When Windows performs a major update, like upgrading to a new version or big feature release, it often leaves behind large amounts of unnecessary files. These include update caches, old installation data, and even full backups of your previous Windows version.
While this is useful in case you want to roll back the update, these files can leave behind gigabytes of old system files. If your system is working fine 10 days after the update, you can safely slim it down by removing these leftovers. This article will guide you through how to clean up your system thoroughly and safely in 2 effective ways.
Built-in way: Slim down your system manually using Windows tool
Step 1. Open Disk Cleanup
Press Win + S and type Disk Cleanup. Right-click and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2. Select system drive
On the window that pops up, select your system drive ((usually C:).
Step 3. Click Clean up system files
You can see the Clean up system files button on the window that pops up, click on it.
Step 4. Check these boxes
Then make sure to check these boxes below in Files to delete section:
- Windows Update Cleanup
- Delivery Optimization Files
Step 5. Delete Files
Once you’ve done selecting, click OK to delete these files.
Better method: Use Wise Disk Cleaner for deeper system slimming
Wise Disk Cleaner is a free tool that makes the system slimming process easier and more thorough without affecting the current system or files.
Step 1. Download and install
If you haven’t had it on your computer, visit the official website to download Wise Disk Cleaner and then install.
Step 2. Launch Wise Disk Cleaner
After installing, launch Wise Disk Cleaner.
Step 3. Click System Slimming
Select the System Slimming tab on the top toolbar.
Step 4. Select & Remove
At the lower left corner, click on Recommended to select the items related to Windows update, then click on Remove at the upper right corner to remove them safely.
Step 5. View the result
When the process finishes, you can view the slim result directly.
Bonus tip: Free up more space
- Go to the Common Cleaner tab to Scan and clean up more space after a Windows update.
Sum up
After slimming your system, restart your PC and run Windows Update again to make sure all updates have completed properly. Slimming system by using Wise Disk Cleaner regularly after major updates ensures your system remains fast, clean, and efficient.
