Disk Cleanup is a Windows 10 utility for removing selected temporary and system-generated files. Review the categories before deleting anything, particularly if you may need old installation files for recovery.
Run Disk Cleanup
- Open Start, search for Disk Cleanup, and launch it.
- Select the drive you want to clean if Windows asks.
- Wait while the utility calculates reclaimable space.
- Review the file categories and select only those you are comfortable removing.
- Choose Clean up system files if you need to rescan for eligible system files and you understand the listed categories.
- Confirm the deletion.
Previous Windows installation files can consume substantial space, but deleting them may remove an easy path to roll back after an upgrade. Downloads and personal files should also be reviewed rather than treated as disposable storage.
If the drive repeatedly fills up, use Windows storage information to identify the actual source—applications, personal media, update files, cloud sync, or another category—instead of running cleanup tools repeatedly without addressing the cause.
Windows 10 standard free support ended in October 2025, so storage maintenance should not be confused with keeping the operating system itself within a supported security lifecycle.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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