Cleaning out those junk files can improve speed and performance.
But how do you know what is trash and what is treasure?
Learn how to remove junk files from Windows 10 and keep your hard drive clean without harming your PC.
Malte Mueller / Getty Images
It makes your machine work harder than it needs to.
If you should inadvertently delete a file that you still need, performing System Restore could save you.
Entercontrol panelin theSearchbox and selectControl Panelapp in the search results.
SelectSystem and Securityand then selectSystemif your Control Panel window is inCategoryview.
SelectSystemif your Control Panel window is inIconview.
SelectSystem Protectionin the left pane.
The System Properties window will open.
Make sureProtectionis set toOnfor theSystemdrive.
If not, choose the drive and then selectConfigure.
SelectTurn on system protectionand then selectApply.
SelectCreatenext toCreate a restore point right now for the drives that have system protection turned on.
key in a word or phrase to describe the restore point.
The date and time will be added automatically.
When the process is complete, a message statingThe restore point was created successfullywill appear.
Managing the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin will store deleted files.
If you decide you need one back, it’s easy togo in and restore it.
PressWin+Dor opt for space at the very right end of the taskbar to enter the desktop.
SelectYesto confirm that you want to permanently delete the items.
it’s possible for you to use a Windows 10 setting to automaticallyget rid of temporary filesfor you.
Go toStart>tweaks>System.
SelectStoragein the left pane.
Turn on the toggle switch underStorage.
SelectConfigure Storage Sense or run it now.
UnderTemporary Files, selectDelete temporary files that my apps aren’t using.
Choose a frequency in the drop-down lists underTemporary Files.
These allow you to choose how often Windows will delete temp files in your Recycle Bin and yourDownloadsfolder.
SelectClean Nowif you want to delete these temporary files immediately.
The Disk Cleanup Tool
Disk Cleanup is an integrated tool in Windows.
SelectDisk Cleanupapp to bring up the tool.
snag the drive you want to clean up.
In most cases, this will be Windows (C:), which is the default drive selected.
Wait while Disk Cleanup calculates the amount of space that can be recovered.
snag the checkboxes next to the types of files you want to delete.
Avoid selectingWindows ESD installation filesif they appear in theFiles to deletelist.
These files are required if you should ever need to reset your box to factory default configs.
SelectView Filesif you want to see the files in the category you have selected.
SelectOKto delete the junk files.
SelectDelete Filesto confirm that you want to permanently delete the files.
Disk Cleanup will get rid of the files and close when it has completed.
How Often Should You Remove Junk Files From your box?
