Published 16 June 2026 · Windows · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995
You do not need a third-party ‘cleaner’ app (we would steer you away from those). Everything here uses Windows’ own tools. Work down the list and stop when you have enough room.
Watch it done first: Windows 11’s own clean-up tools, one at a time.
1 min 30 s · a spoken guide with captions · filmed on a clean copy of Windows 11 with made-up files · Watch on YouTube
Free tools in the film: 365 PC Manager (free, for Windows)
What the video says
Running out of space on your PC? Windows has free clean-up tools built in. No downloads, and no cleaner apps. Here’s how to use them safely. Way one: temporary files. Open Settings, choose System, then Storage. Windows works out what’s using your space. Here, it’s found over four gigabytes it could clean up. Click Temporary files, and tick what you don’t need. Careful with Downloads: those are your own files, so check them first. Then click Remove files, and Continue. Way two: cleanup recommendations. It lists large or unused files, and apps you might not need, so you decide what goes. Way three: Storage Sense. With it on, Windows clears out temporary files and old recycle bin files by itself, on a schedule you choose. For a deeper clean, search for Disk Clean-up. It shows how much it can free up. Tick what you want to remove, and click OK. We’d already cleaned this PC, so there’s very little left. Still running low? Something may be filling your drive. Our free 365 PC Manager app for Windows shows every drive’s free space and health, and finds your biggest files. It’s free, and it only takes a few minutes.
See what is using the space
Go to Settings > System > Storage to see exactly what is filling your drive. Then empty the Recycle Bin and your Downloads folder — both quietly hoard gigabytes. Turn on Storage Sense to clear temporary files automatically from now on, and run Disk Cleanup for a one-off sweep.
What is safe to delete — and what to leave
Temporary files, the Recycle Bin and old downloads are safe to clear. Leave anything in Windows, Program Files or folders you do not recognise well alone. The biggest space-savers are usually photos and videos — move them to OneDrive or an external drive (see how to back up your photos), and uninstall apps you no longer use.
Key points
- See what is using space in Settings > System > Storage
- Empty the Recycle Bin and your Downloads folder
- Turn on Storage Sense to clear temporary files automatically
- Run Disk Cleanup for a one-off sweep
- Uninstall apps you no longer use
- Move photos and videos to OneDrive or an external drive
- Clear your web browser cache
Prefer to let us handle it? Our monthly IT support plans include this and much more, from £18.25/month per computer — with a friendly techie on hand whenever you need one. Call 01202 775566 or view our plans.