Over time, Microsoft Windows computers often accumulate a large number of temporary files, reducing the amount of available storage space. Most of these temporary files are created by Windows but are no longer needed. Other files are cache files, which help the computer run more efficiently. However, when the cache becomes very large, it can have a negative impact. Removing these temporary and cache files not only frees up disk space but can also improve your computer’s performance by reducing the number of files it needs to manage.
How to check how much space is in use
Via the settings page:
- Open the Settings page, use shortcut key: Windows Key + I.
- Navigate to System > Storage.
The computer will then scan the drives and categorise which files are taking up the most storage space.
Using File Explorer:
- or use Windows Search bar, and type This PC
- select This PC from the search list
You should see all available drives with a bar graph showing how much space is used on each.
How to quickly recover free disk space…
- Use Windows Search bar, and type ‘Clean’
- Select Disk Cleanup
- Select the drive, normally C:
- Click on Clean up system files button, and the drive again.
It may then take a few seconds or minutes to scan the drive. - It will then list all the category of files it’s able to safely delete.
Select all the categories of files, then click OK.
Using PC Manager to recover free disk space…
Microsoft has created an app to help clean-up disk space called PC Manager.
- If it’s not already installed, you can download it from the Microsoft apps website from here:
apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pm860492szd - If already installed, type PC Manager in the windows search bar, and select the PC Manager app.
- The app should open in the right corner of the screen, once open, click Boost button to free up disk space.
- Also click the Deep cleanup button to find more files that can be removed.
- Most options can be selected in the deep cleanup, but recommend not removing the browser Session, as removing the session will log you out of any websites you have been using.
ABN: 58 196 482 040