Windows 7 - Disk Cleanup - Open and Use

   Information

Disk Cleanup finds and removes unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space and help your computer run faster. This will show you how to open and use Disk Cleanup in Windows 7.

   Note

The Disk Cleanup exe file is located at C:\Windows\System32\cleanmgr.exe.

   Warning

Checking the Hibernation File Cleaner option to be deleted will disable the Hibernate sleep mode.

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. Click on All Programs, Accessories folder, System Tools folder, and Disk Cleanup. (See screenshot below)

3. Select the drive you want to use Disk Cleanup on and click on OK. (See screenshot below)

4. You will now see this screenshot below for a moment.

5. To Delete Unnecessary Non-System Files -

A) Check the type of files box that you want to delete, and click on OK. (See screenshot below)

B) Click on the Delete Files button. (See screenshot below)

C) The files will be deleted and Disk Cleanup will close.

6. To Delete Unnecessary System Files -

A) Click on the Clean up system files button. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: If you just did a Upgrade install recently, then you will also see the Files discarded by Windows upgrade option. This would be for the C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\$WINDOWS.~Q folders. If you just did a Custom install recently, then you will also see the Previous Windows installations option. This would be for the C:\Windows.old folder.

B) Repeat steps 3 to 5.

7. To Open Programs and Features -
NOTE: This will open the Programs and Features window where you can uninstall programs. Normally you can open Programs an Features through the Control Panel (All Items view).

A) Click on the Clean up system files button, and repeat steps 3 and 4. (See screenshot below step 6A)

B) Click on the More Options tab. (See screenshot below)

C) Click on the Clean up button under the top Programs and Features section. (See screenshot above)

D) Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 7B)

E) In Programs and Features, select any program that you want uninstall.

8. To Delete All but the Most Recent System Restore Point -

A) Click on the Clean up system files button, and repeat steps 3 and 4. (See screenshot below step 6A)

B) Click on the More Options tab. (See screenshot below step 7B)

C) Click on the Clean up button under the bottom System Restore and Shadow Copies section. (See screenshot below step 7B)

D) Click on the Delete button to confirm the deletion. (See screenshot below)

E) Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 7B)

F) Click on the Delete Files button. (See screenshot below)

H) The files will be deleted and Disk Cleanup will close.