Forum Discussion
What is the best way to remove junk files on windows 10?
Hello, I'm not very experienced with this and could use some community advice. My Windows 10 PC is running slow and I'm told cleaning junk files might help. I'm nervous about using random PC cleaner software from the web.
Could you please point me to the best and safest way to remove junk files on windows 10? In fact, I feel overwhelmed by the number of junk file cleaner and methods I see online. I'm looking for the safest and most effective way to remove temporary and junk files, cache, and other clutter without harming Windows 10 OS.
7 Replies
- NakioncomIron Contributor
Before removing junk files Windows 10. Please make sure to check what you're deleting, and consider using the "Safety" feature in Storage settings to only delete items that are known to be unnecessary.
- QuinnBaileyIron Contributor
About removing junk files Windows 10. Windows10Debloater is a popular PowerShell script designed primarily for Windows 10 to help users remove bloatware, unnecessary apps, and some telemetry components to improve performance and privacy. Although it was originally created for Windows 10, many users also run it on Windows 11 with similar results, but caution is advised since Windows 11 has different system components and updates.
How to Use Windows10Debloater
1. Visit the GitHub repository for the latest version.
2. Download the Windows10Debloater.ps1 script.
3. Right-click the script file, choose Run with PowerShell (make sure PowerShell is set to allow script execution).
4. Choose Your Options
The script offers options for:
Bloatware removal
Telemetry disablement
Optional components removal
Follow prompts or customize commands as needed.Final Advice
Always create a full system restore point before running debloating scripts, as they modify system components. Some apps or features you might want could be removed or disabled. Review the script options or customize as needed.
While it helps remove junk files Windows 10, it’s not specifically a junk file cleaner like Storage Sense. It focuses on system apps and telemetry.
- MasonHayesIron Contributor
Using Storage Settings for more control is a great, free, and safe way to manage and remove junk files on Windows 10. It provides a user-friendly interface and allows you to customize what gets cleaned, giving you more control over the process without risking your system.
How to Use Storage Settings for Removing Junk Files Windows 10
- Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app. - Navigate to Storage Settings
Click on System.
Select Storage from the left sidebar. - Enable Storage Sense (Optional but recommended for automation)
Toggle Storage Sense to On.
Click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now for more options. - Configure Storage Sense
Here, you can set how often Storage Sense runs:
Never
During low free disk space
Daily, Weekly, Monthly
You can also specify what files to delete automatically:
Temporary files
Files in Recycle Bin
Files in Downloads folder (if you choose) - Run Storage Sense Manually
Scroll down and click Run Storage Sense now.
Windows will scan and clean temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads folder based on your settings.
- Open Settings
- PatrickRossIron Contributor
Using the Windows Disk Cleanup Tool is an effective and free way to remove junk files on Windows 10 system. Here's how you can do it:
1. Open Disk Cleanup:
Press the Windows key and type "Disk Cleanup".
Select Disk Cleanup from the search results.2. Choose the Drive:
If prompted, select the drive you want to clean (usually C: drive) and click OK.3. Select Files to Delete:
Disk Cleanup will scan your drive and present a list of file types you can delete, such as:
Temporary files
System cache
Recycle Bin
Thumbnails
Previous Windows installations (if applicable)4. Clean Up System Files (Optional):
For more cleaning options, click "Clean up system files".
You may need administrator rights.
The tool will scan again to include system files and previous Windows updates.5. Confirm and Delete:
Before removing junk files Windows 10. Check the boxes next to the file types you want to remove.
Click OK, then confirm by clicking Delete Files. - DifayaIron Contributor
Windows provides several built-in command-line utilities that offer granular control over Windows 10 junk file removal, often more thorough than GUI tools. This method is ideal for technical users, automation, or troubleshooting scenarios where graphical interfaces are unavailable.
1. Disk Cleanup Utility (cleanmgr)
cleanmgr /sageset:65535 & cleanmgr /sagerun:65535This two-step command:
First, opens the configuration dialog to select ALL possible cleaning options (including hidden ones)
Then executes the cleanup with those settings to delete or remove junk files from Windows 10.
