If your Windows 10 computer has started moving like it is carrying a backpack full of bricks, the problem may not be your processor, your Wi-Fi, or even your patience. It might simply be clutter. Temporary files, update leftovers, thumbnails, cached internet files, Recycle Bin items, and other digital dust bunnies can pile up quietly in the background until your C: drive begins gasping for air.

That is where the Disk Cleanup tool comes in. Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility designed to help you free up storage space by removing files your system no longer needs. It is not flashy. It will not arrive wearing a superhero cape. But it can clear gigabytes of unnecessary files, reduce storage warnings, and make your computer feel less cramped.

In this guide, you will learn how to run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10, how to use the “Clean up system files” option, which file categories are usually safe to delete, what to avoid, and how Disk Cleanup compares with Storage Sense. We will also cover real-world cleanup experiences so you can use the tool confidently instead of staring at checkboxes like they are written in ancient wizard language.

What Is Disk Cleanup in Windows 10?

Disk Cleanup is a maintenance tool included with Windows. Its main job is simple: scan your selected drive, identify files that can usually be removed safely, and let you choose what to delete. It is especially useful when your main drive is running low on space or when Windows Update has left behind old installation files.

The tool can help remove temporary internet files, downloaded program files, DirectX shader cache, delivery optimization files, thumbnails, temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, and certain Windows system files. When you click “Clean up system files,” Disk Cleanup performs a deeper scan and may show additional categories such as Windows Update Cleanup, device driver packages, and previous Windows installation files.

Think of Disk Cleanup as the broom closet of Windows 10. It is not glamorous, but when things get messy, you will be very happy it exists.

Why You Should Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

Running Disk Cleanup can be helpful for several reasons. First, it frees up storage space, which is especially important if you use a smaller SSD. Many laptops ship with 128GB or 256GB drives, and those can fill quickly with apps, photos, downloads, browser caches, and Windows updates.

Second, Disk Cleanup helps remove temporary files that are no longer useful. These files are created by apps, installers, browsers, and Windows itself. They are supposed to be temporary, but like guests who say they will “only stay for the weekend,” they sometimes never leave.

Third, cleaning up old update files can recover a surprising amount of space. After major Windows updates, your computer may store files that allow you to roll back to an earlier version. That can be helpful for a while, but once your system is stable, those files may no longer be necessary.

Finally, running Disk Cleanup can make your storage easier to manage. It will not magically turn an old computer into a brand-new gaming rig, but it can reduce clutter and help Windows operate with more breathing room.

How to Open Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

There are several ways to open the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 10. Use whichever method feels easiest. They all lead to the same helpful little window.

Method 1: Open Disk Cleanup from the Start Menu

1. Click the Start button.
2. Type Disk Cleanup in the search box.
3. Select Disk Cleanup from the search results.
4. Choose the drive you want to clean, usually C:.
5. Click OK.

Windows will calculate how much space you can free. This may take a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on your drive size and how much clutter has gathered.

Method 2: Open Disk Cleanup from File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click This PC.
3. Right-click your main drive, usually Local Disk (C:).
4. Select Properties.
5. Under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup.

This method is great because it visually reminds you how much space is used and how much remains. If the bar is red, your drive is basically waving a tiny emergency flag.

Method 3: Open Disk Cleanup with the Run Command

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. Type cleanmgr.
3. Press Enter or click OK.
4. Select the drive you want to clean.

This is the quick method for people who enjoy keyboard shortcuts and feeling slightly more technical than everyone else in the room.

Method 4: Open Disk Cleanup from Command Prompt

1. Click Start.
2. Type Command Prompt.
3. Open it normally, or choose Run as administrator for system cleanup options.
4. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.

You can also use command-line switches, such as cleanmgr /d C:, to target a specific drive. Advanced users can use options like /sageset and /sagerun to configure and run cleanup presets, but most home users do not need those unless they want to automate maintenance.

How to Run Disk Cleanup Step by Step

Once Disk Cleanup is open, the process is straightforward. The most important thing is to understand what you are selecting before you click delete.

Step 1: Choose the Drive

If Windows asks which drive you want to clean, choose C: unless you specifically want to clean another drive. The C: drive usually contains Windows, installed programs, user files, temporary files, and system caches.

Step 2: Wait for the Scan

Disk Cleanup will scan the drive and estimate how much space can be recovered. During this time, Windows reviews common cleanup locations. This is normal, so do not panic if the progress bar pauses briefly. It is thinking. Computers like to look dramatic.

Step 3: Review File Categories

After the scan, Disk Cleanup displays a list of file categories with checkboxes. Click each category to see a short description. Some boxes may already be selected. You can add or remove checkmarks depending on what you want deleted.

