9 Ways to Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 11 in 2026

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Over time, Windows 11 accumulates temporary files, system logs, update leftovers, cache data, and other junk that silently eats up your storage and can even slow down your PC. Running Disk Cleanup regularly helps free space, improve performance, and keep your system stable.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn all possible ways to run Disk Cleanup on Windows 11, including classic tools, modern Settings options, command-line methods, and automated cleanup features—step by step.

Why You Should Run Disk Cleanup on Windows 11

Disk Cleanup helps you:

  • Free up valuable disk space

  • Remove temporary and unnecessary system files

  • Clear Windows Update leftovers

  • Reduce system clutter and potential errors

  • Improve overall PC performance

It’s especially useful if your C: drive is running low on space.

Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup Using Windows Search (Easiest)

This is the fastest and most common way.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search

  2. Type Disk Cleanup

  3. Click Disk Cleanup from the results

  4. Select the drive (usually C:)

  5. Click OK

  6. Check the file types you want to delete

  7. Click OK → Delete Files

✅ Best for quick cleanup

Method 2: Run Disk Cleanup from File Explorer

You can access Disk Cleanup directly from drive properties.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer

  2. Go to This PC

  3. Right-click the C: drive

  4. Select Properties

  5. Under the General tab, click Disk Cleanup

  6. Choose files to delete

  7. Click OK

✅ Useful when checking storage details per drive

Method 3: Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator (Clean System Files)

This method removes Windows Update files, old system logs, and previous installations.

Steps:

  1. Search for Disk Cleanup

  2. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator

  3. Select the system drive

  4. Click Clean up system files

  5. Re-select the drive

  6. Check items like:

    • Windows Update Cleanup

    • Previous Windows installations

    • Device driver packages

  7. Click OK → Delete Files

⚠️ Once deleted, old Windows versions can’t be restored

Method 4: Run Disk Cleanup Using the Run Command

A simple keyboard shortcut method.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type:

    cleanmgr

  3. Press Enter

  4. Choose the drive

  5. Select files → OK

✅ Fast and lightweight approach

Method 5: Use Command Prompt to Run Disk Cleanup

Great for advanced users and automation.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator

  2. Run:

    cleanmgr

  3. Follow on-screen instructions

Advanced Commands:

  • Skip drive selection:

    cleanmgr /d C:

  • Open cleanup settings:

    cleanmgr /sageset:1

  • Run saved cleanup settings:

    cleanmgr /sagerun:1

✅ Ideal for scripting and power users

Method 6: Use Windows 11 Storage Sense (Modern Alternative)

Windows 11 now emphasizes Storage Sense, which automates cleanup.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to System → Storage

  3. Enable Storage Sense

  4. Click Storage Sense to configure:

    • Temporary files deletion

    • Recycle Bin cleanup

    • Downloads cleanup

    • Automatic schedules

✅ Best for automatic maintenance

Method 7: Clean Temporary Files via Settings

A modern UI-based cleanup option.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to System → Storage

  3. Click Temporary files

  4. Select items you want to remove

  5. Click Remove files

🆕 Replaces many classic Disk Cleanup functions

Method 8: Use PowerShell to Clear Temp Files

Advanced method for power users.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator

  2. Run:

    Remove-Item -Path $env:TEMP\* -Recurse -Force

⚠️ Use carefully—only removes temp files

Method 9: Use Task Scheduler for Automatic Disk Cleanup

Automate Disk Cleanup runs.

Steps:

  1. Open Task Scheduler

  2. Click Create Basic Task

  3. Name it (e.g., Disk Cleanup)

  4. Choose trigger (weekly/monthly)

  5. Action: Start a program

  6. Program:

    cleanmgr

  7. Arguments:

    /sagerun:1

✅ Perfect for low-maintenance systems

What Files Are Safe to Delete?

Safe options include:

  • Temporary files

  • Recycle Bin

  • Windows Update Cleanup

  • Delivery Optimization files

  • Thumbnails

  • Error reports

⚠️ Avoid deleting:

  • Downloads (unless reviewed)

  • Essential system restore data (unless necessary)

How Often Should You Run Disk Cleanup?

  • Once a month for normal users

  • Weekly for low-storage devices

  • After major Windows updates

Disk Cleanup vs Storage Sense

Feature Disk Cleanup Storage Sense
Manual control ✅ ❌
Automatic cleanup ❌ ✅
Classic system files ✅ Limited
Modern UI ❌ ✅

Best practice: Use both together.

Conclusion

Running Disk Cleanup on Windows 11 is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain system health. Whether you prefer the classic Disk Cleanup tool, modern Storage Sense, or command-line automation, Windows 11 offers multiple ways to keep your PC clutter-free.

For best results, combine manual cleanup with Storage Sense automation and check your storage monthly.

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