Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 10

1. 1Click the Start button, type "Disk Cleanup", and open the app.
2. 2Choose the drive to clean and click OK.
3. 3Wait for the scan, then select the file categories to remove.
4. 4Click "Clean up system files" to unlock Windows Update Cleanup and Previous Windows installation(s).
5. 5Click OK and confirm with Delete Files.

Windows 10-specific categories

• Windows Upgrade Log Files — leftovers from feature update installs.
• Windows Defender Antivirus — old scan and definition leftovers.
• Delivery Optimization Files — cached update chunks used for peer sharing.
• Recycle Bin and Temporary Internet Files — same as prior Windows versions.

Legacy Windows 7 steps

On Windows 7, Disk Cleanup is accessed via Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup, or by running cleanmgr from the Run dialog. The interface is nearly identical: pick a drive, let it scan, check categories, and optionally click "Clean up system files" to include System Restore and Shadow Copy cleanup, which is more prominent in Windows 7's dialog than in Windows 10/11.

Combine with Storage Sense

Windows 10 (version 1809 and later) includes Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage. It automates much of what Disk Cleanup does manually, including clearing temporary files and emptying the Recycle Bin on a schedule.

Troubleshooting

If the scan hangs or Disk Cleanup reports errors, run System File Checker and DISM to repair the OS image, and check the drive itself with chkdsk if you suspect bad sectors.