Any user of a computer running Windows, probably noticed that over time, the system starts to work somehow wrong, performance decreases, free space in the system and logical partitions decreases, etc. The so-called computer garbage may be partly to blame , which tends to accumulate in the form of files and folders, the removal of which the user usually does not monitor. How to clean up the hard drive from unnecessary junk in Windows will be discussed later. Without really going into system settings, we will consider the most common and often used methods that any user can use, regardless of the level of preparation and knowledge of the principles of operation and parameters of Windows.
How to clean the hard drive and what can be removed?
To begin with, in the system partition where the operating system is installed, in terms of the usual deletion of files and folders in all the usual way, you will not be overclocked. This is due only to the fact that on the "C" disk there are directories of the OS itself (Windows, $ Windows. ~ BT, $ Windows. ~ WS), program files and data (Program Files, Program Files (x86), ProgramData), folders boot and recovery (Boot, Restore) and user directories (Users), which in most cases cannot be touched (with rare exceptions).
So, for example, the system directories marked with a dollar symbol cannot be deleted by itself, since they store files of previous settings to be able to return the system to its original state (BT) and settings data used in the Media Creation Tool, (WS). In program folders, components can only be deleted if they were not automatically removed during the uninstallation of applications. If you try to delete information from user folders without having the appropriate rights to it or without logging in as a specific user or administrator, nothing will work either. And how to clean the computer’s hard drive if there are so many restrictions around? As it turns out, such actions can be performed, but only when using tools specially provided for this.
How to clean your hard drive on Windows 10: basic options
In terms of restoring order on the hard drive, both the average user and a professional who knows the operating system quite deeply can offer several basic methods, among which the main ones can be called the following:
- Using your own Windows cleaning tool
- removal of unnecessary or unused applications;
- cleaning user folders;
- delete temporary system files and browsers;
- uninstall updates;
- freeing up space by disabling virtual memory and hibernation mode;
- optimization of free disk space using special programs.
The list could also include applets installed by some viruses, but by and large, they can be attributed to software components, and the user should check the system for viruses on his own, and not rely on security, cleaning or optimization tools.
Standard system tool
First of all, we will consider how to clean the hard drive on a laptop or desktop PC using the standard system tool for this, which can be accessed through the properties section in the PCM menu on a dedicated drive or in a regular “Explorer” section. After clicking the corresponding button, a scan of unnecessary items will be launched, and then a list will appear with all that you can get rid of. How to clean the hard drive? Yes, just tick off what is required and delete (and do not forget about the "Recycle Bin").
However, this tool allows for deeper cleaning. For information about additional items that you can get rid of completely painlessly for the system, click the clear system files button, and in the same list, mark both the update files and the components of past installations (this is to delete the very folders whose names begin with dollar sign).
Note: you can clean an external hard drive connected to a PC or laptop in the same way.
Installed Programs
Pay special attention to the list of installed applications in the programs and components section of the Control Panel, among which you can sometimes find not only rarely used programs, but even those that the user never starts at all, by the way, having absolutely no idea where they come from. actually, taken on a computer.
There is no need to go far for an answer. Here the problem is that many applications in the process of their own installation install additional components, so to speak, as affiliate software. iTunes complements the list of programs with applets like Bonjour and Apple Software Updater, which are absolutely not needed on Windows systems. Updating Adobe Flash Player may install Chrome browser or McAfee antivirus, etc.
However, this is not the main problem. After all, how to clean the hard drive if the system’s own uninstallers leave a bunch of “tails” after the completion of standard processes?
In this case, it is better to use special programs for the most complete removal of installed applications, and even applets, so to speak, “wired” into the Windows software shell. One of the most powerful tools of this type is the iObit Uninstaller package, which is capable of performing both standard deletion and cleaning of residues (files, folders, and registry entries).
User files
While cleaning the hard drive from debris, it will be useful to look into your own directories, especially in the folders of video, music, images and downloads.
Files stored in them that the user could have long forgotten about also sometimes take up decent space. Sometimes you can even find duplicate files. Of course, using a search engine, they can be found and deleted manually. But this is a rather long process. In addition, you can easily delete files of different contents, but with the same name. Therefore, it is better to use specialized utilities that allow such processes to be fully automated.
Temporary, system files and Windows updates
Now let's see how to clean the hard drive by removing these components. Partial removal has been described in the standard cleaning section. However, the same temporary files in the user's AppData folders are not always deleted. To detect and delete them, in the Run menu, enter the line% temp%, then delete all the results, after closing all active applications.
In the browser settings, go to the settings and use the item to clear your browsing history, in the list box, additionally highlighting components like Cookies, cache, temporary files and cached image files.
System Update Actions
As for the removal of updates, you can use the standard cleaning tool, but if the update installation mode is set to automatic, the packages will be installed again. In this situation, it is better to use the "Update Center", turn off the automatic update, remove unnecessary or failed packages, set a manual search and remove from the list everything that you do not need in the future.
Virtual memory and hibernation
Finally, if anyone does not know, you can free up space by disabling the use of virtual memory and hibernating in hibernation mode. The swap files (pagefile.sys) and hibernation (htyberfil.sys) are responsible for this. And they just can have very impressive dimensions.
Since it is not possible to get rid of them manually, the “Without swap file” mode is selected in the corresponding settings to deactivate virtual memory.
To quickly disable hibernation with automatic deletion of the corresponding file during reboot, it is best to use the command line that starts as administrator and set the command powercfg –h off to execute it.
Integrated system cleanup by optimizers
Automate, and at the same time simplify disk cleaning through the use of optimizer programs like CCleaner Advanced SystemCare and the like.
In addition to the garbage removal tool, they also have registry cleaning modules (do not forget that registry keys are also stored as special files on the hard drive). In this way, a double effect is achieved: the place is freed up, and the speed increases.
What is better to put into practice?
As for practical application, you need to use everything in combination. Optimizers are suitable for quick garbage removal, uninstallers are suitable for uninstalling programs, but you will have to perform actions to clear system files or disable virtual memory and hibernation on your own, since none of the third-party tools can do this (except for programs like Windows 10 Manager or similar applets for earlier versions of the system).
Many users are interested in how to clean the hard drive through BIOS. No way! You can only set the boot priority for the removable device on which the cleaning utility is recorded.