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How to Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10

Disk Cleanup is a useful tool in Windows OS that allows users to purge their PC of unnecessary files safely. This includes temporary files, and it helps boost the performance of the computer and hard drive. It’s an excellent maintenance task that should be performed monthly. So it stands to reason that it’d be a great idea to know exactly how to open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10.

Method 1. How to Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 via Search

In the search bar, type in cleanmgr and select the best match from the results. You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Win + S) to open search if it’s currently not located on your taskbar.

Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 via Search

Method 2. How to Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Using Run Dialog

Launch the Run dialog (Win + R) and type in cleanmgr.

Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Using Run Dialog

Click OK.

Method 3. Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Through the Start Menu

Open the Windows Start menu (Win key) and scroll through the options.

Locate the Windows System folder, open it, and select Administrative Tools.

Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Through the Start Menu

From the Administrative Tools window, double-click Disk Cleanup.

Method 4. Launch Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 with Command Prompt

Launch the Command Prompt app. You can do this by typing cmd into the search bar or using the (Win + X) keyboard shortcut.

Type the command cleanmgr, and press Enter.

Launch Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 with Command Prompt

Method 5. Launch Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 with Windows PowerShell

Launch Windows PowerShell. To locate it, type PowerShell into the search bar, or use the (Win + X) keyboard shortcut.

Type the command cleanmgr, and press Enter.

Launch Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 with Windows PowerShell

Method 6. Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 via Control Panel

Access the Control Panel by using the search function or via the Windows System folder in the Windows Start menu.

Type in disk cleanup at the top-right corner of the Control Panel window.

This will pull up the Administrative Tools option.

Below Administrative Tools, click the “Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary file” link.

Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 via Control Panel

This will open Disk Cleanup.

Method 7. How To Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Using File Explorer

Launch the File Explorer.

Navigate to C: > Windows > System32.

Scroll to find the cleanmgr application, and double-click it.

Open Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Using File Explorer

Method 8. Discover Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 via Hard Drive Selection

Locate the drive you want to purge unnecessary files in File Explorer by selecting This PC from the left menu.

Right-click the drive and select Properties.

In the General tab of Properties, click the Disk Cleanup button.

Method 9. Ask Cortana Where Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 is Located

You can ask Cortana directly if you have a voice activation setup. However, if you would rather type and still have the Cortana button on your taskbar, you can use it instead.

Click the Cortana button.

Type disk cleanup in the box and press Enter.

FAQs

What is Disk Cleanup Used For?

Disk Cleanup will boost your PC and disk drive performance by removing old, unwanted files that have been stored on your system.

Can I Create A Desktop Shortcut for Disk Cleanup?

Here you will find instructions on creating a shortcut to the Disk Cleanup on your Windows 10 desktop or File Explorer.

  • Right-click on your desktop or File Explorer blank area.
  • Hover the mouse over “New.” Click “Shortcut.”
  • On the “Create Shortcut” pop-up, type cleanmgr. Click “Next”.
  • Provide the shortcut’s name if you do not like the suggestion. Click “Finish”.

What Can I Do if Disk Cleanup Won’t Launch?

Sometimes Disk Cleanup will disappear after opening it, while other times, it may not open at all. There are a few things you can do to fix this error.

  • Start/Stop Task in Windows Task Manager
    • Navigate the Processes tab to locate Windows Explorer.
    • Right-click Windows Explorer and select End Task.
    • Click the File tab, select Run new task, type in explorer.exe, and press Enter.
    • Attempt to run Disk Cleanup.
  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
    • Choose Troubleshoot from the right side menu, and click Run the troubleshooter, located beneath Windows Update in the main window.
    • Once the troubleshooting process concludes, restart your computer and run Disk Cleanup again.
  • Run a System File Checker Scan
    • Launch Command Prompt using Win + X and select it from the menu.
    • Run the command sfc /scannow and proceed to follow all instructions to begin the scan.
    • Once the scan concludes, reboot your system and attempt to launch Disk Cleanup.
  • Manually Delete All Temporary Files
    • Pull up the Run dialog (Win + R), type in %temp%, and press Enter.
    • In the Temp folder, highlight all temporary files you deem unnecessary, right-click it, and press Delete (Del).
    • Run Disk Cleanup again to see if a fix has been found.
  • Utilize Alternative PC Cleaning Tools

Conclusion

This article has provided you with at least 9 ways to open Disk Cleanup. Now, you should know exactly how to open disk cleanup in Windows 10 or seek out alternative PC cleaning tools to help you clear out file clutter on your PC and hard drive.

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