Windows creates temporary files in the background to run everything smoothly. But over time, these hidden files are quietly piled into the system folders, slowly eating in space you can use photos, apps, or something that really matters to you.
1
User temporary folder (%temp%)
The user temporary folder is the place where the app, background process and Windows stores are the remaining temporary files. Use it for installation processes, logs, cash files and debris from the program update or crash. These files are to be temporary, but often not clean.
Over time, with frequent software install or uninstall, folder can fill with junk files and can grow up to several gigabytes without you look.
To access and clean it, press Win + r To open the run dialog box. Type again %Temporary%And hit enterThis file opens the temporary folder in the explorer. Choose everything together Ctrl + AHit again deleteIf some files are still in use by background apps or services, Windows will tell you; Leave them and remove the rest.
For best results, try this after restarting your computer. A fresh reboot turns off most background processes, so temporary files will not be locked and it can be cleaned more well. Removing files from this folder will not make a mess with your apps or systems. Anything significant will either stop (so you cannot remove it) or will be rebuilt when needed.
2
System temporary folder
Windows also uses a system template folder to store temporary files, but unlike the user-specific, it is used by an operating system and system-level services. It usually holds the remaining files from installation, updates and other background functions.
To find it, open the run dialogue, type TemporaryAnd hit enterYou can also go directly C: \ Windows \ tempp In the file explorer.
You may need administrator rights to open or remove some files. With the temporary folder, the user leaves anything in use and clean the rest. This folder can quietly build chaos over time, so it is worth checking and declining once at once.
3
Software distribution folder
When Windows updates the download, it stores all the required files in the software delivery folder before installing them. This folder consists of two main parts: download, where updated packages are stored, and datastor, which maintains the log and record related to updated history.
Over time, the download folder can fill with old or incomplete updated files that you do not need. They are not automatically cleaned and take discs, especially after many systems updated or failed installations.
To clean it, open and navigate the file explorer C: \ Windows \ softwaredistribution \ downloadChoose everything inside and remove it. Be careful to remove the main software delivery folder, only downloaded materials.
Before doing this, make sure that all Windows updates are installed. To ensure this restart your computer that no file is still in use, then complete the cleanup. Removing these files will not harm your system; They are temporary and if Windows is re -needed, they will be rebuilt.
4
recycle Bin
Another place where the disc space can accumulate is in the recycle bin. When you remove a file, it does not immediately leave your system. Instead, it falls into the recycle bin and remains there until you restore it or reaches your limits without. It acts as a safety mesh if you accidentally remove something significantly.
If uncontrolled is abandoned, however, recycle can build a large collection of bin removed files and waste several gigabytes quietly. To avoid this, make a habit of setting windows regularly to empty the bin regularly or to clean the recycle bin automatically.
5
Windows.old folder
When you upgrade a new version of Windows, your system saves a copy of your old installation into a folder Himachal Pradesh Graphic CardThis folder includes everything from your previous setup, including system files, installed apps and personal data.
If you want to return to the previous version, but if your upgrade is gone smoothly and you are not planning to return, you don’t need it. The folder can be quite large, sometimes 12 to 25GB of your hard drive.
Before the removal, make sure that you are satisfied with your current Windows version and do not expect to return. Once it is run, the rollback option will no longer be available. If this is not a matter of concern, you can safely remove the windows.old folder to retrieve a large portion of storage.
6
Distribution adaptation files
Delivery optimization files are cashed copy of Windows update files. They help your PCs speed up the update by allowing your PC to share those files on your network or even online. It reduces the use of the Internet and speeds up the update.
However, once the update is installed, these files are no longer needed and can take hundreds of megabytes. It is completely safe to remove them and free some rooms, especially after a large update.
To remove delivery optimization files, navigate setting , System , storageUnder local disc (c), click Temporary files And tick Distribution adaptation filesClick again Remove files To free the disc space.
This will not install or affect the future updates, as delivery optimization files will be automatically rebuilt when needed. You can also use disc cleanup tools to remove unnecessary system files and free more space.
7
Low-effect file folder
After dealing with Big Storage Hog, there are some small folders that you can clean to empty a little more space. They usually do not take up much space, but cleaning them can still help reduce the chaos and keep things organized.
Recent item folder
Windows stores a shortcut for its recently opened files in a hidden folder so that you can quickly find them in a start menu or file explorer. These are only links, not actual files, but they can gently accumulate and crowd the folder.
To clean them, press Win + rType Shell: RecentlyAnd hit enterWhen the folder is pop up, choose everything and remove it. Don’t worry; You are only removing shortcuts, not your real files.
Download program files
Despite the name, it is not your specific download folder. It is the location of an old school that is used by Internet Explorer to store Activex Controls and Java Apples, both are now old.
To clean it, head C: \ windows \ downloaded Program files And remove any file you see. There is a possibility, the folder is either empty or full of unused objects that are safe to remove.
Thumbnail cash
Windows creates thumbnail preview for your images, videos and documents to make browsing faster and easier. These previews are stored in a cash, which can grow over time.
To clean it, open the system settings and head System , storage , Temporary filesCheck forward boxes Thumbnail And click Remove filesRemoving these will not remove your actual files, just preview, which will make the window again when needed.
So, these are types of disorganized corners on the windows that build over time without looking at you. Most people never bother to check them, but they often cause your storage feel tight, or your system feels slow. Fortunately, you do not require advanced equipment or deep system knowledge to clean them. With just regular cleaning, you can drive your PC smooth, which is empty space for the luggage, and later can save some headaches.
