Comprehensive C Drive Cleanup Guide

Want a thorough C drive cleanup without accidents? Follow this to avoid detours. Know what’s safe: update cache at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, temps at %TEMP% and C:\Windows\Temp, browser/WeChat caches in AppData\Local. Win7 users: be careful with winsxs and driver folders—hands off.

Steps

1. Scan for size leaderboard and confirm top 5 dirs. Zip important data (Desktop, Documents, repos) to D: first.
2. In preview mode, select update cache, temp dirs, error dumps, browser cache. Do not select Desktop/Documents.
3. On Win10/11, pause Windows Update before deleting Download; restore services afterward.
4. Don’t forget Recycle Bin; also move/delete *.iso and old installers.
5. Reboot after cleaning; confirm drivers, updates, and common apps start fine.

Extra checks

• Look in AppData\Local\Packages for huge UWP caches; review before deleting.
• Check C:\Users\Public\Downloads for shared large files; move or remove.
• For extra safety, create a restore point or full image first.

Tools: TreeSize/WinDirStat for usage, cleanmgr + DISM for system cleanup, third-party tools for preview and whitelists. Set a monthly reminder—run before big updates to keep C fresh.

Further reading

• Complete Manual C Drive Cleanup
• How to One-Click Clean the C Drive with Tools
• Data Protection Before C Drive Cleanup
• Lightweight Command-Line C Drive Cleanup
• Win10 C Drive Junk Cleanup Tutorial