Did you just install the April 2018 update? If so, more than 10 GB of data is missing from your hard drive. On a laptop or tablet with limited memory, this can be very annoying.
If you have a computer with big amount available storage, you may not even notice this useless data. They will remain for about 10 days until Windows automatically clears them. But, if you already have little memory on your hard drive, then you will probably want to delete them yourself.
These files allow you to rollback changes within 10 days
Upgrading between "builds" of Windows 10, such as the Fall Creators Update for Windows 10 or the April Update, is treated the same as upgrading to an entirely new Windows operating system.
When upgrading to a new “build”, Windows creates a Windows.old folder containing system files from your “old” one. Windows installations. This allows you to "roll back" to a previous build of Windows 10 if you have a problem with the new build.
However, this folder uses more than 10 GB of space on your hard drive. Windows will automatically remove it after 10 days, but you can remove it sooner to immediately free up space.
You can return to latest version Windows 10, which you installed by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and clicking the Get Started button in the Go back to a previous version of Windows 10 section. This button is only present if the files are still available on your computer.
How to delete the Windows.old folder
If everything works fine after a few days, you can delete these files. You don't need to delete the Windows.old folder manually.
Beginning with Windows updates 10 in April 2018, you can erase these files using the new Free Space tool in Settings. To access it, go to Settings > System > Device Storage > Free up space now.
Check the Previous Windows Installations option in the list. You'll see the amount of space you'll save next to it here.
If you don't see this option in the list, then either you have already deleted these files, or Windows 10 has already deleted them for you.
Select the other types of data you want to delete, and then click the "Delete Files" button at the top of the window. Safely delete all types of data here if your computer is working properly.
How to Delete the Windows.old Folder Using Disk Cleanup
You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool, which will clean everything up for you. To run it, open the Start menu, search for Disk Cleanup and press Enter.
Check the Previous Windows Installations option in the list. You can also check other types of files you want to delete from hard drive to free up space.
Click "OK" after you have selected what you want to delete. Disk Cleanup will remove previous files Windows installation and free up hard drive space.
If you need to go back to a previous version of Windows 10 after deleting these files, you will have to reinstall Windows 10 from the installation media with the old build.
Some Windows devices, like tablets, have limited memory. From time to time, users encounter a lack of internal space when installing new programs or system updates. In this manual we will tell you how to free up space on system Windows disk 10 from unnecessary files.
There are many various programs for cleaning, for example, CCleaner, but Microsoft categorically does not recommend using them. That is why we will consider only systemic mechanisms.
How to delete temporary files in Windows 10
Windows 10 has a fairly easy way to delete unused temporary files.
What files should be deleted
Let's figure out what types of files you can delete without any consequences.
- Windows Update files. You can and should get rid of them (since Windows Update often forgets to do this automatically), but we recommend using the utility for this Disk Cleanup or clear the update center folder manually (this will be discussed a little later in our instructions). Application Options sometimes it fails to remove these system files and freezes.
- Files for reporting Windows errors . This temporary data can be safely deleted.
- Windows Defender Antivirus. You can also safely get rid of these files.
- Sketches. You should not delete these files on weak devices or on devices with a slower drive, especially if you view photos in Explorer quite often. The thumbnail cache usually doesn't take up much space, but it greatly speeds up Explorer.
- Files from previous versions of Windows. During the first 10 days after installing a major update, you have the opportunity to roll back to a previous version of Windows using these files. If you do not intend to do this, or 10 days have already passed, you can delete them. True, as in the case of the Windows Update cache, for this we recommend using the utility Disk Cleanup.
- Temporary files. They can be removed without problems.
- Temporary Internet files. After removing them, you may notice a slight slowdown in browsers. Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, but this will go away very soon - as soon as browsers create new cache files.
- Delivery optimization files. You can easily remove them.
- DirectX Texture Builder Cache. You can also get rid of these files without any problems.