Step 4: Select Files to Delete

Commonly safe categories include temporary files, thumbnails, DirectX shader cache, temporary internet files, delivery optimization files, and Recycle Bin items. However, be careful with Downloads or previous Windows installation files. The Downloads folder may contain personal files you still need, while previous Windows installation files may be useful if you plan to roll back after an update.

Step 5: Click OK

Once you have chosen the categories, click OK. Windows will ask you to confirm that you want to permanently delete the selected files.

Step 6: Confirm Delete Files

Click Delete Files. Disk Cleanup will begin removing the selected items. You can continue using your computer, but it is best to let the process finish without opening a dozen programs at once. Give your PC a moment. It is taking out the trash.

How to Use “Clean Up System Files”

The regular Disk Cleanup scan is useful, but the Clean up system files button is where the tool becomes more powerful. This option allows Windows to scan for additional system-level files that may be safe to remove.

1. Open Disk Cleanup.
2. Select your drive and click OK.
3. Click Clean up system files.
4. Select the drive again if prompted.
5. Wait while Windows performs a deeper scan.
6. Review the expanded list of file categories.
7. Select what you want to delete.
8. Click OK, then Delete Files.

This scan may reveal large cleanup opportunities, especially after Windows updates. For example, Windows Update Cleanup can sometimes free several gigabytes. On computers that have not been cleaned in months, the results can feel like finding money in a winter coat pocket.

Which Disk Cleanup Files Are Safe to Delete?

Most Disk Cleanup categories are safe, but it is smart to review them. Here are some common options and what they mean.

Temporary Internet Files

These are cached files from web browsing. Deleting them may make some websites load a little slower the next time you visit, but it is generally safe.

Delivery Optimization Files

Windows may store update files used to help deliver updates more efficiently. These files can usually be removed if you need space.

DirectX Shader Cache

This cache helps games and graphics apps load certain visual elements faster. Deleting it is usually safe because Windows and your graphics software can rebuild it.

Thumbnails

Windows creates thumbnails so image and video previews load faster. If you delete them, Windows will recreate thumbnails as needed. Safe, but your folders may look slow for a moment afterward.

Recycle Bin

This permanently removes files sitting in the Recycle Bin. Check the bin first if there is any chance you tossed something important in there by accident. We have all had a “why did I delete that?” moment.

Temporary Files

These are files created by apps and Windows for short-term use. They are usually safe to remove, especially if they are not currently in use.

Windows Update Cleanup

This removes older update files that are no longer needed. It can free a lot of space, but after deleting these files, you may not be able to uninstall certain updates as easily.

Previous Windows Installation Files

These files may appear after a major Windows upgrade. They can take up a large amount of space. Delete them only if your PC is working well and you do not plan to return to the previous Windows version.

What Not to Delete Without Checking First

Disk Cleanup is designed to be safe, but a few categories deserve extra attention. The biggest one is Downloads. Some Windows cleanup screens may include downloaded files, and those may be personal documents, installers, photos, PDFs, or work files. Do not delete Downloads unless you have reviewed the folder first.

You should also think twice before deleting previous Windows installation files immediately after a major update. If your computer is stable after several days or weeks, removing them may be fine. But if you are troubleshooting problems, keep them until you are sure everything works.

Finally, do not use random registry cleaners as a substitute for Disk Cleanup. Removing temporary files is one thing; aggressively “cleaning” the registry with questionable software is another. That road can lead to broken programs and regret, which is the least fun kind of computer maintenance.

Disk Cleanup vs. Storage Sense

Windows 10 also includes Storage Sense, a built-in feature that can automatically free up space. You can find it by going to Start > Settings > System > Storage. From there, you can turn on Storage Sense and configure how often it runs.

Storage Sense can delete temporary files, manage Recycle Bin items, and remove certain files from the Downloads folder depending on your settings. It can also work with OneDrive by making unused local files online-only while keeping them accessible through your cloud account.

So which should you use? Use Disk Cleanup when you want manual control and a detailed checklist. Use Storage Sense when you want Windows to handle routine cleanup automatically. For the best results, use both: run Disk Cleanup when space is tight, and enable Storage Sense for ongoing maintenance.

How Often Should You Run Disk Cleanup?

For most users, running Disk Cleanup once a month is enough. If your computer has a small SSD, you download large files often, or Windows recently installed a major update, you may want to run it more frequently.

A good routine looks like this: check storage once a month, empty the Recycle Bin after reviewing it, run Disk Cleanup, and then review large folders such as Downloads, Videos, and Documents. Disk Cleanup is useful, but it cannot decide whether your 47 duplicate vacation videos are emotionally necessary. That part is between you and your storage drive.

Troubleshooting: What If Disk Cleanup Does Not Free Much Space?

