Disk Cleanup Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Avast Premium antivirus review

Avast Premium is priced at .99 per year and offers a robust suite of security features without unnecessary bloatware. It allows users to back up sensitive files, search for personal data, and block unauthorized webcam access. The software includes quick scans, targeted folder scans, and boot-time scans. It features Email Guardian for scanning incoming messages, a sandbox mode for secure application use, and a banking mode for safe online transactions. A quick scan takes about three minutes, while a full boot sector scan takes approximately 12 minutes. Avast Premium identified around 900,000 files during testing, fewer than some competitors. It lacks comprehensive privacy protection and performance enhancement tools, which may require additional subscriptions. The interface is functional but lacks the sleekness of competitors. Support is available 24/7 via chat, with phone support primarily for billing inquiries and email support tickets for further assistance.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

moricons.dll, A Remnant Of Windows 3.1 Lives On To This Day

Microsoft often conceals legacy features during software upgrades, exemplified by the Disk Cleanup utility, which may not appear in drive properties but can still be found through search. The moricons.dll file, a 12KB library of icons, was created to manage an increasing number of program icons beyond the capacity of progman.exe. This file has persisted through the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit systems, representing a piece of digital history.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

How Much Space Does Windows 11 Take Up On Your Computer?

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64 GB of storage for installation. A clean installation of Windows 11 typically uses about 27 GB for system files and 3 GB for preinstalled applications, while upgrading from Windows 10 may require more than 64 GB. The storage needs may increase over time due to updates, and Windows 11 is designed to manage storage efficiently. Users can optimize their storage by uninstalling unnecessary applications, using the Disk Cleanup tool, and transferring large files to cloud storage.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Speed up your Windows 11 PC: 12 must-do tweaks and tips

Users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 often accumulate unnecessary files, creating an opportunity for digital cleanup to reclaim storage space. It is recommended to use Windows' built-in tools for this process. To start, users can launch the Disk Cleanup application to select and delete various categories of files, such as Lifetime Optimization Files from Windows Update. The Downloads folder should also be checked for large, unneeded files, which can be sorted by size for easier identification and removal. Additionally, outdated components can be removed via the command prompt using the commands: 1. dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /AnalyzeComponentStore 2. dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup This method can free up significant space, with reports of nearly five gigabytes reclaimed even on fresh installations. While third-party software is generally discouraged, programs like Wiztree are exceptions, as they efficiently scan disks and display files by size, aiding in the cleanup process. Users should avoid deleting files from critical folders and verify any uncertain files through web searches.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Your PC’s Windows install needs spring cleaning too. Here’s how to do it

- Regular maintenance of a PC is essential, especially during seasonal changes. - Uninstall unnecessary programs by accessing the Windows 11 Start menu, reviewing installed applications, and selecting Uninstall. - Specialized uninstall tools like Revo Uninstaller or Iobit Uninstaller can help remove leftover files and registry entries after standard uninstallation. - Unused Windows apps and features can be removed using Powershell commands or the freeware version of CCleaner. - Windows has a built-in cleaning service called "Storage Sense" that can be activated in Settings > System > Storage to manage unnecessary files automatically. - The Disk Cleanup tool can be accessed by typing cleanmgr in the search field to target temporary files and the recycle bin. - Software like Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro can help find and delete duplicate photos in large collections. - To reset Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC, with an option to keep existing files or perform a complete reinstall.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it’s important to do so)

To optimize your Windows computer's performance, ensure your operating system is fully updated. If updates are current, utilize built-in utilities to reclaim disk space. For Windows 11, access "Cleanup recommendations" by clicking the Start button, selecting Settings, navigating to System, and then Storage. This feature lists temporary files in your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin, which can be deleted to free up space. It also recommends removing large or unused files. Use the Disk Cleanup utility by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar to identify and delete temporary internet files, setup log files, and cache files. To clear your PC's location cache, go to Settings, select Privacy and Security, scroll to "Location history," and click "Clear." To flush the DNS cache, press the Windows key + R, type ipconfig/flushdns, and press Enter. Regular file management and cleanup can significantly enhance system performance over time.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

How to Manually Clean Your Windows PC

Many Windows PC users experience sluggish performance due to storage overload, which can be exacerbated by ineffective automated solutions like Storage Sense. A manual cleanup can help target specific files consuming storage space. The steps for manual cleanup include: 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "cleanmgr" and hit Enter or "OK" to open the Disk Cleanup tool. 3. Check the boxes for "Temporary Files," "Recycle Bin," and "System Cache" (or any other unnecessary files). 4. Click "OK," then select "Delete Files" to confirm. Following these steps can improve PC performance, leading to faster boot times, smoother browsing, and increased available storage. Additional optimization measures include uninstalling unused applications, deleting duplicate files, and transferring large files to external drives or cloud storage.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Running Windows 7 in 2025

Windows 7 officially retired on January 14, 2020, but remains in use by some users due to its classic features and lack of built-in advertising. Many users continue to use Windows 7 because of outdated hardware, software compatibility issues, or financial constraints following the end of the free upgrade program in 2023. Users can maintain their Windows 7 installations by decluttering with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, using Legacy Update for updates, and being cautious while browsing the web. The last compatible version of Google Chrome for Windows 7 is version 109, while Firefox version 115 still receives updates. Alternatives like PaleMoon and eM Client are available for users. Disabling OneDrive and exploring reliable applications like Ghostwriter and Notepad++ can enhance the Windows 7 experience.