Performing Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 and 11 to Improve Computer Speed

Performing Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 and 11 to Improve Computer Speed

Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool in Windows 10 and 11 that helps you free up space on your computer by removing unnecessary files. This guide will show you how to perform a disk cleanup, even if you're not a technical expert, and explain how it can help with computer slowness.

This guide is designed for users who have access to a Windows PC, whether it be a laptop or desktop.

Step 1: Open Disk Cleanup

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Windows icon in the taskbar to open the Start menu.

2. Type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar.

3. Select "Disk Cleanup"

Step 2: Choose the Drive

1. A window will appear, asking you to select a drive to clean up. Typically, your system drive (usually labeled "C:") will be selected by default. Click "OK" to continue.

Step 3: Select the Files to Clean

1. Disk Cleanup will calculate the amount of space you can free up. This might take a moment.

2. A list of file types will be displayed. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to remove. You can safely select items like "Temporary files", "Temporary Internet Files", "Recycle Bin",  and "Thumbnails."

3. Click "OK" to confirm your selection.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

1. A warning message will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the selected files. Review your choices, and if you're sure, click "Delete Files."

Step 5: Wait for Cleanup

1. Disk Cleanup will now remove the selected files. This may take some time, depending on the amount of data to be cleaned.

Step 6: Completion

1. Once Disk Cleanup finishes, you will see a summary of the space you've freed up. Click "OK" to complete the process.

How Disk Cleanup Helps Improve Computer Speed

Regularly performing a disk cleanup can help speed up your computer in the following ways:
- Freeing up disk space allows your operating system to work more efficiently.
- Removing unnecessary files reduces the load on your hard drive, leading to faster data access.
- Disk Cleanup helps you get rid of temporary files and clutter, which can slow down your system over time.
- It can lead to a more responsive and snappier computer performance, especially on older or low-storage devices.

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