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How to quickly find and delete large files on windows 11
With only 10GB left, it's crucial to proceed carefully. Follow these steps regardless of which tool you choose to find and delete large files on Windows 11:
1. Start with a Safe Cleanup: Before hunting for large files, run Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup. It safely removes system junk like temporary files and update caches that can be several gigabytes. You can run it by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the Start Menu.
2. Scan Your Main Drive: Open your chosen software and select your C: drive to start the scan.
3. Identify Your Targets: Focus on large files in safe locations like:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Videos, Downloads, Desktop
C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) (but only for game folders you recognize and want to uninstall).
4. Delete with Care:
Always check the file path before deleting. If you're unsure, don't delete it.
Use the software's option to send files to the Recycle Bin first, not to permanently delete.
For games, use the Settings > Apps > Installed apps feature to uninstall properly, rather than just deleting the folder.
What to Absolutely Avoid Deleting
* inside C:\Windows or C:\ProgramData.
* Files with extensions like .sys, .dll, .ini in system folders.
* Anything you don't recognize from folders like AppData or Local.
Given your situation with an SSD and a need for speed, A professional cleaning tool to start with when finding and deleting large files on Windows 11. Its visual layout will quickly show you the largest space hogs.