Disabling hibernation: Hibernation is the Windows 10 feature that allows users to turn off their computer while saving the current session, allowing them to continue their work with ease when they start back up.There are many tools out there that can sift through duplicates within Windows and other applications. You can use the CCleaner to search for and eliminate these pesky files manually, or enlist the support of a third-party application designed to quickly detect duplicate files for you. Eliminating duplicates: Duplicates as a result of repetitive downloads serve no purpose and only add to the clutter of your hard drive.To do this, navigate to the control panel and select “Uninstall a panel.” You’ll be guided to a list of all your programs, which you can view by file size, and prompted to select those you’d like to uninstall. It’s important to regularly determine which programs are no longer serving a purpose and remove them from your hard drive. Uninstalling programs: Applications and games consume large amounts of storage space.Use the “Run Storage” sense drop-down menu and select when (every day, week, month, etc.) you’d like Storage sense to delete temporary files and those in the recycle and downloads bin.ĭisk Cleanup and Storage Sense are great options for getting started with hard drive cleaning, but there are many more options to consider.Turn the “Storage sense” toggle switch on.Under the “Storage sense” section, click the “Change how we free up space automatically” option, or, if you’re running the May 2019 Update, click the “Configure Storage Sense” or “Run it now” option under the “Storage” section.To automate your Storage Sense and stay ahead of hard drive overload, follow these steps: Select the content you want to remove, such as downloads, temporary files, recycle bin, delivery optimized files, etc.Under the “Storage sense” section, click the “Free up space now option,” or the “Temporary files” box under “Local Disk C” if you’re running the Windows update.
The tool can also be configured to automatically remove temporary files and those in your recycle and download bin.įollow these steps to remove files using Storage sense: Like Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense empowers you to manually view and delete temporary and junk files, quickly freeing space and boosting drive efficiency.
When it comes to how to clean a hard drive, a number of tools and tips exist to help you remove unnecessary files and applications. Content on your desktop and in synced OneDrive folders, as well as anything stored in your downloads or recycle bin, all consume space.
In addition to file type and size, it’s important to be aware of where your files are living. Chrome browser caches, for example, can take up a sizeable chunk of your C drive and must be cleared regularly. You should also look for temporary files used by other programs. Space taken up by photos and videos in particular can add up quickly, due to advancements made in high-quality image capture. Many day-to-day files also take up more space than you may realize, especially if hidden duplicates abound.
Other hidden culprits include old (often redundant) Windows system files that remain after a new Windows update has been implemented.
Programs and applications that come bundled into the software you’re using on a daily basis can take up the most space on your hard drive without you even knowing they’re there. What is taking up space on my hard drive? If you’re going to decommission, donate, or recycle a computer, then it’s also important to learn how to properly wipe clean a hard drive so no trace of sensitive information remains. Beyond performance and functionality, knowing how to clean hard drives is a critical component of security-keeping unnecessary, sensitive files and data around increases your surface of attack exposure.