As you use your computer over time, you may notice that your C drive, which is the primary storage drive in most Windows-based systems, becomes cluttered and filled with unnecessary files. This can lead to slower performance and decreased storage capacity. Therefore, it's important to regularly clean your C drive to ensure that your computer is running at its optimal performance. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to clean C drive in Windows 11.

Step 1: Remove Unnecessary Files and Folders

The first step in cleaning your C drive is to remove any unnecessary files and folders. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 11 to do this.

To access the Disk Cleanup tool, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on your C drive and select "Properties".
  3. Click on the "Disk Cleanup" button.

Once you open the Disk Cleanup tool, it will scan your C drive for unnecessary files that can be deleted. These include temporary files, system files, recycle bin items, and more. You can select which files to delete by checking the boxes next to them.

Once you have selected the files to delete, click on the "OK" button to remove them from your system.

Step 2: Uninstall Unused Programs

The next step in cleaning your C drive is to uninstall any unused programs. Over time, you may have installed programs that you no longer use or need. These programs take up valuable space on your C drive and can slow down your system's performance.

To uninstall programs, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on the "Apps" option.
  3. Select the program you want to uninstall and click on the "Uninstall" button.

Once you have uninstalled the programs, restart your computer to complete the process.

Step 3: Remove Duplicate Files

Duplicate files can also take up valuable space on your C drive. You can use third-party software, such as CCleaner or Duplicate Cleaner, to find and remove duplicate files on your system.

To use CCleaner to remove duplicate files, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install CCleaner from the official website.
  2. Open CCleaner and click on the "Tools" option.
  3. Click on the "Duplicate Finder" option.
  4. Select the drive you want to scan for duplicate files and click on the "Search" button.
  5. Once the scan is complete, select the duplicate files you want to remove and click on the "Delete Selected" button.

Step 4: Clean up your Registry

The Windows Registry is a database that stores configuration settings and options for Windows-based systems. Over time, the registry can become cluttered with invalid entries and broken links, which can slow down your system's performance.

You can use third-party software, such as CCleaner or Auslogics Registry Cleaner, to clean up your registry and remove invalid entries.

To use CCleaner to clean up your registry, follow these steps:

  1. Open CCleaner and click on the "Registry" option.
  2. Click on the "Scan for Issues" button.
  3. Once the scan is complete, select the invalid entries you want to remove and click on the "Fix Selected Issues" button.

Step 5: Disable Hibernation

Hibernation is a feature in Windows that allows you to save the current state of your system to the hard drive and turn off the computer. This feature can take up a significant amount of space on your C drive.

To disable hibernation, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".
  2. Type "powercfg -h off" and press Enter. This will disable hibernation and free up space on your C drive.

Step 6: Move Files to Another Drive

If you have files, such as photos or videos, that are taking up a lot of space on your C drive, you can move them to another drive to free up space. You can use the built-in File Explorer tool to move files to another drive.

To move files to another drive, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to move.
  3. Select the files you want to move.
  4. Right-click on the selected files and select "Cut".
  5. Navigate to the drive where you want to move the files.
  6. Right-click on a space in the destination folder and select "Paste".

Once the files are moved to the new drive, you can delete them from your C drive to free up space.

Step 7: Use Storage Sense

Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Storage Sense, which can help you automatically free up space on your C drive. This feature can remove temporary files, previous versions of Windows, and files in your recycle bin that have been there for over 30 days.

To use Storage Sense, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on the "System" option.
  3. Click on the "Storage" option.
  4. Toggle the "Storage Sense" switch to the "On" position.
  5. Configure the settings for Storage Sense based on your preferences.

Storage Sense can help you free up space on your C drive without manually deleting files.

Take Help From Laptop Service Center

While cleaning your C drive can help optimize your system's performance, sometimes it's best to seek professional help from a laptop service center. A laptop service center can provide a range of services to keep your laptop running smoothly and efficiently.

Some common services offered by laptop service centers include:

  1. Hardware diagnostics and repairs - If your laptop is experiencing hardware problems, such as a malfunctioning keyboard, broken screen, or faulty hard drive, a laptop service center can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the faulty hardware.

  2. Software installations and updates - A laptop service center can help you install new software on your laptop, as well as update your existing software to the latest version.

  3. Virus and malware removal - If your laptop has been infected with a virus or malware, a laptop service center can help you remove the malicious software and restore your system to its previous state.

  4. Data backup and recovery - If you have important files and data on your laptop, a laptop service center can help you backup your data to prevent loss in the event of a system failure. They can also help you recover lost data due to accidental deletion or system crashes.

  5. Cleaning and maintenance - A laptop service center can also provide regular cleaning and maintenance services to keep your laptop running smoothly. This can include cleaning your laptop's fan and cooling system, as well as removing dust and debris from the keyboard and other components.

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In conclusion, if you're not comfortable performing maintenance and repairs on your laptop yourself, or if your laptop is experiencing more serious hardware or software issues, it's best to seek professional help from a laptop service center. With their expertise and experience, a laptop service center can help keep your laptop running smoothly and efficiently, and ensure that your valuable data is always safe and secure.