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How Do I Delete Junk Files in Windows 10?

Published in Windows Cleanup 6 mins read

Deleting junk files in Windows 10 is crucial for maintaining system performance and freeing up valuable storage space. Windows offers several built-in tools to help you identify and remove these unnecessary files efficiently.

Using Disk Cleanup for Thorough Removal

Windows' Disk Cleanup tool is a powerful utility for finding and removing various types of temporary and non-essential files. It can significantly free up space by targeting system files often overlooked.

Standard Disk Cleanup Process

This method helps you clear common junk files from your user profile.

  1. Search for Disk Cleanup: Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Windows search bar and select the app from the results.
  2. Select Drive: Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C: for your main system drive) and click OK.
  3. Scan for Files: Disk Cleanup will scan your drive for files that can be safely removed.
  4. Review and Select Files: A list of file types will appear. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete. Common categories include:
    • Temporary Internet Files: Cached website data.
    • Temporary Files: Files created by applications that are no longer needed.
    • Recycle Bin: Files you've deleted but haven't permanently removed.
    • Delivery Optimization Files: Files used to share Windows updates with other PCs.
    • Thumbnails: Cached images for file previews.
  5. Initiate Cleanup: Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm.

Cleaning Up System Files (More Advanced)

To free up even more space by deleting system-related junk, you need to run Disk Cleanup as an administrator. This option targets files like old Windows Update logs, previous Windows installations, and more.

  1. Access System Files: In the main Disk Cleanup window (after selecting your drive), click the Clean up system files button.
  2. Select Drive Again: Choose your system drive (C:) again and click OK. Disk Cleanup will rescan for system-level files.
  3. Identify System Junk: New categories will appear, such as:
    • Windows Update Cleanup: Old files from Windows updates.
    • Previous Windows installation(s): Files from an older version of Windows if you've recently upgraded.
    • Windows Defender Antivirus: Temporary files used by Windows Defender.
    • DirectX Shader Cache: Shader files used by games and applications.
  4. Clean Up System Restore and Shadow Copies: This step can free up a substantial amount of space by removing older system restore points.
    • Navigate to the More Options tab in the Disk Cleanup window.
    • Under the System Restore and Shadow Copies section, click the Clean Up button.
    • Confirm by clicking Delete when prompted. Be aware that this will delete all but the most recent system restore point, making it harder to revert to an earlier state if issues arise.
  5. Finalize Cleanup: Select the system files you wish to delete, then click OK and Delete Files to confirm.

Automating Cleanup with Storage Sense

Windows 10's Storage Sense is a "set it and forget it" feature that automatically frees up space by deleting unnecessary files when your disk space is low or on a schedule.

Enabling and Configuring Storage Sense

  1. Open Settings: Go to Start Menu > Settings (the gear icon), or press Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to Storage: Select System, then click Storage in the left-hand menu.
  3. Turn On Storage Sense: Toggle the Storage Sense switch to On.
  4. Configure Automation: Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to customize its behavior:
    • Run Storage Sense: Choose how often it runs (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or "When disk space is low").
    • Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using: Keep this checked.
    • Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over: Set a duration (e.g., 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days).
    • Delete files in my Downloads folder if they have been there for over: You can choose to automatically delete old files from your Downloads folder, but use caution here as you might have important files.
  5. Run Now (Optional): Click Clean now at the bottom to immediately run Storage Sense with your current settings.

Managing Temporary Files Manually

You can also directly manage and delete various temporary files through Windows Settings.

Deleting Temporary Files via Settings

  1. Open Settings: Go to Start Menu > Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Storage: Select System, then Storage.
  3. Access Temporary Files: Under the "Local Disk (C:)" section, click on Temporary files.
  4. Review File Categories: Windows will scan and present a list of temporary file categories, similar to Disk Cleanup but with a more modern interface. These can include:
    • Downloads folder: (Be cautious when clearing this, as it may contain files you need).
    • Windows Update Cleanup
    • Delivery Optimization Files
    • DirectX Shader Cache
    • Temporary files
    • Thumbnails
    • Recycle Bin
  5. Select and Remove: Check the boxes next to the file types you want to remove, then click Remove files.

Other Effective Methods to Free Up Space

Beyond dedicated cleanup tools, other practices can help reduce digital clutter.

Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Software you no longer use consumes significant disk space and can even run background processes.

  1. Open Apps & Features: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Sort and Filter: You can sort apps by size or installation date to identify large or old programs.
  3. Uninstall: Click on the application you wish to remove, then select Uninstall. Follow any on-screen prompts.
    • Tip: If an app won't uninstall from Settings, try using the "Programs and Features" control panel (Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features) or a third-party uninstaller.

Clearing Browser Cache and Data

Web browsers store temporary files (cache, cookies, history) to speed up browsing, but these can accumulate over time.

  • Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.

Emptying the Recycle Bin

This simple step is often overlooked. Files deleted via your file explorer are moved to the Recycle Bin and continue to take up space until permanently removed.

  1. Locate Recycle Bin: Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
  2. Empty It: Right-click on the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin. Confirm when prompted.

Regular Maintenance Tips

  • Schedule Cleanups: Use Storage Sense for automated regular cleaning.
  • Be Selective with Downloads: Only download what you truly need and delete installer files after use.
  • Cloud Storage: Utilize services like OneDrive or Google Drive for less frequently accessed large files to free up local disk space.
  • Check Drive Usage: Periodically review Settings > System > Storage to understand what's consuming the most space on your drives.

By regularly using these methods, you can keep your Windows 10 system clean, responsive, and free from unnecessary junk files.

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