How to enable and configure automatic deletion of temporary files
How to clear app cache from Windows Store
Each application from Windows Store creates its own temporary files for correct operation. Some of these objects are deleted automatically, but some are not. For manual cleaning, there is a separate option for deleting unnecessary temporary files.
Note: Please note that after such an operation you will have to log in to your account in the application again and configure it. All current data will be lost.
How to remove unnecessary applications
Almost everyone has unused applications on their computer. To prevent them from taking up extra space, it makes sense to get rid of them.
- Go to Settings - Applications - Applications and features.
- Click on menu Filter by and select the item This computer (C:).
- Find programs you don't need in the list of applications.
- Click on such an application and click Delete.
Please note that not all standard applications can be removed this way. If you want to get rid of standard programs, the instruction " " will help you.
How to use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility
For many years now, Windows has had a special utility for deleting most non-critical system files. It works quite well, so you shouldn’t neglect it.
How to clear folders with cache of Win32 programs and Update Center
Above we showed how to delete temporary application files from Windows Store. But regular Win32 programs often create even more cache. Additionally, Windows Update often stores files that are already installed updates systems for a long time. Fortunately, all this is easy to get rid of.
How to move system folders to another drive
Many users unknowingly store their documents, presentations, music and other files on the system drive, often without even knowing it. Recall that folders like Documentation, Music, Downloads, Desktop, are located on the system drive by default. In addition, the OneDrive folder is usually placed on drive C.
How to clean up or move system folders in Windows 10
Some system folders with temporary files cannot be cleared using normal actions. The most voluminous of these directories is WinSxS. You can read about that in the corresponding article.
How to activate Compact mode in Windows 10
Added to Windows 10 special mode system operation - Compact. It is intended for devices with SSD storage, but can be useful on regular computers as well.
The essence of Compact mode is to compress rarely used system files, which allows you to free up up to 2 GB of space on the system disk. Detailed instructions You can find information on how to activate this mode in the article "".
How to Shrink or Delete the Hibernation File in Windows 10
Windows 7 debuted this feature hibernation, which migrated to Windows 10. Its essence is to save all files from random access memory on the system drive so that even after turning off/on the computer you can continue working from where you left off. Also part of the hibernation function is quick start- a special mode that speeds up system loading.
The advantage of hibernation is convenience. Minus - for it to work, the system creates on the system disk special file, which often exceeds several gigabytes in size. And even if you don't use it, the hibernation file will still take up precious space. But Windows developers have provided the ability to reduce the size or delete the hibernation file.
How to reduce hibernation file size
Reducing the file size will disable the ability to directly hibernate, but will retain the Fast Launch feature.
How to delete the hibernation file
Deleting the hibernation file completely will free up more space, but will remove both the hibernation and Fast Startup features.
How to reduce or delete the page file in Windows 10
(or virtual memory) is used by the system as a replacement for RAM. It has a beneficial effect on multitasking and Windows performance 10, but it takes up several gigabytes on your system disk. The system contains tools that allow you to change the file size or delete it.
The memory of the system local disk C is constantly filling up and this is very noticeable, since in Windows the color of the local disk changes to red when there is a small amount free space. The reason why it may be constantly clogged may be updating the operating system, temporary files, using the download folder and desktop to save large files, and others.
Therefore, you need to constantly clean your operating system of unnecessary files. In this instruction we will show you how to clean up the C drive from unnecessary files in Windows 10 different ways. These methods allow you to delete both temporary files in Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows, which are usually stored in the Windows.old folder and are not manually deleted. And also pay attention to programs for cleaning the C drive.
After installing the operating system, new options became available to users instead of the standard Control Panel. More and more integrating settings into the new panel Windows management 10.
Windows 10 Settings
In previous versions of the operating system, you had to go to the temporary files window by selecting the system drive. And also the ability to delete temporary files in the updated settings was in the section: System > Storage.
