How To Perform A Disk Cleanup (Windows 11)

Requirements:

• A Windows 11 computer
• Local administrative rights
• Internet connection (optional)

Procedure:

Step 1: Open Disk Cleanup

Click on the Start button or press the key. Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar. Click on the Disk Cleanup app from the search results.

Step 2: Select Drive

• When prompted, select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).

• Click OK.

Step 3: Select Files to Delete

• Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free.

• In the list of file types to delete, check the boxes for unnecessary files like: 
  • Temporary Internet Files
  • System created Windows Error Reporting
  • Recycle Bin
  • Temporary files

• Click OK.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

• A prompt will ask if you're sure you want to permanently delete these files.

• Click Delete Files.

Step 5 (Optional): Clean Up System Files

• In the Disk Cleanup window, click “Clean up system files”.

• Re-select the drive if prompted.

• Repeat steps 3 and 4.
  This will include more system-level files like:

• Windows Update Cleanup

• Device driver packages

Post-Cleanup Validation

• Ensure that the system is running smoothly.

• Check Storage settings under Settings > System > Storage to verify free space increase.

Notes & Cautions

• Do not select “Downloads” if you haven’t backed up files in that folder.

• Avoid cleaning files needed by recent Windows updates unless you're certain.