Nine steps in a safe order. Tick them one by one, read before you delete, and stop when you have enough free space. Print this page or keep it open next to Settings.
Before you start
☐ Back up the files you cannot lose, or at least make sure they exist somewhere else.
☐ Make sure a restore point can be created (Control Panel → System → System Protection).
The checklist
☐ 1. Check Storage settings: Settings → System → Storage, and note which category is largest.
☐ 2. Review large files: see our guide on finding large files.
☐ 3. Check the Downloads folder: it is your own folder, not automatic junk.
☐ 4. Review Temporary files in Storage settings and read each entry before ticking it.
☐ 5. Review Windows.old: removing it ends the option to go back to the previous Windows version.
☐ 6. Run Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) and read the entries under Clean up system files.
☐ 7. Check Windows Update Cleanup: it removes superseded update files.
☐ 8. Review apps by size: Settings → Apps → Installed apps, sorted by Size.
☐ 9. Empty the Recycle Bin only after you are sure nothing in it is needed.
What not to do
Do not delete files from the Windows, System32 or WinSxS folders by hand. Do not delete hiberfil.sys, pagefile.sys or swapfile.sys from File Explorer. You do not need a registry cleaner to free disk space.
How to use this page
Use the browser's Print command to print it, or save it as a PDF from the print dialog. Each step links to a longer guide through the related guides below.
FAQ
In what order should I clean up Windows 11?
Check what takes space first, then review temporary files, Windows.old, Disk Cleanup and Windows Update Cleanup, and only then decide about apps and large files.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Use your browser's Print command or save the page as a PDF from the print dialog.
Do I need to back up before cleaning?
It is a good habit, especially before removing Windows.old or large folders you are not sure about.
If you prefer seeing cleanup candidates before removing them, Rain Cleaner follows this approach with a preview step. I am one of the people behind it, so take that as a disclosure, not a recommendation: everything above works with Windows alone.
Originally published at https://raincleaner.eu/guides/windows-11-disk-cleanup-checklist
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