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How to delete junk files from your Windows PC
If your PC is full of old documents, pictures and downloads that you no longer need, free up some space with our expert guide
Too much clutter on a hard drive not only consumes space, it means your PC has to work harder to find the files you do need. Our experts will help you tidy up yours and delete any junk files.
Files you no longer use can be archived to an external drive or the cloud, while downloads, duplicates and temporary files can be deleted altogether.
Below, we explain how you can remove unnecessary files using the Disk Cleanup tool on Windows. Plus, you'll spot tips on how to delete downloaded files and duplicates.
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How to remove junk files with Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in tool (Disk Cleanup) for cleaning up hidden junk files.
There are a variety of ways you can access Disk Cleanup, depending on how you like to work.
- Select the Windows key on your keyboard or click the onscreen Windows Start button. Start to type 'Disk Cleanup' - select the Disk Cleanup app when it appears.
- Click the yellow File Explorer folder (or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key and E), then click This PC. Right-click your main hard drive (usually the C: drive) and select Properties. Click the Disk Cleanup button and you’ll see a list of items that can be removed in your recycle bin and more.
For even more options, click Clean up system files. Tick the categories you want to remove, then click OK > Delete Files.
How to remove downloaded files
To get rid of downloads, open the Downloads folder (you can access it from the yellow File Explorer folder). This is Windows’ default storage location, but you may also have downloads on your desktop, so check there, too.
Installer files are a good example of what you can delete. Once you’ve installed a program you downloaded, you should no longer need the installer files on your system.
Establishing which older documents and other personal files you can archive is more difficult. Use your own best judgment, although it’s possible to view files and folder by their age by navigating to your Documents folder, then right-clicking an empty space and selecting Sort by and then Date modified.
How to delete duplicate files
Uncovering duplicate files manually can be harder.
The free program dupeGuru includes a handy automated tool to find duplicates. Install and then open it. Next to 'Application mode', check Standard is selected.
Click the + sign in the bottom left of the window, navigate to the folder you want to scan and click the Select Folder button. Then, in the bottom right, click Scan.
Before you delete anything, we recommend backing up duplicates, just in case.
Need a new computer? See our expert pick of the best laptops for all budgets
Don't delete important system files
Accidentally deleting important system files can cause your PC to stop working properly. We suggest you avoid removing files from locations other than your Downloads, Documents, Music, Pictures or Videos folders and your Desktop.
Archive older personal files and downloads to a reliable storage format, such as a large external USB hard drive or, even better, to the cloud. Even if you used to use DVDs, don't – they can get scratched and wear out over time.
Find out how to choose the best cloud storage
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