Windows 10 memory control
In recent Windows builds 10 it became possible to enable the memory control option. This means that Windows can automatically free up disk space by getting rid of files that aren't needed, such as temporary files and the contents of the Recycle Bin.
To enable memory control you need to:
Now temporary files will be automatically deleted, which means that the memory on drive C will be less clogged. There is also an opportunity to free up space right now in the same settings.
Disk Cleanup
In addition to new Windows settings 10, the system still has classic applications that are more familiar to us. This method also works on previous versions of the Windows operating system.
Cleaning the system of unnecessary files manually
If you prefer to tinker with deleting files and cleaning the system yourself, then this point in our article is ideal for you.
Deleting temporary files
First, you need to know where temporary files are stored in Windows 10 in order to delete them. In principle, there are no differences from previous versions of the Windows operating system. But if you are a beginner, then you may have to. Temporary files are stored along the path: C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local\Temp.
To quickly open the location of temporary files, you can run the command %Temp% in the window Win+R. This method is the fastest and most convenient. Essentially, these are temporary user files, and if you answer the question of whether it is possible to delete the temp folder and its contents, I will say that you should not delete the folder, but the contents can be cleaned from time to time.
Uninstalling a previous version of Windows
Often, users after updating the Windows operating system on the system local disk they come across the Windows.old folder and do not know what to do with it, since it is not simply deleted. Even from the name it becomes clear that the folder stores files of the old Windows operating system. To remove it, you need to use the methods presented above, namely disk cleanup.
If you really can’t wait, then you can use command line as administrator and run just one command there: RD /S /Q C:\windows.old
Removing installed programs
Everything is even simpler here. In Windows 10, click Win+X and select the first item Programs And possibilities, from where we actually clean the system from programs that are unnecessary for you. And thanks to the correct uninstallation of programs, all tails that are somehow connected with an unnecessary program will be deleted.
Windows 10 Disk Cleanup Programs
CCleaner
Probably one of the most famous developer programs Piriform. CCleaner is a powerful tool for cleaning and optimizing the Windows operating system. One of the advantages is the ability to use both the free version and the portable version of the program, without the need for installation. 
Advanced System Care
The second program in our rating, but not in terms of functionality for cleaning up garbage, fixing errors and generally increasing computer performance. Advanced SystemCare is, to some extent, a complex of utilities assembled into one whole. Although it is not as popular as CCleaner, but also offers good ways cleaning.
conclusions
Today we looked at how to clear drive C of unnecessary files in Windows 10. Our methods are also suitable for previous versions of the operating system, since they are standard. And also pay attention to the special C drive cleaning program for Windows 10, which can be used for free. The control function is also useful Windows memory 10 allows you to automatically clean your computer.
Truly wisdom is right - the more you have, the more you want. On average per modern computers are used hard disks with a volume of about 500-750 GB. Many people (including yours truly) have HDDs installed bigger size. For example. I have 2 screws of 2 TB. This is quite a lot for a home computer. But I still constantly run out of space and I’m thinking about buying another hard drive. But while I’m saving money for it, I somehow have to make do with what I have and try to free up space by deleting old unnecessary files, duplicates, temporary files, etc. If you are faced with the same thing, then you may be faced with the question - how to clean the disk from unnecessary files and garbage? In Windows 7, 8 and new Windows 10 has a special built-in Disk Cleanup Wizard. Let's start with him.
Standard Disk Cleanup utility
In all modern Windows versions There is a special program that allows you to clean your disk from temporary files, error reports, system-loaded and unused installer files, updates, components, IE or Edge browser cache and much, much more. This tool is, of course, simple and cannot, for example, search for duplicates. But even this sometimes allows you to free up from one to a couple of tens of gigabytes of space. Especially on the system drive C:, because waste products from the Windows operating system itself accumulate there.
Go to “My Computer”, click on drive C: right click mouse and select the “Properties” menu item. A window like this will open.
