Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Most Disk Cleanup categories remove temporary or cached data, but check each item’s description before selecting it. Be especially careful with Previous Windows installation(s): deleting it removes the files needed to roll back to your prior Windows version. Treat Downloads as personal files, not automatic cleanup.
What Disk Cleanup removes—and what to check first
Disk Cleanup lists types of files that Windows can remove from the selected drive. Microsoft’s documented default selections are Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, and Thumbnails; you can clear any selection you do not want removed. The list may vary by Windows release and device, so read the description shown for each category rather than assuming every item is disposable. Microsoft’s Windows storage guidance covers Disk Cleanup alongside newer storage tools.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open Disk Cleanup and select the drive you want to check.
- Review the categories and their descriptions. Clear the checkbox beside anything you want to keep or are unsure about.
- To see system-file categories, select Clean up system files, choose the drive again if prompted, and review the updated list.
- Select the categories you intend to remove, confirm the cleanup, and allow Windows to finish.
Which Disk Cleanup files can you delete?
| Category or choice | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails | These are among the categories Microsoft documents as selected by default. Review the on-screen description and leave a category unchecked if you do not want it removed. |
| Delivery Optimization Files | This is cached download data used for Windows Update, Store apps, and other Microsoft content. Windows clears the cache automatically after a short time or when it uses too much disk space; you can also select it in Disk Cleanup. Microsoft explains Delivery Optimization. |
| Previous Windows installation(s) | This removes Windows.old rollback files. If you delete them, you cannot return to the previous Windows version; see the warning below. |
| Downloads | Downloads may contain saved personal files. Check the folder file by file, and keep or back up anything you still need. |
Should you delete Previous Windows installation(s)?
Only select this category once you are confident your current Windows installation and files are working as expected and you no longer need the option to go back. Microsoft says the previous Windows version is automatically deleted ten days after an upgrade. Deleting it sooner ends that rollback option immediately: Microsoft warns, “If you delete your previous version of Windows, this can’t be undone (you won’t be able to go back to your previous version of Windows).” Read Microsoft’s guidance on deleting the previous Windows version.
Recommended Free Tools
Are Downloads safe to delete?
Not as a category-wide assumption. Downloads is a common location for large saved personal files, and Storage Sense does not manage it by default unless you configure that behavior. Open the folder, identify what each file is, and move or back up anything you want to retain before deleting unneeded items. Do not treat personal folders—or arbitrary files in Windows or Program Files—as routine Disk Cleanup targets.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Can Storage Sense or Cleanup recommendations do this instead?
Windows Settings offers Storage Sense and Cleanup recommendations as alternatives to Disk Cleanup. They show cleanup categories and estimated space savings; the estimate is calculated for your device, not a universal amount. Storage Sense can remove temporary files and Recycle Bin contents, while Downloads and cloud-file behavior depends on your settings. Cloud files made online-only are not permanently deleted and may be made locally available again when storage and network conditions allow. Menu names and availability can vary by Windows version. Microsoft’s Storage Sense guidance describes the settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if cleanup does not free enough space?
For personal files you want to keep, Microsoft suggests moving items such as photos, music, videos, and documents to external storage. That is separate from Disk Cleanup: it frees space on the PC without asking you to delete those files.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
