How to Clean Junk Files on Your Windows 10 Laptop, Guaranteed to Work!

 

Is your Windows 10 laptop feeling slow? Don't be surprised if junk files are the main culprit! As we use our laptops, they automatically collect various unused files like browser cache, temporary files, error reports, and remnants of uninstalled programs. This pile of junk can hog your storage space and slow down your system's performance.

The good news is that cleaning junk files on Windows 10 is easy, safe, and doesn't require complicated third-party software. This article will guide you step-by-step to thoroughly clean your laptop, making it responsive again, just like new!

Why Is Cleaning Junk Files Important?

Regularly cleaning junk files offers several key benefits:

• Boosts Laptop Speed: By reducing the load on your hard drive, the operating system can run more efficiently.
• Frees Up Storage Space: It reclaims space taken by unimportant files, giving you more room for the files and applications you truly need.
• Prevents System Errors: Some corrupted junk files can cause system errors or crashes.
• Extends SSD/HDD Lifespan: It reduces the workload on your storage drive.

Ways to Clean Junk Files on Windows 10

Here are several effective methods to clean junk files from your Windows 10 laptop:

1. Using Disk Cleanup

This is a built-in Windows tool that's commonly used and very effective.

1. Search for Disk Cleanup: Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Windows search bar (next to the Start button) and select the "Disk Cleanup" app that appears.
2. Choose a Drive: A small window will pop up. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C: for your operating system), then click OK.
3. Scan for Junk Files: Disk Cleanup will scan your drive for files that can be deleted. This process might take a few moments.
4. Select Files to Delete: After the scan is complete, a list of file categories with their sizes will appear.
   • Check the box next to each file category you want to delete (e.g., Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, Temporary files, Delivery Optimization Files, etc.).
   • Important: Carefully review the description of each category if you're unsure. Generally, files in this list are safe to delete.
5. Clean Up System Files (Optional, Recommended): For a deeper clean, click the "Clean up system files" button in the bottom-left of the window. This will scan for more system files that can be removed, such as old Windows updates. Repeat steps 2-4 after this.
6. Confirm Deletion: Click OK, then confirm "Delete Files" when prompted.

2. Cleaning Temporary Files via Windows Settings

Windows 10 has a newer settings menu for cleaning temporary files.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button, then select the Settings icon (gear).
2. Select System: Click "System."
3. Select Storage: In the left panel, click "Storage."
4. View Temporary Files: Under the "Local Disk (C:)" section, click "Temporary files." Windows will calculate the temporary files that can be deleted.
5. Select and Remove: Check the categories of files you want to delete (make sure you understand what you're deleting). Then, click the "Remove files" button.

3. Enabling Storage Sense

Storage Sense is an automatic feature in Windows 10 that can periodically clean junk files.

1. Open Storage Settings: Follow steps 1-3 from the previous method (Settings > System > Storage).
2. Turn On Storage Sense: Toggle the switch under "Storage Sense" to "On."
3. Configure Storage Sense: Click "Configure Storage Sense or run it now" to set up a cleaning schedule and the types of files to be automatically deleted (e.g., files in the Recycle Bin after 30 days, or files in the Downloads folder after 1 day).

4. Emptying the Recycle Bin

This might sound trivial, but many people forget to do it!

1. Locate the Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin icon is usually on your desktop.
2. Open and Empty: Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon, then select "Empty Recycle Bin." Confirm when prompted.

5. Clearing Browser Cache

Every browser stores a cache to speed up loading frequently visited pages, but an accumulated cache can become junk.

• Google Chrome: Click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner > More tools > Clear Browse data... Choose a time range and check "Cached images and files."
• Mozilla Firefox: Click the three-line icon in the top-right corner > Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" section and click "Clear Data...". Check "Cached Web Content."
• Microsoft Edge: Click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner > Settings > Privacy, search, and services. Under "Clear Browse data," click "Choose what to clear." Check "Cached images and files."

Additional Tips for a Clean and Fast Windows 10 Laptop

• Uninstall Unused Applications: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and uninstall programs you no longer need.
• Manage Startup Programs: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the "Startup" tab, and disable programs that don't need to run automatically when your laptop starts.
• Restart Your Laptop Regularly: Simply restarting your laptop once a week can help clear RAM and refresh the system.
• Maintain Physical Cleanliness: Occasionally, clean dust from your laptop's vents. Dust can cause overheating and performance degradation.

Time to Feel the Difference!

Cleaning junk files on your Windows 10 laptop is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your device performing optimally. By following the steps above regularly, you'll experience a faster, more responsive laptop with more free storage space.

Follow our complete guide now and enjoy a clean and fast Windows 10 laptop! How much space did you manage to free up? Share your experience in the comments section!