In it, on the “General” tab, click on the “Disk Cleanup” button and thereby launch the program.
After analyzing the contents, the utility will display an approximate cleaning result.
If you click on OK, the data deletion procedure will start, after which you will receive free space. But there is one more trick here. If you click on the “Clean up system files” button:
Then we’ll get another window like this:
As you can see, by deleting components, updates, and a bunch of other unnecessary stuff, you can still free up space. We tick the boxes that we will delete and click on “OK”.
Note: Separately check the “Windows Update Log Files” item - it will help significantly, in which a heap is stored different files from components and updates.
The program will ask - are we out of our minds?!
We agree to complete removal and wait for the result. In this way, it is possible to free up from one to several gigabytes on the system disk. I would recommend doing the same procedure for the remaining logical partitions of the computer.
Third-party disk cleanup programs:
Good free for home use a program that allows you to carry out a comprehensive cleaning of your computer, including cleaning the disk from old log files, caches of Internet browsers and IM clients, temporary or outdated files.
Another good one free program for disk cleaning under Windows 10. It perfectly cleans temporary and unused files. It has a very convenient manual search by file type. If necessary, you can use a special Wizard.
The only negative is the presence of advertising. But this is an inexpensive price for such functionality.
—CCleaner
The best utility in its class. Despite the fact that its strong point is working with the registry, the program has rich functionality! This is a natural combine that, in addition to working with the registry, perfectly cleans the disk of everything unnecessary:
Also, in the “Service” section there is an excellent tool for finding duplicates of existing files:
It’s unlikely that any other program will do a better job of removing all junk from the system than CCleaner. The only fly in the ointment is that the utility asks for money for use. You can download it for free from any torrent tracker. Or, as an option, use free version programs. It is stripped down, of course, but the functionality that is available is enough to clean it well Windows system 10 from extra files!
Greetings, friends! The law of life says that disk space always tends to zero. Sooner or later the moment comes when the disk space runs out. Today I’ll tell you about ways that can help you solve this problem. In most cases it can be solved, especially if you establish the root cause.
There are several reasons - it depends operating system installed, how it is configured, what is its bit depth, what programs are on the computer, how often do you use the Internet, and so on. What we will study today:
It is not necessary that your computer's system drive is assigned the letter " WITH:". It happens that letters are assigned and D, And E. To make sure it is selected correct disk, find the folder “ Windows“.To clean up the system disk, it is not at all necessary to immediately delete necessary files, films, documents, programs. To begin with, we will determine for what reasons overflow occurs.
How to clean up your system disk quickly and easily - without losing data?
Frequent messages that there is little disk space left appear among owners of not very new computers or laptops who have updated their system to Windows 10. There is nothing wrong with the update itself, but since its introduction, the Windows 10 version has already gone through several versions . You receive updates via the Internet, and now six months or a year later, we see this disk state on the computer:
It also often happens that required program stops starting because it no longer has enough to start free space. Windows 10 (especially 64 bit versions) take up more space than, for example, “Seven”. Let's start cleaning system disk from the most obvious. First, let’s visually look at the “unnecessary” folders on drive C::
If there are any, we delete them. If not, go further to “Control Panel” - “Programs”. Checking for unnecessary programs:
If we find any, we delete them. Often there are many games installed by children, many unnecessary ones, accidentally installed programs such as the Amigo browser, services like Mail-ru Agent, intrusive MacCafee antiviruses, various applications like Music in Contact, etc.:
If you have two (or more) accounts on your computer, you can remove unnecessary ones from the computer, this can also free up space on drive “C”:
Let's not forget that each account there are folders “My Documents”, “Desktop”, “Downloads” and so on. These folders and their contents will be deleted. Before deleting, copy the necessary contents to a flash drive.
In these ways you can free up several gigabytes of space. The next thing we look at is whether you have cloud storage on your computer. Many users use the services Yandex Disk, Google Drive, OneDeive. The availability of free space on the disk of your computer depends on the volume of these storages. If you use cloud storage, read further.
