As the seasons change, so too should your approach to maintaining your PC. Just as you would tidy up your home, your Windows installation also deserves a thorough spring cleaning. Over time, unnecessary files and applications can clutter your system, hindering performance and consuming valuable storage space. Fortunately, Windows provides a suite of built-in tools designed to facilitate this essential maintenance.
Remove programs that are no longer needed
Many users find themselves with a collection of software that was once useful but has since fallen into disuse. To reclaim precious space, it’s wise to identify and uninstall these programs. Begin by opening the Windows 11 Start menu, navigating to All, and meticulously reviewing the list of installed applications. If you encounter a program that no longer serves a purpose, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
While Windows attempts to remove the associated files, it often leaves remnants behind. For a more comprehensive clean, consider utilizing specialized uninstall tools like Revo Uninstaller or Iobit Uninstaller. These applications delve deeper, tracking down leftover files and registry entries that standard uninstallation processes might miss.
Remove unnecessary Windows apps and system features
Upon installation, Windows comes preloaded with various system apps and features, many of which may never be utilized. Apps such as weather, camera, and Xbox programs often clutter your system without providing any real value. To remove these, you’ll need to employ Powershell. By typing Powershell in the taskbar search field and selecting Run as administrator, you can execute commands to uninstall specific apps.
For those who prefer a more user-friendly approach, the freeware version of CCleaner simplifies the process by listing all installed applications, including those from the Microsoft Store, under Extras > Uninstall.
Use Windows’ own cleaning service
Windows is equipped with its own internal cleaning service, capable of automatically managing unnecessary files. To access this feature, navigate to Settings > System > Storage and ensure that the switch for “Storage Sense” is activated. This function can help maintain your hard drive by regularly cleaning up temporary files and other clutter.
For a more hands-on approach, the classic Disk Cleanup tool remains a reliable option. By typing cleanmgr in the search field, you can select a drive and initiate a cleanup process that targets temporary files, the recycle bin, and more.
Find and delete duplicate photos in large collections
Digital photos can quickly consume storage space, especially when duplicates are present. To streamline your photo collection, consider using software designed to identify and remove duplicate images. Programs like Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro can efficiently scan your library, allowing you to delete unwanted duplicates with ease.
Reset Windows 11
For those looking to start fresh, resetting Windows 11 can be an effective solution to eliminate accumulated clutter. This process allows you to choose whether to keep your existing files and applications or perform a complete reinstall. To initiate a reset, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC. Remember to back up important data before proceeding, ensuring that nothing vital is lost in the process.
By following these steps, you can breathe new life into your Windows installation, enhancing performance and creating a more efficient computing environment.