Sometimes Disk Cleanup only recovers a small amount of storage. That does not mean it failed. It may simply mean your space problem is caused by large personal files, installed apps, games, videos, virtual machines, or cloud sync folders.

If Disk Cleanup does not free enough space, go to Settings > System > Storage and review which categories use the most storage. You can also sort apps by size under Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Large games, editing software, and old programs can consume far more space than temporary files.

You can also move photos, videos, and archives to an external drive or cloud storage. If your drive is constantly full, upgrading to a larger SSD may be the most practical long-term solution.

Advanced Tip: Run Disk Cleanup with Cleanmgr Commands

Advanced users can run Disk Cleanup using the cleanmgr command. Open Command Prompt and type:

To target the C: drive directly, you can use:

Windows also supports cleanup presets with commands such as /sageset and /sagerun. For example, cleanmgr /sageset:1 lets you choose cleanup options and save them as preset number 1. Then cleanmgr /sagerun:1 runs that preset. This can be useful for administrators or power users who want repeatable cleanup routines.

If that sounds too technical, do not worry. The normal Disk Cleanup window is perfectly fine for everyday use. You do not need to become a command-line wizard to reclaim storage.

Best Practices Before Running Disk Cleanup

Before deleting anything, close open programs. This helps ensure temporary files are not actively being used. Next, review your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin. If important files are sitting there, move them somewhere safer before cleanup.

It is also wise to make sure your computer is running normally before deleting system update files. If a recent update caused problems, wait before removing rollback-related files. And if you are cleaning a work computer, follow your organization’s IT policies. Nothing ruins a Monday like deleting files your company expected you to keep.

Real-World Experiences with Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

One of the most common experiences with Disk Cleanup is the surprise factor. Many users open it expecting to recover a few hundred megabytes and discover several gigabytes of old update files, temporary files, and thumbnails. The first reaction is usually delight, followed by the slightly uncomfortable question: “How long has that been sitting there?”

On older Windows 10 laptops, Disk Cleanup can be especially helpful after feature updates. A laptop with a 128GB SSD may run perfectly well for everyday browsing, documents, and streaming, but it can become cramped after Windows stores update leftovers. Running Clean up system files after confirming the update is stable can sometimes recover enough room to install apps, download files, or simply stop the low-storage warning from appearing every ten minutes like a needy pop-up goblin.

Another common scenario involves family computers. Someone downloads installers, saves photos to the desktop, lets the Recycle Bin grow into a digital landfill, and then wonders why the computer complains. Disk Cleanup helps with part of this mess, especially temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. However, it also teaches an important lesson: cleanup tools are not magic. If the drive is full of videos, games, and duplicate folders named “New Folder,” “New Folder (2),” and “Actually Important Stuff,” manual organization is still required.

Gamers may notice that Disk Cleanup does not always recover as much space as expected. That is because modern games can be enormous. A single game can use more space than years of thumbnails and temporary files combined. Still, deleting DirectX shader cache and temporary files can help clear small clutter. Just remember that shader cache may rebuild later, so the space savings are sometimes temporary. It is like cleaning the kitchen while someone is still cooking: useful, but not permanent.

Office workers and students often benefit from using Disk Cleanup before major updates or when preparing a computer for travel. If you are about to install software, download class materials, or join a long project, freeing space in advance can prevent annoying interruptions. A little cleanup before a deadline is much better than trying to delete files in a panic while your computer says, “There is not enough disk space,” and your coffee gets cold.

In repair and support situations, Disk Cleanup is often one of the first safe steps to try. It is built into Windows, does not require third-party software, and gives users control over what gets removed. Compared with downloading random “PC booster” tools from the internet, Disk Cleanup is refreshingly boringand boring is excellent when you are deleting system files. Boring means predictable. Predictable means fewer surprises. Fewer surprises means nobody has to say, “Well, that made it worse.”

The best long-term experience comes from combining Disk Cleanup with better habits. Run it monthly, turn on Storage Sense, review Downloads, uninstall programs you no longer use, and move large media files elsewhere. When you treat storage like a closet instead of a bottomless cave, Windows 10 becomes much easier to live with.

Conclusion

Learning how to run the Disk Cleanup tool on Windows 10 is one of the easiest ways to reclaim storage and keep your PC tidy. The process is simple: open Disk Cleanup, choose your drive, review the file categories, select what you want to remove, and confirm deletion. For deeper results, use Clean up system files, especially after Windows updates.

Disk Cleanup is not a cure for every slow computer or full hard drive, but it is a reliable first step. It removes unnecessary files, gives you control, and helps Windows breathe a little easier. Pair it with Storage Sense and smart file management, and your PC will be much less likely to throw dramatic low-storage warnings at the worst possible moment.

In short, Disk Cleanup is the digital equivalent of finally cleaning that one junk drawer. You may not become a new person afterward, but you will definitely feel better.