Google Drive can take up space from 10 GB, OneDrive from 5 GB. And I have Yandex Disk, for example, with a capacity of 220 GB. When synchronization of all folders on these storages with your computer is enabled, a significant part of the disk space is occupied by data on these disks. In order to free up space on the “C”: drive, you must first disable synchronization of folders that you can do without for now. On Yandex Disk, disable synchronization altogether (or only those folders that are not needed now):
In the settings, uncheck the largest, “heaviest” folders that we don’t yet need to “see” on the computer:
After this, folders and files can be deleted from the disk through Explorer. If folder synchronization is turned off, then folders and files will only be deleted from the computer, but will be saved “in the cloud”. You can later download them through your browser, or turn on folder synchronization on your computer again. We do the same with Google drives, OneDrive, and other cloud storage services that you use.
Another solution (after disabling synchronization) may be to transfer the Yandex Disk folders, Google Drive to another partition of your hard drive, where there is more space, for example to drive D:
Then you need to enable synchronization again required folders. You can free up a few more gigabytes of disk space in this way until you get a new, spacious device.
Do not forget to empty the trash after all the above described manipulations.
How to free up space on the C: drive from temporary files on Windows 10?
In addition to our files and programs that we store on the computer, the system stores and accumulates its own. These are so-called temporary files, logs, reports that the system uses when installing programs, documents, creating backup copies, installing drivers. "Ten" has its own built-in utility for cleaning temporary files in the "Control Panel" - "System and Security" - Administration:
It helps to get rid of unnecessary files without harm to your health:
By selecting required disk, launch the cleaning wizard:
Next, you can disable the so-called shadow copying disks. Typically, this function is enabled just for the “C:” drive, on which the most important information. Go through Explorer to “This PC” - Properties - “System Protection”:
These settings are responsible for creating copies of documents and system restore points in case of failure:
A copy of your volume with documents and files is created, if they are in standard locations. Why this is needed, why it is undesirable to disable it is written in. When you disable this function and delete it, the space allocated for copies is freed up and the amount of free space on the “C:” drive also increases by the same amount.
Freeing the “C:” drive from old updates on Windows 10
Updates to Ten arrive quite often; as a rule, temporary files are deleted after the computer is restarted, but sometimes this does not happen. If you click on the “Clean up system files:” button
Then the system will clean out updates plus what it considers possible to safely clean:
A rather nice innovation, dating back to the days of Windows7, allows you to safely delete everything unnecessary files. However, this utility does not remove everything. Received updates are stored in the folder C:\Windows\WinSxS:
You can completely clear your disk of old updates by deleting all these folders. Removing them will help free up a few more gigabytes of free space, but this is not recommended, only as a last resort.
How to free up space on the C: drive on Windows 10 without uninstalling any program?
The last method that will be discussed is clearing free space using special programs. One of them, my favorite so to speak this season, is Glary Utilities.
It is a comprehensive tool for solving problems of cleaning your computer from garbage. I have already written about it, and for now I continue to use it. It also has a function for cleaning the disk from unnecessary files. The program deletes not only the files that we have already mentioned in this article, but also everything else unnecessary. Go to the “Disk Cleanup” menu:
If you disabled volume shadow copying, these copies will also be deleted. My record for cleaning a disk with this program is about 170 GB. But you need to be careful, this program clears passwords, logins, browsing history - if these options are specified in the settings. Using the settings, you can make the cleaning process gentle so that your downloads, downloads, and so on do not disappear.
These simple methods will help you free up space on the “C:” drive at a critical moment and avoid troubles. Using each method, bit by bit, you can scrape together another 10-15 gigabytes of free space using simple, safe methods. To free up more space, there are other ways - you can increase the size of the disk by reducing another, but this topic will be discussed in detail in another article. And for today there is already enough material. Leave your feedback, good luck, see you next time!