The easiest and simplest way to delete unnecessary files from your computer is use Windows Disk Cleanup utility. Sometimes Windows uses files for a specific purpose and then retains them in a folder designated for temporary files. Alternatively, you may have previously installed Windows components that you are no longer using. For a variety of reasons, including running out of space on your hard drive, you may want to reduce the number of files on your disk, or create more free space, if it can be done without harming any of your programs.
Use the Windows Disk Cleanup Wizard to perform all of the following tasks to clear space on your hard disk:
Use the Windows Disk Cleanup Wizard to perform all of the following tasks to clear space on your hard disk:
- Remove temporary Internet files.
- Remove any downloaded program files (ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded from the Internet).
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
- Remove Windows temporary files.
- Remove Windows components that you are not using.
- Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
To start Disk Cleanup, click Start, click Run, and then type cleanmgr.
(Alternatively you can start the tool from the drive properties )
Temporary Internet files: The Temporary Internet files folder contains Web pages stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. Your personalized settings for Web pages will be left intact.
Downloaded Program Files: Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded from the Internet when you view certain pages.
Windows Temporary Files: Programs sometimes store temporary information in a TEMP folder. Before a programs closes, it usually delete this information.
Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin contains files you have deleted from your computer. These files are not permanently removed until you empty the Recycle Bin.