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Windows Tools - Disk Clean-up

This app belongs to the Windows Administrative Tools set.  The app performs a predefined scan of the specified drive or partition. Areas with files to be deleted are displayed and can be selected/deselected via a tick box. There is also an advanced setting the extends the search area and provides a gateway to the delete unwanted apps via the Programs and Features app in the control panel. There is also an option to clean up system restore images.

Acessing

Accessing Disk Clean-up

1.Windows 10 All apps view.

Go to W

Locate and expand Windows Administrative Tools

Locate and open the Disk Clean-Up app

Note: If you will be using the app frequently right click on the icon and select Pin to Start option. This option is also available  from the Control Panel selection method shown below.

Clean-up from Windows start menu

2.Control Panel

To show the control panel

  • Use the search button and type Control Panel the activate app

  • Using the File Explorer ensure the Show all folders is selected and the Control Panel button will appear towards the bottom of the navigation menu.

Clean-up Control Pane search

Type Administrative Tools in the search box and press on the result. 

Clean-up Adminstarative Tools
Basic

Using Disk Clean-up -Basic

If you have multiple drives or partitions the selection window will open. Select the drive you want to clean and press OK. Generally you need to select the drive that contains the operating system to get the most out of this app.

If you only have one drive the app will go directly to scan and show the results. 

Clean-up Drive Selection
Clean-up Basic

You can select the areas you want to clear. For instance you may want to keep the files in the Recycle Bin so this would not be ticked.

In this basic mode once you have finished your selection and press OK the Clean-Up will begin. 

Clean-up are you sure
Clean-up status window

Once the cleaning has finished the status box closes and your space has been recovered. 

By selecting the Clean up system files option the app restarts. Once the drive is selected it performs a new scan that not only gives more areas of files that can be deleted but also a extra tab with more options.

Clean-up Advanced
Clean-up More Options
Advanced

Using Disk Clean-up - Advanced

Programs and Features

This option takes you to another control panel app. It provides a listing of installed apps and you can delete unwanted ones in order to save disk space. Windows 10 provides a better option under the Apps settings - Apps and Features. There are also many third [arty apps that provide even more options to remove unwanted plugins as well as programs. Pages relating to these apps will be added to Cool Geek Clues soon.

System Restore and Shadow Copy

Depending on your settings for System Restore  and back ups there could be a large amount of space taken by these system images. The clean up will remove all but the last image. Pages relating to this app will be added to Cool Geek Clues soon.

 

Related Pages
Storage Sense
Windows Tools
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