2. Manual Temp File Deletion
:: Clear user temp folders rd /s /q %temp% 2>nul md %temp% :: Clear system temp folder cd /d C:\Windows\Temp del /q /f /s *.* 2>nul :: Clear prefetch (carefully - can slow initial app loads) cd /d C:\Windows\Prefetch del /q /f /s *.* 2>nul3. Remove Outdated Update Components with DISM
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanupCommand-line tools provide the most direct and scriptable approach to junk file removal on Windows 10, with cleanmgr and DISM being the core Microsoft-recommended utilities. While offering powerful options, they require cautious use, particularly with manual file deletion. For most users, combining cleanmgr with occasional DISM /StartComponentCleanup strikes the optimal balance between effectiveness and safety, potentially freeing gigabytes of space while maintaining system stability.
- MaverickJaxonIron Contributor
BleachBit, a free, open-source disk cleaning and privacy tool for Windows 10 that efficiently removes junk files, such as system caches, temporary files, browser history, and leftover application data that accumulate over time, helping to reclaim storage space, enhance system performance, and protect your privacy by securely deleting sensitive traces.
How to safely remove junk files on windows 10
Step 1: Launch BleachBit as an administrator (right-click the icon and select "Run as administrator") to ensure it can clean system-level files. Before proceeding, close all other applications, especially web browsers, to prevent file-locking issues. Consider creating a system restore point via Windows as a safety net.
Step 2: The main interface displays a categorized list of cleanable items (e.g., Windows system files, applications like browsers, and multimedia software). Review each category:
System: Check "Temporary files," "Memory dumps," "Windows logs," and "Recycle Bin."
Applications: Select browsers (e.g., Chrome cache, Firefox cookies) or software you use.
Tip: Hover over items to see descriptions; avoid unfamiliar entries to prevent unintended data loss.
Step 3: Click "Preview" to scan and list files that will be deleted. Review the list to ensure no important data is included.
Step 4: After previewing, click "Clean" to start the process. A confirmation dialog will appear—select "Delete" to proceed. BleachBit will show real-time progress and a summary of freed space. For thorough privacy, use "File" > "Shred Free Space" to overwrite deleted data remnants, though this is time-intensive and optional for typical junk removal.
BleachBit provides a powerful, user-friendly solution for removing Windows 10 junk files by allowing selective cleaning of system and application clutter. Key steps involve careful item selection, previewing deletions, and running the tool with administrative privileges
- CalebStoneSilver Contributor
Junk files are unnecessary digital debris that accumulates on your Windows 10 system through normal use. You need to remove junks files from Windows 10 to make the computer running faster. Types of junk files and where they come from on Windows 10.
System Generated Temporary Files
- Temporary installation files (.tmp files) - Left behind by Windows updates and software installers
- Error logs and crash reports - Generated when programs fail
- Memory dumps - Created during system crashes
- Windows Update cache - Old update files that remain after installation
Application Junk
- Temporary program files - Created when apps run
- Uninstalled program leftovers - Registry entries, folders, settings
- Log files - Activity records from various applications
Windows OS Specific Junk
- Windows.old folder - Your previous Windows installation (after upgrades)
- Delivery Optimization files - Windows Update files shared with other PCs
- System restore points (old ones) - Except the most recent ones
Junk files are mostly harmless but wasteful. They don't typically cause system crashes, but they do:
- Consume valuable SSD/disk space
- Slow down maintenance tasks (like defragmenting or virus scanning)
- Make file organization harder
- Potentially expose privacy (through cached browser data)
Regular cleanup of junk files in Windows 10 (once a month) is recommended, but aggressive daily cleaning is unnecessary and can sometimes cause problems if you delete something important.
Simple rule: If you don't know what a file is, don't delete it. Use trusted cleanup tools instead of manual deletion when possible.