Recycle Bin Archives

Winsage

February 23, 2025

How to Clear Cache on Windows 11 to Free Up System Resources

A cluttered computer desktop can lead to a decline in performance, indicating the need for system cleanup. Regular maintenance enhances speed, storage space, and overall functionality. Windows has built-in tools for optimization, starting with ensuring the latest updates are installed. Windows 11 features "Cleanup Recommendations" to identify large files and unused applications for deletion. The Disk Cleanup utility can remove unnecessary files like temporary internet files and system cache files, recovering disk space and improving speed. Clearing the location cache and flushing the DNS cache can also enhance performance. Additional maintenance tips include regularly emptying the Recycle Bin, organizing files, uninstalling unused applications, using external storage for large files, and running malware scans.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Windows 10 and 11 Users Can Now Clean and Refresh Their PCs with Microsoft’s Free Tool

Microsoft has introduced PC Manager, a free, built-in tool for Windows 10 and 11 designed to optimize system performance without the need for third-party software. After testing in China, it has been rolled out globally. Key features include: - PC Boost: Automatically clears temporary files, reduces RAM usage, and terminates unnecessary processes. Smart Boost identifies and removes files over 1GB. - Deep Cleanup: Targets outdated system files, browser caches, and the recycle bin to free up storage. - Startup Management: Allows users to disable unnecessary startup programs to improve boot speed. - Process Management: Provides an interface to quickly identify and close resource-hogging processes. - Large Files Locator: Scans for oversized files to help manage disk space. PC Manager is available in multiple languages and is expected to receive updates based on user feedback.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

4 reasons you should still use the Legacy Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 11

Windows includes various legacy utilities, with Disk Cleanup being a reliable tool for reclaiming storage space. Unlike the automated Storage Sense feature, Disk Cleanup allows manual operation to remove old Windows Update files. Users can access it via the Run dialog or Start menu, and it provides options to clear cache and the Recycle Bin. Disk Cleanup can also be scheduled to run automatically using Task Scheduler. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive view of removable items, making it more efficient than Storage Sense. There are concerns about the potential deprecation of Disk Cleanup, but it remains essential for managing storage on Windows 11.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and how it helps your system run better)

For a digital cleanup on a cluttered desktop and sluggish performance, users should keep their Windows operating system updated and utilize built-in utilities to reclaim disk space. Windows 11 offers a tool that identifies large files, unused applications, and system files for removal. To access it, go to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. This tool displays temporary files in the Downloads folder and Recycle Bin, and suggests large or unused files for deletion. The Disk Cleanup utility is available in all Windows versions and can be launched by searching for "Disk Cleanup." It identifies temporary internet files, setup log files, and cache files for deletion. To clear the location cache, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Location history and click "Clear." Flushing the DNS cache can improve internet browsing speeds by running the command "ipconfig/flushdns" in the Run command window. Regular file management practices and the use of these cleanup utilities can enhance system performance over time.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

My favorite Windows 11 File Explorer alternative just got its biggest update in years

Windows 11's third-party application "Files" has been updated to version 3.9, introducing several enhancements: - The Update Files button has a new design with a vibrant icon for easier updates. - Icons and thumbnails are now DPI aware for clarity on all display types, and a Tags Widget allows for easy tagging by dragging files onto tags. - Users can rotate JPEG-XR images and set them as desktop or lock screen backgrounds directly from the application. - A new setting allows automatic focus on newly created tabs. - The Properties Window has been improved to browse for .icl files and modify the ‘compress contents’ attribute. - Individual launch protocols for each branch of Files have been implemented. - Performance improvements include immediate loading of breadcrumb flyouts and reduced load times for thumbnails. - Drag-and-drop functionality has been refined, allowing background operation when dragging items to other applications. - Files now supports .gz archives as the default for compressed files, with updates to 7zip dependencies. - Users can toggle columns in Details View settings, with changes reflecting across all tabs. - The Home Page has been streamlined for a cleaner appearance. - Keyboard navigation enhancements allow opening breadcrumb flyouts with Space and Enter keys. - The Windows Taskbar no longer displays the number of open tabs. - Support for Lucid Link v3 has been added for cloud drive capabilities. Fixes in version 3.9 include resolving crashes, improving keyboard navigation, fixing issues with drag-and-drop support, and addressing various problems with cloud drives, columns view, and tags.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks

