Does your computer often report insufficient storage space?

Does your computer often lag when you load or search files?

Does it take a relatively longer time to launch programs on your mobile phones?

All the signs indicate that you need to remove the junk files! This tutorial will introduce how to remove junk files from computer in detail. Read more!

Part 1: What Are Junk Files

Junk files refer to temporary files, cache data, residual installation packages, etc., that are no longer needed in the computer or mobile phone system. They might once be useful when executing computing tasks, but they become useless junk files after serving. Moreover, if accumulated for a long time, they will occupy storage space and affect the performance of the device.

These files are automatically generated by the system or applications during operation, and users usually cannot directly utilize them.

Junk File Types

Part 2: Why Need to Delete Junk Files

Release Valuable Disk Space

When your computer finishes the corresponding commands, these files are no longer useful. On the contrary, they will occupy a large amount of memory on your computer, which is especially unfriendly to users with smaller storage capacity who want to install new files and applications. Moreover, it may resolve error prompts related to insufficient storage space.

Improve System Performance

Excessive junk files can slow down system startup, program loading, and file search speeds. Removing such files will greatly improve your computer's performance. Moreover, deleting unnecessary background read and write operations can make the system smoother.

Potential Privacy Protection

Clearing browser cache, browsing history, etc., which may contain sensitive information, will help safeguard your personal privacy.

Maintaining System Health

Reducing file system fragmentation (for traditional HDDs) to avoid program errors caused by insufficient space.

Given all the reasons above, it is essential to clean junk files regularly.

Part 3: How to Remove Junk Files on Windows/Mac

Windows

1. Use the Built-in Disk Cleaning Tool

How to remove junk files on Windows 11/10? What is the shortcut to clean up junk files? Follow the steps below to clear junk files in cmd in the easiest way.

Step 1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard at the same time to open the Run window. Enter cleanmgr in the search box and click OK. Select the drive you want to clean up (usually C:) and press OK.

Step 2. Check the files you want to clean on the pop-up window. Common files you can check are Downloaded Program Files, Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Thumbnails. Click OK after selection.

2. Enable Storage Sense

Storage Sense can remove the files you don't need, such as temporary files, recycle bin files, etc., automatically to free up space. Follow the steps below to clean the junk files automatically on Windows 11/10:

Step 1. Open the Start menu in the bottom-left corner and choose Settings.

Step 2. Click System and press the Storage tab on the left. Toggle the button on the right page.

3. Uninstall Unused Programs

Go to Settings - Apps - Apps & features to locate the program you don't use.

4. Empty Recycle Bin

Frequently clear up the recycle bin to thoroughly delete the junk files. A small tip for you is to press Ctrl + A at the same time to select all the junk files to save time.

Mac

If you are a Mac user and wonder how to remove junk files from Mac, we really recommend a one-stop junk file remover - Apeaksoft Mac Cleaner for you to delete junk files on Mac all in one click, which greatly frees you from massive operations and clicks.

Learn how to remove junk files using the steps below:

Step 1. Free download this powerful junk file cleaner and install it into your Mac.

Step 2. Click the Cleaner button in the middle interface.

Step 3. You will see many features on the following page. For most people who want to free up Mac storage, System Junk is your first choice.

Step 4. Click the Scan button. Wait a few seconds, and then you will see all your system junk files on the screen. View and select them to delete. After selection, click the Clean button in the bottom right corner to proceed.

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