Forum Discussion
Is windows disk cleanup tool good enough for freeing up space?
My Windows 11 laptop is now running out of free space. The internal ssd (256GB) only has 10GB free space. I have to free up more space to make the computer running faster. I heard Windows 11 has a built-in disk cleanup app. Is it a good idea to run Windows Disk Cleanup?
The problem is that I just run the windows disk cleanup but only 5GB free space is cleared out. In fact, I selected things like temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Delivery Optimization Files. Are there any hidden options that make a big difference?
9 Replies
- williamjasper22Copper Contributor
No it is not enough, you have to delete your unnecessary files to empty your diskspace.
- AdamRobertsonIron Contributor
No. It is not good enough! Windows Disk Cleanup tool can't delete junk and app caches.
- HarolderBrass Contributor
If the Windows Disk Cleanup isn't working or isn't enough to free up sufficient space. About the Windows disk cleanup alternative, upgrading your storage can be a practical solution. By adding a larger or additional hard drive or SSD, you can significantly increase your computer's capacity to store files, applications, and data.
Upgrading your storage involves replacing your current drive with a larger one or installing an extra drive in your system. This process can be a bit technical, so it's important to back up your data beforehand and follow proper installation procedures.
Opting for a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive can also boost your system's overall performance, offering faster read/write speeds and quicker access to your files.
This approach is especially useful if you're searching for a "Windows disk cleanup alternative" because it provides a more permanent solution to storage limitations. Instead of repeatedly cleaning up space, upgrading your storage ensures you have enough room for your needs without constantly managing or deleting files.
- BenedictfoCopper Contributor
Windows Disk Cleanup has its limitations:
- It won't clean up files created by installed programs: If you have installed many programs, they may have created temporary files or other data that Disk Cleanup won't remove.
- It won't clean up duplicate or unnecessary files: If you have duplicate files or files that are no longer needed, you'll need to use a different tool to remove them.
- It won't clean up files in your user profile: If your user profile is taking up a lot of space, you'll need to manually delete files or use a different tool to clean them up.
When it comes to freeing up space on your Windows computer, there are several methods to consider. One effective approach is to delete unnecessary apps and programs that you no longer use or need.
To do this, you can start by identifying the applications that are taking up the most space on your computer. You can use the built-in "Disk Cleanup" tool in Windows, but if you're looking for a Windows disk cleanup alternative, you can try using the "Add or Remove Programs" feature in the Control Panel.
Another option is to use the "Programs and Features" section in the Control Panel, which allows you to uninstall apps and programs that you no longer use. You can also use the "System Configuration" utility to disable startup programs that are consuming system resources.
By deleting unnecessary apps and programs, you can recover valuable space on your hard drive and improve your computer's performance. This approach is particularly useful if you're looking for a Windows disk cleanup alternative that offers more advanced features and flexibility.
- Far-Far-EastCopper Contributor
That depends. Remember, that microsoft's last cumulative update to Windows XP updated Disk Cleanup the way it was making Windows non-bootable (a "brick") when trying to clean up updates cache. So.. that depends
- StonehuIron Contributor
This is a quick way to free up space on your C drive when windows disk cleanup not good at effectively deleting large personal files. Essentially, it involves moving bulky personal files to another location, thereby freeing up a significant amount of storage space, allowing you to immediately remove these files from the system drive and take steps to free up storage space.
First, select OneDrive, Google Drive or an external USB drive as your destination storage location. Next, locate large personal files on your SSD, such as photos, videos and documents. Then, copy or move these files to your chosen external or cloud location. Finally, delete the local copies of the files to fully free up the occupied space.
This will quickly help you get round the issue that windows disk cleanup not good at handling large personal files, effectively resolving the problem of C drive space being taken up by personal media and documents.
It is particularly useful for conducting long-term storage management, preparing for system upgrades that require extra space, or troubleshooting issues where the C drive is full due to accumulated personal files.
- MikaeliopIron Contributor
windows disk cleanup not good at finding hidden large folders and files, so a dedicated space analyzer can show exactly what is using your storage.
Usage Guide:
Step 1: Download WizTree
Step 2: Open the programme and select the C: drive
Step 3: View the visual map to identify the largest folders and files
Step 4: Click on a folder to view its contents in detail
Finally, locate and delete large, unused files that Disk Cleanup has overlooked
It addresses the issue that windows disk cleanup not good for deep cleaning of storage space, allowing you to manually delete items that are actually taking up a significant amount of space.
Cons
- Manual file identification is required, which takes time and careful checking
- Accidentally deleting system or program files can cause system instability
- Some large files may belong to applications and break them if removed
- AAbnerIron Contributor
You’ve probably noticed that the Windows Disk Cleanup tool isn’t ideal for routine automated maintenance, since it can only be run manually and often misses temporary files that accumulate over time. However, Storage Sense offers a better automated alternative that keeps your disk clean without the need for frequent manual intervention.
How to resolve the issue of the windows disk cleanup not good
1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Storage
3. Turn on Storage Sense
4. Configure it to delete:
- Files in the Recycle Bin (after 30 days)
- Files in the “Downloads” folder (after 30 days) (Please proceed with caution!)
- Temporary files
This automatic maintenance method avoids the limitations that make windows disk cleanup not good for ongoing storage management, keeping your system clean in the background.
- GriffinOakmontIron Contributor
Windows Disk Cleanup does not do much help if you need to free up a lot of space on Windows 11 or Windows 10. So it is not a good idea to run Disk Cleanup.
While Windows 11/10 Disk Cleanup is a reliable legacy tool for clearing out basic system clutter like temporary files and the Recycle Bin, it often ignores the largest space-hoggers on a modern PC. It is designed for routine maintenance rather than deep forensic cleaning. It won't touch large application caches, duplicate files, or bloated folders in your personal directories, which are usually the primary culprits when your drive is nearly full.
To truly reclaim significant space on Windows 10 or 11, you need to look beyond the basic utility. Built-in features like Storage Sense offer more automated cleanup, but manual intervention is often more effective. This includes using "Apps & Features" to uninstall forgotten programs, offloading high-resolution media to the cloud or an external drive, and utilizing third-party visualizers to identify exactly which folders are consuming the most gigabytes.