9 Ways to Run Disk Cleanup in Windows in 2026? [Easy Guide]
In this post, we will learn the easy and quick ways to run the Disk Cleanup utility so that you can clear your Windows PC, which usually collects temporary files, system cache, update leftovers, and other junk that consumes valuable storage space.
Start with understanding the Disk Cleanup utility and its features!
What is Disk Cleanup and What Does It Do?
Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows maintenance tool designed to remove unnecessary files from your computer. It scans your system for temporary files, system cache, recycle bin contents, Windows update leftovers, and other unused data that takes up storage space.
When you run Disk Cleanup, it calculates how much space you can free by deleting these files. You can then choose which file categories you want to remove. This process helps improve system performance, especially on computers with limited storage.
The tool is safe to use because it only targets files that are no longer needed by the system. It does not remove personal documents, photos, or important system files required for Windows to run properly.
Some of the key tasks performed by Disk Cleanup include removing temporary internet files and thumbnails, clearing Windows update cache, deleting temporary system files, emptying the recycle bin, freeing up disk space to improve speed, and optimizing storage usage.
Regularly using Disk Cleanup ensures your computer stays efficient and responsive. It is particularly useful for laptops and older systems with smaller storage drives.
9 Ways to Run Disk Cleanup in Windows
There are multiple ways to launch Disk Cleanup in Windows. Depending on your preference, you can use search, run commands, file explorer, control panel, or system tools. Below are nine reliable methods explained step by step.
1: Run Disk Cleanup Using Windows Search
One of the easiest ways to open Disk Cleanup is by using the Windows search feature. Click on the search icon in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type Disk Cleanup into the search box. When the Disk Cleanup app appears in the results, click on it.
If prompted, select the drive you want to clean, usually the C drive. Click OK to allow the tool to scan for unnecessary files. After scanning, select the file types you want to delete and click OK to run the cleanup process.
This method is quick and convenient for most users and works in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
2: Run Disk Cleanup Using the Run Dialog Box
The Run dialog box provides a fast way to access system tools. Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
Disk Cleanup will launch immediately. Choose the drive you want to clean and click OK. Once the scan is complete, review the file categories and select the ones you want to remove. Click OK and confirm to delete the files.
This method is ideal for users who prefer keyboard shortcuts and quick access commands.
3: Run Disk Cleanup from File Explorer
You can also launch Disk Cleanup directly from File Explorer. Open File Explorer and click on This PC from the left panel. Right-click on the drive you want to clean, usually the C drive. Select Properties from the context menu.
In the Properties window, under the General tab, click the Disk Cleanup button. Windows will scan the drive and display removable file categories. Select the files you want to delete and click OK.
This method is useful when you are already managing files and want to clean a specific drive.
4: Run Disk Cleanup Using the Control Panel
Control Panel still offers access to many system tools, including Disk Cleanup. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Click on System and Security.
Under Windows Tools or Administrative Tools, locate Disk Cleanup and click to open it. Select the drive you want to clean and click OK. After scanning, choose the files to delete and confirm the cleanup.
This method works well for users who prefer traditional Windows settings.
5: Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator
Running Disk Cleanup as an administrator allows you to remove additional system files. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Windows search bar. Right-click on Disk Cleanup in the search results and choose Run as administrator.
Select the drive to clean and click OK. Once the scan completes, click Clean up system files. This will run another scan and display more file categories, such as Windows update cleanup and system logs.
Select the desired files and click OK to remove them. This method helps free up more space by targeting deeper system files.
6: Run Disk Cleanup Using Command Prompt
You can also launch Disk Cleanup through Command Prompt. Type cmd in the Windows search bar and open Command Prompt. In the command window, type cleanmgr and press Enter.
Disk Cleanup will open. Select the drive and follow the usual cleanup steps. This method is useful for advanced users who frequently use command-line tools.
Command Prompt can also be used to automate cleanup tasks using additional parameters.
7: Run Disk Cleanup Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides another way to access Disk Cleanup. Search for PowerShell in the Windows search bar and open it. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
The Disk Cleanup tool will launch. Choose the drive you want to clean and proceed with selecting files to delete. This method is helpful for users who work with PowerShell regularly.
PowerShell can also be used for advanced system maintenance scripts.
8: Run Disk Cleanup Through Task Manager
Task Manager can launch programs directly. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. In Task Manager, click File in the top left corner and select Run new task.
In the new task window, type cleanmgr and click OK. Disk Cleanup will open. Choose the drive and follow the cleanup process.
This method is especially useful if your desktop or search function is not responding properly.
9: Run Disk Cleanup Using Windows Settings
Windows Settings also provides access to storage management tools. Open Settings by pressing Windows key and I together. Click on System and then Storage.
Under storage settings, you will see temporary files and storage usage details. Scroll down and select Temporary files to remove unnecessary items. While this is not the traditional Disk Cleanup interface, it performs similar functions and helps free up space.
For a deeper cleanup, you can still search for Disk Cleanup from within Settings.
FAQs
Is Disk Cleanup safe to use?
Yes, Disk Cleanup is completely safe to use. It only removes unnecessary system and temporary files that are no longer needed. It does not delete personal files unless you manually choose the recycle bin contents.
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Running Disk Cleanup once every few weeks is usually enough. If you download large files frequently or install many updates, you can run it more often to maintain storage space.
Can Disk Cleanup improve performance?
Yes, removing unnecessary files can improve system performance. Freeing up disk space helps Windows operate more efficiently and reduces slowdowns.
Does Disk Cleanup delete important files?
Disk Cleanup only deletes files you select. It does not remove important system files required for Windows to run. Always review the file list before confirming deletion.
Is Disk Cleanup available in Windows 11?
Yes, Disk Cleanup is available in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Even though Windows 11 focuses more on storage settings, Disk Cleanup remains a useful tool.