How to Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Is your Windows 10 PC running slower than usual? Or are you getting low storage warnings out of nowhere?
If yes, it might be time to run Disk Cleanup — a built-in tool that helps you delete temporary files, system clutter, and free up valuable space on your computer.

In this step-by-step guide for beginners, we’ll walk you through how to run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10, explain what each cleanup option does, and share expert tips for optimizing performance.

Let’s jump right in.

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🧠 What Is Disk Cleanup in Windows 10?

Disk Cleanup is a free, built-in Windows tool designed to identify and delete unnecessary files that take up space on your hard drive.

These files include:

• Temporary Internet files

• Recycle Bin contents

• System error logs

• Old Windows update files

• Temporary setup files

• Thumbnails and cache data

Think of it as Windows’ version of spring cleaning — it removes digital “dust” that accumulates over time.

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💡 Why Use Disk Cleanup?

Running Disk Cleanup regularly keeps your PC:

• Fast and responsive — by clearing junk files that slow performance.

• Organized — by removing outdated temporary data.

• Stable — by deleting error reports and old Windows update remnants.

• Spacious — freeing up gigabytes of drive space.

⚡ Fun Fact: Many users reclaim 10 GB or more after cleaning up Windows Update and system files!

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🧩 Types of Files Disk Cleanup Removes

Here’s a breakdown of what Disk Cleanup targets — and what each category means:

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🖥️ How to Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10 (Step-by-Step)

There are multiple ways to open and use Disk Cleanup on Windows 10. We’ll cover each method — from the easiest to the most advanced.

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Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup Using the Start Menu

This is the simplest and fastest way to access Disk Cleanup.

Steps:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon at the bottom-left).

2. Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar.

3. Click Disk Cleanup from the results.

4. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).

5. Wait while Windows scans for files you can safely delete.

6. Check the boxes next to the categories you want to remove.

7. Click OK, then confirm with Delete Files.

✅ Done! Disk Cleanup will now delete the selected junk files and free up space.

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Method 2: Run Disk Cleanup via File Explorer

You can also access Disk Cleanup directly from your drive’s properties.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

2. Click This PC on the sidebar.

3. Right-click the C: drive (or another you want to clean).

4. Choose Properties.

5. Under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup.

6. Select the file types to delete and click OK.

💬 Tip: This method also lets you access “Clean up system files” for deeper cleanup (explained below).

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Method 3: Use “Clean Up System Files” for Advanced Cleanup

Want to delete old Windows updates, previous installations, or error dumps?
You’ll need to run Disk Cleanup with administrator privileges.

Steps:

1. Follow the same process as before to open Disk Cleanup.

2. Click Clean up system files at the bottom.

3. Choose the C: drive again.

4. Wait for Windows to calculate more file types.

5. Check options like:

   • Windows Update Cleanup

   • Device Driver Packages

   • Previous Windows Installation(s)

   • System error memory dump files

6. Click OK → Delete Files.

💥 This deep cleanup can free up to 20 GB or more depending on your system history.

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Method 4: Run Disk Cleanup Using Command Prompt (CMD)

If you prefer using commands, this method is for you.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   cleanmgr


3. The Disk Cleanup window will open.

4. Select your drive and proceed as usual.

You can also specify a drive directly:

Or run it automatically for all drives:

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Method 5: Schedule Automatic Disk Cleanup (Hands-Free Method)

Want Windows to run cleanup automatically? You can set it up using Task Scheduler.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.

2. In Task Scheduler, click Create Basic Task.

3. Name it “Disk Cleanup” and click Next.

4. Choose how often to run it (e.g., Weekly).

5. Click Next, then Start a Program.

6. In the “Program/script” box, type:

   cleanmgr.exe


7. Click Finish.

Now Disk Cleanup will run automatically on your set schedule!

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Method 6: Run Disk Cleanup with Storage Sense (Modern Alternative)

Windows 10 also offers a newer tool called Storage Sense — it automates cleanup tasks.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.

2. Toggle Storage Sense to On.

3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

4. Choose how often you want it to run:

   • Every day

   • Every week

   • Every month

   • During low disk space

5. Under Temporary Files, select what to delete automatically (e.g., recycle bin items older than 30 days).

6. Click Clean now to perform immediate cleanup.

🔄 Storage Sense is like Disk Cleanup on autopilot — ideal for beginners.

