Among the many tools that Windows offers natively to optimize system performance , Disk Cleanup is probably one of the best. It's used to remove unnecessary items that take up hard drive space. In this post, we'll explain how to activate Disk Cleanup in Windows 11.
The truth is that this is a utility that was already incorporated into previous versions of the Microsoft operating system, although it is in Windows 11 where we find it in its highest degree of development, with more integrated functions and a more intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
Disk Cleanup: What it is and what advantages it offers us
The "Disk Cleanup" feature in Windows is designed to remove files that the user or system no longer needs. Since keeping these files incurs a cost that translates into decreased performance , it's a necessary resource. The items that can be deleted using this tool are essentially the following:
- Old Windows installation files.
- Temporary files.
- Internet and application cache.
- Data in the recycle bin.
- Bug reports.
Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 is integrated into the Storage Settings menu . This provides a faster way to access this tool and all its additional features.
Using disk cleanup is incredibly advantageous for any user . Not only because of the obvious performance improvement already mentioned, but also because it frees up more space on devices with limited hard drives or SSDs. Furthermore, it's a way to keep your system clean and organized, preventing potential malfunctions.
Methods to activate disk cleanup in Windows 11
There is no single way to access this tool and use it to our advantage. Below we list the methods we can use to achieve this:
Classic Space Liberator Tool
When this feature was created, this was the only way to access it. And it is still an option in Windows 11. Here is what we need to do:
- To start, we go to the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar (the shortcut Windows + S also works) and write "Disk Cleanup", selecting the result.
- Then a dialog box appears asking us choose the unit that we want to clean.
- Within the chosen unit, We select the files to delete: temporary files, recycle bin data, etc.
- To confirm the cleaning we click on "To accept" and then in "Remove".
If after performing these steps the unlocker does not open, you may need to update your operating system and restart your computer.
Storage sensor
The latest versions of the system (and obviously, Windows 11 as well) have a more modern and automated feature: Storage Sense , which can often be a good replacement for Disk Cleanup. Here's how to activate it:
- First we open the menu of Configuration using the keyboard shortcut Windows + I.
- Then we go to the menu "System".
- Then we access "Storage".
- In this new menu we look for the option «Storage sensor» and we activated the switch.
After activation, you can still configure additional options , such as customizing automatic file cleanup, deleting files from the Recycle Bin after a specific period of time, and more. It's highly recommended to use Storage Sense regularly. Ideally, you should configure it to run automatically every week or every month, for example.
If this method does not work, it is advisable to check the settings (to ensure that it is enabled correctly), as well as verify that we have reserved space for Windows updates.
Symbol of the system
The Windows Terminal or Command Prompt can also help you free up disk space in a more advanced and automated way. Here are the steps to follow:
- To begin with We open the Command Prompt using the Windows + X key combination.
- Then we write the command cleanmgr and press Enter.
- Once Classic Cleanup is open, a deeper cleanup can be performed using the command cleanmgr /sagerun:1 and pressing Enter.
Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 can sometimes have difficulty deleting certain files with restricted permissions . To completely remove them, you can always use third-party tools like CCleaner.
A highly recommended tool
Windows 11's Disk Cleanup tool is essential for anyone wanting to maintain good performance and keep their operating system clean . Whether you choose the classic version or Storage Sense, the solution is the same in both cases. Take note of the information in this post when choosing the method that best suits your needs.