Maintaining a tidy digital environment is essential for optimizing the performance of a Windows PC. Regular decluttering frees up storage space and enhances overall efficiency. 1. Check Memory Utilization: Access Settings (Win+I) > System > Memory to view memory usage, including temporary files and installed applications. The "Other" category shows large folders for potential deletion, and you can uninstall unnecessary programs under Apps > Installed apps. Temporary files can be removed under System > Storage > Temporary files. 2. Windows 11 Cleanup Functions: Go to System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to find storage space occupied by downloads, the recycle bin, and Previous Windows installations. Select areas to clean and click the cleanup button. 3. Free Up Storage Space: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanup processes, customizing frequency and recycle bin retention. 4. Relocate Standard Storage Locations: In System > Storage > Advanced storage settings, designate alternative drives for new content to keep the primary drive uncluttered. 5. Change Storage Location for Apps: Specify a different drive when installing new applications. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Apps > Installed apps and select Move. 6. Clean Up Discs: Use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) to delete unnecessary files. The Clean up system files option reveals additional files for removal. 7. Delete Browser Data: Clear browser cache as needed to improve performance, managing data through browser settings. 8. Optimize Autostart: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs. Tools like Autoruns can help manage autostart entries for efficient booting. Additional software options like Bleachbit and Ccleaner can provide deeper insights for system maintenance.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

How to free up space on a Windows PC

Many Windows PC users face storage space issues due to the accumulation of games, photos, movies, and applications. To manage files, users can utilize default folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos, or create their own organizational structure. To delete files, navigate to Windows Settings > System > Storage to identify and remove unwanted files. Users can also sort files by size in File Explorer and permanently delete items from the Recycle Bin. Storage Sense is a built-in feature that automatically cleans up temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin when disk space is low. Users can customize its operation frequency. The Cleanup recommendations feature provides tailored suggestions for freeing up storage, including the removal of temporary and large files. Applications can take up significant storage; users can find unused apps in the Cleanup recommendations section or by checking Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Uninstallation can be done through the three dots next to an app or by managing games on platforms like Steam.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Setup needs space to update Windows 11 [Fix]

Windows 11 installation and updates require adequate free space on the hard drive or solid-state drive. Users may encounter a "Setup needs space to update Windows 11" message due to insufficient disk space. To resolve this, users can take several steps to free up space: 1. Use Disk Cleanup: Access Disk Cleanup by searching for it in the Windows 11 Search bar, select the C drive, and clean up unnecessary files. 2. Disable Page file and Hibernation: Temporarily disable the Page file and Hibernation to create additional space. 3. Delete System Restore Points and disable System Protection: Open the System Restore tool, assess the usage of restore points, and delete or disable them if they occupy excessive space. 4. Delete unused or inactive profiles: Remove any user profiles that are no longer in use to free up space. 5. Miscellaneous steps: Empty the Recycle Bin, delete temporary files, and uninstall unused programs to reclaim more space. To free up 10 GB of space, users can delete non-essential files or transfer data to external storage. The error message "We can’t tell if your PC has enough space to continue installing Windows 11" indicates insufficient disk space, which can be resolved by deleting junk files and uninstalling unnecessary programs.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

New integration lets Windows manage Android files wirelessly

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Android in File Explorer, allowing Windows users to access their Android phone's storage directly through File Explorer. This feature is available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users starting in October. It enables wireless browsing, managing, and transferring files from Android devices without a USB connection. Compatibility requires Android 11 or later and the Link to Windows app version 1.24071 or newer. Users can access their Android phone as a shortcut in the File Explorer sidebar, allowing file management similar to USB-connected devices. Deleted files go to a Recycle Bin on the Android device for 30 days. File transfers can reach speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps over Wi-Fi, and users can search for files on their Android devices from the Windows taskbar. This feature operates independently of the Phone Link app and is part of the broader Manage Mobile Devices functionality.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Android files now appear in Windows File Explorer, no cable necessary

Microsoft has updated the Phone Link app to integrate Android storage directly into File Explorer for Windows 11 and 10 users, allowing access to Android phone files without a USB connection. Users can see their Android device in the left sidebar of File Explorer, navigate through its storage, and transfer files easily. Deleted files from the Android device are moved to a Recycle Bin folder for 30 days before permanent deletion. The Windows Search feature can be used to locate specific files on the Android device. To use this feature, users must have the latest versions of Windows 11 or 10, update the Cross-Device Experience Host in the Microsoft Store, ensure their Android device is running Android 11 or newer with the Link to Windows app updated to version 1.24071 or later, and verify that their phone is linked to their PC.