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🧹 What’s the Difference Between Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense?

Both tools achieve similar results — but Storage Sense is designed for simplicity, while Disk Cleanup gives more control.

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⚙️ Expert Tips for Maximizing Disk Cleanup Results

1. Always run “Clean up system files.”
   This unlocks the biggest space-saving categories.

2. Restart your PC afterward.
   Some files only clear fully after a reboot.

3. Combine Disk Cleanup with third-party tools like CCleaner (optional).
   But be careful — stick to trusted apps.

4. Clear browser caches manually for additional savings.

5. Uninstall unused programs via Control Panel or Settings.

6. Move large personal files (photos, videos, installers) to an external drive or cloud.

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🚫 What Not to Delete in Disk Cleanup

While most options are safe, here’s what to avoid deleting unless necessary:

If unsure, review each option’s description before confirming.

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🧾 Example: How Much Space You Can Free

Here’s a sample cleanup result on a typical Windows 10 machine:

💾 That’s a significant improvement — especially on SSDs where space is limited.

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🧱 Troubleshooting: Disk Cleanup Not Working?

If Disk Cleanup doesn’t open or freezes, try these fixes:

1. Run as Administrator

Right-click Disk Cleanup → Run as administrator.

2. Delete Temporary Files Manually

Go to:

and delete the contents.

3. Use Command-Line Cleanup

Run:

4. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated systems can cause cleanup tools to malfunction.

5. Use Storage Sense as a Backup Option

If Disk Cleanup fails entirely, switch to Storage Sense.

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🧩 Advanced: Automate Deep System Cleanup via Command

Want to perform advanced cleanup automatically?
Use these steps to run Disk Cleanup silently:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin.

2. Enter:

   cleanmgr /sageset:50


   Select cleanup categories you want.

3. Then schedule:

   cleanmgr /sagerun:50


This runs the preset cleanup configuration silently whenever needed.

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🧰 Alternatives to Disk Cleanup

While Disk Cleanup is great, you can also try these tools for deeper cleaning:

⚠️ Always download third-party cleaners from their official websites to avoid malware.

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🧭 When Should You Run Disk Cleanup?

For best performance, run Disk Cleanup:

• Once a month for light users

• Every 2 weeks for heavy users

• Immediately after Windows updates

• Before installing large applications

This routine ensures your PC stays optimized without unnecessary clutter.

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🧠 Pro Tip: Combine Disk Cleanup with Disk Defragmenter

After cleaning up, run the Defragment and Optimize Drives tool to rearrange file data efficiently.

Steps:

1. Type defragment in the Start search bar.

2. Click Defragment and Optimize Drives.

3. Select your drive → Click Optimize.

This boosts speed and reduces file loading time, especially on HDDs.

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✅ Conclusion: Keep Your Windows 10 PC Clean and Fast

Running Disk Cleanup on Windows 10 is one of the easiest ways to free up space, improve performance, and maintain your PC’s health — no technical skills required.

Whether you prefer the classic Disk Cleanup tool or the modern Storage Sense, regular maintenance prevents sluggish performance and low storage warnings.

Just remember:

• Run “Clean up system files” for maximum space savings

• Avoid deleting essential items unless you’re sure

• Schedule automatic cleanups for a hassle-free experience

Your PC will thank you with faster boots, smoother performance, and extra storage for what matters most.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• Disk Cleanup is a free Windows tool that removes unnecessary files.

• Use “Clean up system files” for advanced cleanup.

• Combine with Storage Sense for automatic maintenance.

• Run cleanup monthly for best results.

• Avoid deleting critical files like Previous Windows Installations if you plan to roll back updates.

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❓FAQs About Running Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

1. Is it safe to use Disk Cleanup?

Yes. Disk Cleanup is completely safe and built into Windows. Just review options before deleting.

2. Can Disk Cleanup delete personal files?

No. It only removes temporary and system-generated files, not documents, photos, or videos.

3. How often should I run Disk Cleanup?

Running it once a month (or weekly if you install many apps) is ideal.

4. Why can’t I delete some files with Disk Cleanup?

Some files require admin access or a system restart. Run as administrator and try again.

5. Is Disk Cleanup being replaced by Storage Sense?

Yes — gradually. But both still work well, and you can use either depending on your preference.