “1-Click Maintenance” weekly or monthly.
Advanced Users:
– Use Task Scheduler to automate Disk Cleanup or Glary Utilities tasks.
– Create recurring File History or system image backups.
Summary Table: Beginners vs Advanced Approach
Beginners:
– Create restore points before cleaning.
– Use Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense.
– Backup important files manually.
– Use Glary Utilities’ “1-Click Maintenance.”
Advanced Users:
– Script restore points and cleanups.
– Customize Glary Utilities cleaning modules.
– Use command-line cleanup tools.
– Automate backups and cleanups via Task Scheduler.
Final Thoughts
Regular junk file removal keeps your Windows 10 or 11 PC running efficiently, but backing up your data and using reliable tools like Glary Utilities ensures you never lose important information in the process. Whether you favor easy, built-in tools or advanced automation, these strategies will help you maintain a clean, optimized, and safe computing environment.