How to Use Disk Cleanup in Windows Vista

Cleaning up your hard disk could make your computer run faster.

If your computer is performing slowly, it may be in need of a cleaning. Windows includes a utility for this very purpose. Disk Cleanup can help you get rid of files you don't need on your Windows Vista computer. These include temporary files, files in the Recycle Bin and even some system files. The utility helps you choose which files to delete.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Windows Vista (Also available on XP)

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and type "Disk Cleanup" into the search box. Click "Disk Cleanup" in the list of results. The utility will assess how much space you can save on your computer by cleaning the disk.

2. Click the option to clean all files on the computer. Confirm your decision if prompted.

3. Click to choose the hard drive you want to clean up and click "OK."

4. Check all the file types you want to clean on the Disk Cleanup tab. Click "OK."

5. Click "Delete files." Depending on the number of files being deleted from your computer, this could take several minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform Disk Cleanup once a month.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Delete Files Using Disk Cleanup