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How to clean up Windows 10 junk files.

Hi. How are you? Today we are going to talk about maintenance in Windows 10. It is well known that, as any system is used, a series of residual files are generated that occupy space on the hard drive. Also, the accumulation of these files usually slows down the operation of Windows 10. Many times, these are temporary files that accumulate in the system memory. In addition, there are also residual files of updates that accumulate. Besides, with the passage of time, the cache memory within the system also increases in size. Under those circumstances, these useless files accumulate inside the system causing malfunction. For that reason, let’s see how to clean up Windows 10 of junk files.

Using the Disk Cleaner tool

Windows 10 is a system that aims to provide users with all the necessary tools to have an optimal system. One of these tools is called Disk Cleaner. This application has several very interesting functions. Let’s open it to see it in action. With this intention, please type Disk Cleanup in the search bar.

Open Disk Cleanup tool
Open Disk Cleanup tool

Now, according to the number of disks, or existing partitions. Then a window will ask you to select the volume to clean.

Select the volume to clean up
Select the volume to clean up

Once the volume is selected, the wizard will begin to calculate the space that can be cleaned.

Disk Cleanup calculating the space to clean
Disk Cleanup calculating the space to clean
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After the calculation has been made, the wizard will indicate which files can be deleted and the space saved. After the calculation has been made, the wizard will indicate which files can be deleted and the space saved. The wizard is very user-friendly and details what types of files are about to be deleted from the system. Once the selection is made, please press OK to start the cleaning.

unning Disk Cleanup tool
Running Disk Cleanup tool

A warning sign will ask if we are sure to permanently delete the files. Press Yes and the wizard will start cleaning the system. This is a quick way to clean up Windows 10 of junk files.

Disk cleaning tool erasing junk files
Disk cleaning tool erasing junk files

Another way to open disk cleanup

On the other hand, it is also possible to run this tool on any storage device connected to our computer. With this intention, please enter the windows explorer, clicking on the folder icon located in the taskbar.

Opening Windows Explorer
Opening Windows Explorer

already inside the browser just right click on the device you want to clean and select Properties

Entering volume properties
Entering volume properties

After the properties are opened, please select Disk Cleanup to clean the volume.

Opening Disk Cleanup
Opening Disk Cleanup

Immediately the disk cleaning tool will appear, with the functions we have already reviewed.

Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup

Cleaning up system files.

The cleaning tool also allows you to do a cleaning of residual system files. With that intention, we follow the path explained above. But once inside Disk Cleanup, select the option Clean up system files. Press OK to continue.

Clean up system files
Clean up system files

The assistant will then advise you that you are doing your job. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the data to be deleted. By doing this, we clean up Windows 10 of junk files.

Disk Cleanup deleting unnecessary system files
Disk Cleanup deleting unnecessary system files

Deleting browser data.

It is well known that as you browse the Internet, you generate temporary files, cookies, images, and cache memory. In addition to the browsing history. All these data accumulate in the system unnecessarily. Now let’s see how to delete all that data in Google Chrome. A similar procedure can be used in the Microsoft Edge beta channel, as this is based on Chromium. Moreover, this mechanism is done from the browser. With this intention, run Google Chrome and locate the 3 dots in the upper right corner. This will open the Google Chrome menu. Once there, navigate to the advanced section, then select Clear browsing data.

Clear browsing data
Clear browsing data

In the next window, you can delete the history, cookies, cached images and other files. In addition, you can set the time range to be deleted.

Clearing navigation data by time range
Clearing navigation data by time range

Deactivates the hibernation cache.

Microsoft has incorporated a function related to the cache memory. This is called a hibernation cache. To clarify, it is an accumulation of data on the applications and files that were open when the PC was turned off so that when it is turned on again they start up more quickly. In like manner, this feature is activated by default, and although its function is to improve the speed of the system. It actually accumulates a large amount of data within the system. So if the equipment is connected to a constant source of power, try deactivating it and using the sleep mode. To the end that, please open a Command Prompt with administrator privileges. With this intention, please typing CMD in the search bar, and selecting Open as administrator.

Running a CMD as administrator
Running a CMD as administrator

Once the Command Prompt is opened, please enter the following command:

 powercfg.exe /hibernate off 
Disabling the hibernation cache.
Disabling the hibernation cache.

If you want to revert the process and enable hibernation cache again, repeat the internal process but add the following command:

 powercfg.exe /hibernate on 

Cleaning the Microsoft store cache

As the Microsoft Store is used, temporary files are generated that occupy unnecessary space in the system. To delete them, just type WSReset.exe in the search bar.

Cleaning Microsft Store cache
Cleaning Microsft Store cache

The wizard will then automatically clear the store cache.

Conclusion

We have seen several methods to clean up junk files to Windows 10. The best thing is that we have used the native tools that the system itself provides. Please remember to carry out this process regularly. With this, the system will improve its performance, and we will have a better user experience. In summary, that’s it for now, please invite you to visit our post on How to Manage disks in Windows 10.

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