How Do I Clean up My PC on Windows 11?

When performing a clean up PC Windows 11, it's important to avoid certain errors that could cause system issues or data loss.

What NOT to Do If Clean UP PC Windows 11

❌ Don't use registry cleaners (they can break Windows).

❌ Don't download "PC booster" or "cleaner" software (they're often bloatware).

❌ Don't delete files from system folders (like Windows, Program Files).

❌ Don't disable Windows services unless you know what they do.

No matter which tool or method you choose to clean up PC Windows 11. With your specs (12th Gen i5, 8GB RAM, SSD), Windows 11 should run very smoothly after this cleanup. The 25H2 update may have left temporary files or reset some settings—this guide addresses those issues safely.

If slowness continues, consider checking:

• Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates (install any driver updates listed).
• Your SSD health (Type "Defragment and Optimize Drives" in Start, select your SSD, and click Optimize—this is safe for SSDs).

You've got this! Take it one step at a time—each section takes just a few minutes.

Checking what’s using resources on your PC is an important step in a free cleanup Windows 11 process. It helps you identify which programs or processes are consuming a lot of CPU, memory, or disk resources, so you can decide what to close or optimize.

Over time, some applications or background processes can become resource hogs, slowing down your system. By monitoring these, you can free up valuable resources, improve performance, and prevent your PC from becoming sluggish.

Additional Safe Options of Clean UP Windows 11

A. Reset Microsoft Edge (if you use it):

    Edge → Settings → Reset settings.

B. Clear Clipboard History:

   Settings → System → Clipboard → Clear clipboard data.

C. Run System File Checker (Safe):

   Type Command Prompt in Start, right-click it, and Run as administrator.

   Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

   Let it complete. It fixes corrupted Windows files.

Certainly! If you're planning to clean up Windows 11 PC for better performance, applying some performance tweaks can be very beneficial. Your system, with 8GB of RAM, an Intel i5 12th Gen processor, and a 512GB SSD, is quite capable, but over time, unnecessary files, background processes, and visual effects can slow it down.

What Are Performance Tweaks?
Performance tweaks are small adjustments or changes you make to your Windows settings and system habits to improve speed, responsiveness, and overall efficiency. These tweaks can include disabling unnecessary startup programs, cleaning temporary files, adjusting visual effects, and optimizing power settings.

How to Clean UP Windows 11 PC via Performance Tweaks Effectively

1. Disable unneeded startup programs: Prevent programs from launching automatically, saving memory and CPU resources.
2. Clean out junk files: Use tools like Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary temporary files and free up storage.
3. Adjust visual effects: Simplify Windows appearance by turning off animations and transparency effects to reduce resource usage.
4. Optimize power plans: Set your power settings to prioritize performance, especially if you're using the PC for demanding tasks.
5. Keep everything updated: Ensure Windows and device drivers are current to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

Managing startup programs is an important step to improve your Windows 11 PC's performance and speed up boot times. Here’s how you can do it:

How to Manage Startup Programs on Windows 11

1. Open Task Manager:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup Tab:
In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab. If you don’t see it, click More details at the bottom.
3. Review Startup Programs:
You’ll see a list of programs that run when your PC starts.
Check the Status column; programs with Enabled start automatically.
4. Disable Unnecessary Programs:
Right-click on programs that you don’t need to start automatically.
Select Disable.
This prevents them from launching at startup, freeing up resources and improving boot times.

How to clean up PC Windows 11? Uninstalling unnecessary apps and using Storage Sense to automate cleanup are effective ways to free up space and optimize your Windows 11 PC. Here's a quick guide:

Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I.
2. Go to Apps: Click on Apps > Installed apps.
3. Review and Uninstall:
   Scroll through the list and identify apps you no longer use.
   Click the three dots next to an app and select Uninstall.
4. Confirm: Follow prompts to remove the app completely.

Use Storage Sense for Automated Cleanup if you are planning to clean up PC Windows 11

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Storage:
   Click on System > Storage.
3. Configure Storage Sense:
   Toggle Storage Sense to On.
   Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
4. Set Cleanup Preferences:
   Choose how often Storage Sense runs (e.g., every day, week, month).
   Decide whether to delete temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, and downloaded files that haven't been used in a set period.
   Enable options like Delete files in Downloads folder that haven't been opened in X days.
5. Run Manually or Wait for Automation:
   You can run Storage Sense immediately by clicking Run Storage Sense now.

Here's a simple, beginner-friendly step-by-step guide to clean up Windows 11 PC. Follow these steps carefully to remove unnecessary files, manage startup programs, and uninstall unwanted apps safely.

Step 1: Run Windows Update and Restart Your PC
Why? To ensure your Windows is up to date, fixing bugs and improving performance.
How?

1. Click Start > Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart your PC if prompted.

Step 2: Use Built-in Disk Cleanup Tool
Why? To remove temporary files, system files, and junk data. in this way you can clean up PC Windows 11.

How?

1. Press Windows key + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
2. Select your C: drive, then click OK.
3. Check the boxes next to Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and other junk files.
4. Click OK, then Delete Files.