Disk CleanUp is a utility that comes pre-installed with Windows. It allows users to identify temporary files on their PC and safely delete them. Running Disk CleanUp regularly not only frees up your storage but also improves the overall performance and responsiveness of your system.
How to Use Disk CleanUp in Windows 11?
There are multiple ways to clean up your storage with Disk CleanUp in Windows 11. Here’s the process:
Method 1: Using the File Explorer
- Click on the File Explorer icon on your Taskbar.
- Select This PC from the left-side panel.
- Right-click on your system drive (typically, drive C:\)
- Select Properties.
- Click on Details in the General tab.
- Windows will launch the Settings page with a detailed list of your storage usage information.
- Click on Temporary Files to explore the list of temporary files taking up your storage space.
- Select the temporary files you want to remove, and then click on the Remove Files button.
Method 2: Using the Settings Page
- Click on the Start button.
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Click on the System tab on the left.
- Click on Storage.
- In the Temporary Files section, you will be able to view the amount of storage occupied and available on your disk.
- Click on the Temporary Files section, and you will be able to view a list of all temporary files (such as Temporary Internet files, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Thumbnails, Delivery Optimization Files, DirectX Shader Cache, Windows Error Reports, and Feedback Diagnostics).
- Select the temporary files you want to clean, and then click on Remove Files.
Finding & Deleting Duplicate Files in Windows 11
While Disk CleanUp finds numerous temporary file types, it doesn’t support finding duplicate files. Duplicate files are identical versions of your documents, music, videos, and photos that you may not need. Deleting such duplicates will not only free up your storage but also make it easier to organize your files.
Using Clone Files Checker
Clone Files Checker is a smart and simple application that supports scanning different sorts of duplicates, no matter their names and locations.
CFC supports File Search, Music Search, iTunes Search, Cloud Search (using a dedicated Web-based cloud de-duplicator), and much more. Furthermore, it makes it easier to select your duplicates using predefined file selection patterns so that you don’t have to manually check or uncheck them. You can also view your scan history from the History tab, and restore any deleted files, in the event you need them again.
Steps:
- Download Clone Files Checker.
- Click on the System Scan section.
- Set the Scan Mode to File Search.
- In the Select Drive/ Folder, click on the Add button.
- Browse and locate the drive or folder you want to scan for duplicate files. Click on Open.
- Repeat the same process to add other drives or folders.
- Select All Files in the Search Options if you wish to scan for all duplicates, irrespective of their types. If you wish to scan only a specific set of file types, go with the Custom option and tick the individual file types.
- Click on the Start Search button and the scan will take place.
- Once the scan concludes, click on the Review & Fix button.
- Click on the Select Duplicates button, and choose a pattern of your choice.
- Click on the Select Action button, and choose whether you wish to delete the files permanently or move them to a new folder of your choice.
Drawbacks:
- By enabling the Backup feature, you compromise on your disk space. CFC creates archives of your files before deleting them. These compressed files may take some part of your storage space. (By default, this feature is disabled)
- Internet connectivity is required for the Cloud Search feature.
Tips & Tricks to Reduce the Problem of Duplication
Running a CFC scan for a single time may free up considerable storage space. However, it may not help in future occurrences. File duplication is an ongoing problem. You will need to run periodic scans and implement a more robust maintenance routine.
Here are some tips to reduce the problem of data duplication:
- Regularly delete duplicate files from your hard disk, external hard disk, and USB stick
- Create a simple folder structure to store your files in an organized manner
- Check for identical photos and files before copying them from your phone, and USB stick
- Before you download files from the Internet, make sure they don’t already exist on your hard disk. You can do so using a simple search.
- Regularly check duplicates-prone folders (such as your Downloads folder)
- Make sure your File Backup software doesn’t back up contents from obsolete and unnecessary folders
- Regularly empty your Recycle Bin
Conclusion
Windows 11 makes it easier to clean temporary files on your hard disk and make room for new files. Disk CleanUp is a feature-rich tool that supports deleting various types of temporary files. However, it lacks a duplicate files finder feature. You will need a dedicated application, such as Clone Files Checker, to free up significant storage space.
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