How can I do a disk cleanup on Windows 11?

To clean up a disk on Windows 11, you need to delete the system & app caches, clean up the temp files and delete large files not being used. This is a very time consuming task if you chose to do this manually. However, it could be an easy task when using a dedicated PC cleaning software. 

A good example: https://www.bincodelab.com/clean-up-disk-on-windows

If your computer is running low on disk space. You might want to give BleachBit a try, It's not just about disk cleanup Windows 11.  BleachBit is a free, open-source system cleaning tool similar to Disk Cleanup but with more advanced features. It can clean a wide range of files, including temporary files, cache, logs, and even some application-specific data, helping to free up more space and maintain privacy.

Using BleachBit with Windows 11:

Advantages: It can deeply clean your system, delete unnecessary files from browsers, apps, and system caches more thoroughly than the default Disk Cleanup.

Caution: Because BleachBit can delete a lot of data, including some that might be important for troubleshooting or recovery, it's important to use it carefully. Always review what it plans to delete.

How to use BleachBit:
1. Download from the official website (make sure to get it from a trusted source).

2. Install and run BleachBit.

3. Select the types of files you want to delete (browser caches, system logs, temporary files, etc.).

4. Preview the files to see what will be removed.

5. Click Clean to delete the selected files.

This can serve as an alternative solution to Disk Cleanup Windows 11.

What NOT to delete (Keep these UNCHECKED)

❌ Windows ESD installation files

❌ Anything with "system" in the name unless you're certain

❌ Program files folders manually

❌ Windows folder contents directly

For Your 256GB SSD Specifically:

1. Disable Hibernation (if you don't use it):

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Type: powercfg.exe /hibernate off

This can free 4-8GB (size of your RAM)

2. Move files to external storage:

Videos, photos, old documents

Use OneDrive/Google Drive for cloud storage

3. Reduce System Restore space:

Search "Create a restore point"

Click Configure → Reduce max usage to 5-10%

Clearing your browser cache manually is a good practice to free up some disk space, especially if you notice your browsers storing a lot of cached data over time. However, this usually only frees up a small amount of space compared to system-wide cleanup methods like Disk Cleanup Windows 11 or uninstalling unused apps.

Should You Do It When Doing Disk Cleanup Windows 11?

Optional but beneficial: Clearing browser cache is quick and can help improve browser performance or resolve loading issues.

Space-saving: If your browser cache has grown large, it can free up some disk space.

How to Clear Browser Cache Manually:

Check Large Files:

1. In Settings → System → Storage

2. Click "Show more categories"

3. Review "Apps & features" - uninstall unused programs

4. Check "Other" for large personal files you might not need

Using Storage Sense is a great complementary step when doing a disk cleanup Windows 11. It automates the process of freeing up space by deleting unnecessary files regularly, so you don’t have to do manual cleanup as often.

How Storage Sense Works:

* It automatically deletes temporary files, items in the Recycle Bin, and files in the Downloads folder after a specified period.
* You can customize its settings to suit your needs.

Should You Use Storage Sense When Doing Disk Cleanup Windows 11?

Yes! Running Storage Sense can help keep your drive clean in the background after you've done a manual cleanup.
Best Practice: Enable Storage Sense before or after your manual cleanup to maintain ongoing free space.

Uninstalling unused apps is an excellent way to free up additional space and improve your PC’s performance. It's often recommended to do this before or in addition to running Disk Cleanup on Windows 11 because it removes entire programs, which can free up more space than just deleting temporary files.

How to Uninstall Unused Apps on Windows 11:

1. Open Settings:
Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
Click on Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I to open Settings directly.

2. Navigate to Apps:
In the Settings window, select Apps from the sidebar.
Click on Installed apps.

3. Review and Uninstall:
You'll see a list of all installed apps.
Scroll through or use the search box to find apps you no longer need.
Click on an app, then select Uninstall.
Confirm any prompts to remove the app.

Once again, I would like to emphasize: It's often recommended to do this before or in addition to running Disk Cleanup on Windows 11 because it removes entire programs,

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to perform a safe and complete disk cleanup on Windows 11. This will help you free up space without deleting anything important.

Step 1: Open Disk Cleanup on Windows 11
    Click on the Start button (Windows icon) or press the Windows key.
    Type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar.
    Select "Disk Cleanup" from the search results.

Step 2: Choose the Drive to Clean
    In the Disk Cleanup window, select your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.

Step 3: Scan for Files to Delete
    The tool will calculate how much space you can free up. Once the scan completes, you'll see a list of file types.

Step 4: Select Files to Delete
    Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete. Common safe options include:
        Temporary files
        Recycle Bin (make sure you're okay with permanently deleting files in there)
        Thumbnails
        Previous Windows installations (if available and you’re sure you don’t want to revert to an older version)

Important: Do not check "Downloads" or other personal folders unless you are sure you want to delete those files.

Step 5: Use "Clean Up System Files" 
    Click the "Clean up system files" button.
    Confirm the drive (usually C:) and wait for the scan.
    You'll see additional options, including "Previous Windows installation(s)" and "Windows Update Cleanup".
    Check these options if you’re sure you don’t need to revert or roll back updates.

Step 6: Confirm and Delete
    After selecting all desired options, click OK.
    Click "Delete Files" in the confirmation prompt.
    The cleanup process will start, and it may take a few minutes.