What Does Disk Cleanup Do on Windows In the 2023 Update?

What Does Disk Cleanup Do on Windows?

Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool in Windows that helps free up space on a computer’s hard drive by deleting unnecessary files, such as temporary internet files, system files, and files in the recycle bin. It can also be used to remove files from previous Windows installations and to remove optional Windows features that are not being used. Running Disk Cleanup can help improve a computer’s performance by freeing up space on the hard drive and can also help resolve issues with low disk space errors.

Advantages of Disk Cleanup

There are several advantages to using Disk Cleanup on a Windows computer:

1. Increased disk space: By removing unnecessary files and temporary internet files, Disk Cleanup can free up a significant amount of space on a hard drive.
2. Improved performance: When a hard drive is cluttered with unnecessary files, it can slow down a computer’s performance. Running Disk Cleanup can help improve performance by freeing up space on the hard drive.
3. Resolves issues with low disk space errors: If a computer is running low on disk space, it can cause various errors and issues. Running Disk Cleanup can help resolve these errors by freeing up space on the hard drive.
4. Removes files from previous Windows installations: When a new version of Windows is installed, Disk Cleanup can be used to remove files from previous installations, further freeing up space on the hard drive.
5. Remove the optional Windows features that are not used: Disk Cleanup can also be used to remove optional Windows features that are not being used, freeing up space and reducing clutter on the hard drive.
6. Easy to use: Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows, and it is easy to access and use.

Could Disk Cleanup Eliminate Infections on Your Windows Gadget?

While Disk Cleanup can help free up space on a computer’s hard drive and improve performance, it is not designed to eliminate infections on a Windows device. Disk Cleanup is primarily used to delete unnecessary files and temporary internet files, not to scan for and remove malware or other types of infections.

If you suspect that your Windows device may be infected with malware or other types of malicious software, it is important to run a full scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program. Additionally, it is a good practice to keep your device updated with the latest security updates, uses reputable anti-virus software, and be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from untrusted sources.

How to Open Disk Cleanup on Windows?

There are several ways to open Disk Cleanup on a Windows computer:

1. Start Menu: Click on the Start button and type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar. The Disk Cleanup program should appear in the search results. Click on it to open.
2. File Explorer: Open File Explorer and navigate to the local drive (usually C:) Right-click on the drive and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Disk Cleanup button.
3. Command Prompt: Click on the Start button and type “cmd” in the search bar. Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator. In the Command Prompt, type “cleanmgr” and press Enter.
4. Shortcut: Create a shortcut on the desktop by Right-clicking on the desktop, selecting New, and selecting Shortcut. Type “cleanmgr” and press Next. Give the shortcut a name and press Finish. Double-clicking on this shortcut will open Disk Cleanup.

Once Disk Cleanup is open, it will scan your hard drive and display a list of files that can be deleted to free up space. You can then select which files to delete and click on the OK button to complete the process.

Open Disk Cleanup on Windows 11/10/8.1/8

The process to open Disk Cleanup on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 8 is similar to the process on earlier versions of Windows:

1. Start Menu: Click on the Start button and type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar. The Disk Cleanup program should appear in the search results. Click on it to open.
2. File Explorer: Open File Explorer and navigate to the local drive (usually C:) Right-click on the drive and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Disk Cleanup button.
3. Command Prompt: Click on the Start button and type “cmd” in the search bar. Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator. In the Command Prompt, type “cleanmgr” and press Enter.
4. Shortcut: Create a shortcut on the desktop by Right-clicking on the desktop, selecting New, and selecting Shortcut. Type “cleanmgr” and press Next. Give the shortcut a name and press Finish. Double-clicking on this shortcut will open Disk Cleanup.

In Windows 8 and 8.1 you can also find Disk Cleanup by opening the charm bar, clicking on the search icon, typing “cleanmgr” in the search box, clicking on settings, and selecting “Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files” and click on it.

Once Disk Cleanup is open, it will scan your hard drive and display a list of files that can be deleted to free up space. You can then select which files to delete and click on the OK button to complete the process.

Open Disk Cleanup on Windows 7 or Prior

The process to open Disk Cleanup on Windows 7 or earlier versions is similar to the process on newer versions of Windows:

1. Start Menu: Click on the Start button and type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar. The Disk Cleanup program should appear in the search results. Click on it to open.
2. My Computer: Open My Computer and navigate to the local drive (usually C:) Right-click on the drive and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Disk Cleanup button.
3. Command Prompt: Click on the Start button and select All Programs. Click on Accessories and select Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt, type “cleanmgr” and press Enter.
4. Shortcut: Create a shortcut on the desktop by Right-clicking on the desktop, selecting New, and selecting Shortcut. Type “cleanmgr” and press Next. Give the shortcut a name and press Finish. Double-clicking on this shortcut will open Disk Cleanup.

Once Disk Cleanup is open, it will scan your hard drive and display a list of files that can be deleted to free up space. You can then select which files to delete and click on the OK button to complete the process.

What Does Disk Cleanup Do?

Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows that helps free up space on a computer’s hard drive by deleting unnecessary files, such as temporary internet files, system files, and files in the recycle bin. It can also be used to remove files from previous Windows installations and to remove optional Windows features that are not being used.

It scans the hard drive and presents a list of files that can be deleted safely, those files are not critical for the system and can be deleted without affecting the performance or functionality of the computer. Running Disk Cleanup can help improve a computer’s performance by freeing up space on the hard drive and can also help resolve issues with low disk space errors. It’s easy to access and use, and it’s a good practice to run it regularly to keep the hard drive organized and free of unnecessary files.

Last Decision

In summary, Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows that helps free up space on a computer’s hard drive by deleting unnecessary files, such as temporary internet files, system files, and files in the recycle bin. It can also be used to remove files from previous Windows installations and to remove optional Windows features that are not being used.

It can improve a computer’s performance by freeing up space on the hard drive and help resolve issues with low disk space errors. Disk Cleanup is easy to access and use, and it’s a good practice to run it regularly to keep the hard drive organized and free of unnecessary files.

It is important to note that Disk Cleanup is not designed to eliminate infections on a Windows device, it is recommended to run a full scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program if you suspect that your Windows device may be infected with malware or other types of malicious software.

Disk Cleanup FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Disk Cleanup in Windows:

1. What types of files does Disk Cleanup delete?
   Disk Cleanup deletes a variety of files, including temporary internet files, system files, and files in the recycle bin. It can also remove files from previous Windows installations and remove optional Windows features that are not being used.
2. How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
   It’s a good practice to run Disk Cleanup regularly, at least once a month, to keep your hard drive organized and free of unnecessary files. However, the frequency of running Disk Cleanup depends on how frequently you use your computer and how many files are stored on it.
3. Can Disk Cleanup delete the files that I need?
   Disk Cleanup is designed to only delete files that are not critical for the system and can be deleted safely. It will not delete files that are important for the system’s functionality. However, it’s always a good practice to review the files that are going to be deleted before hitting the OK button.
4. Does Disk Cleanup remove malware?
   No, Disk Cleanup is not designed to remove malware or other types of malicious software. It is primarily used to delete unnecessary files and temporary internet files. If you suspect that your computer may be infected with malware, it’s important to run a full scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program.
5. Will Disk Cleanup make my computer run faster?
   Running Disk Cleanup can help improve a computer’s performance by freeing up space on the hard drive. When a hard drive is cluttered with unnecessary files, it can slow down a computer’s performance. By removing these files and freeing up space, Disk Cleanup can help improve the overall performance of your computer.