Clear Out Hidden Clutter: Free Up Space Fast with the Run Command

Struggling with a slow PC or a full drive? A sneaky culprit might be clogging your system: temporary files. These are created by Windows during everyday tasks—installations, app launches, downloads—and are meant to be short-lived. But they often stick around, hogging precious space. The good news? You can flush them out in just a few clicks using the Run command.

Why clean temp files?

• ✅ Boost speed and free up storage: These files accumulate over time, slowing down your computer and eating up disk space.
• ⚙️ Safe to delete: Removing them won’t harm your system—Windows will recreate what’s needed.

3 Quick Steps to Clear Temp Files

1. Delete system temp files

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type temp and press Enter.
3. When the folder opens, press Ctrl + A to select everything and hit Delete.

2. Remove user temp files

1. Open Run again (Windows + R).
2. Type %temp% and press Enter.
3. Select all (Ctrl + A) and delete.

3. Clean up Prefetch files

1. Once more, open Run (Windows + R).
2. Enter prefetch and hit Enter.
3. Select all and delete.

Tip: After deleting, remember to empty your Recycle Bin to actually free up the space

Need a deeper clean? Use Disk Cleanup

For a more thorough approach, plug cleanmgr into the Run dialogue (Windows + R) to launch Disk Cleanup. This tool can remove:

• Temp files
• Recycle Bin contents
• Windows Update leftovers
• And more—just check the boxes you want and click OK.

Make it automatic: Batch file cleanup

Want your PC to clean itself on startup? Here’s an easy way:

1. Open Notepad, paste:

rd %temp% /s /q
md %temp%

Save it as cleantemp.bat in your startup folder:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\

Every time Windows starts, this script wipes and rebuilds the temp folder for you

Bottom line

• Simple Run method: Clean up %temp%, temp, and prefetch for a quick refresh.
• Disk Cleanup: Ideal for broader cleanup—apps, system files, Windows updates.
• Batch file trick: Schedule cleanup automatically on startup.

You’ll reclaim storage, speed up your computer, and keep temp clutter from building up again. Quick, easy, and effective—even for non-techies!

🧹 More Powerful Cleanup Tips for Windows PC Users

🔄 1. Clear Temporary Internet Files & Cookies (All Browsers)

Each browser stores internet junk like cache, cookies, saved form data, etc.
Do this once a week for a smoother, more private browsing experience.

Steps for Google Chrome:

• Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data
• Select Cached images and files, Cookies, etc.
• Click Clear Data

Repeat for other browsers like Edge, Firefox, etc.

📁 2. Delete Duplicate Files

Duplicate photos, documents, and downloads silently eat up space.
Use trusted tools like:

• CCleaner
• Duplicate Cleaner Free
• dupeGuru

Scan your folders (especially Pictures, Documents, and Downloads) and delete the extras.

🧰 3. Use Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows has built-in tools to detect and fix performance issues.

• Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
• Run System Maintenance or Storage related troubleshooters

🧼 4. Clean Windows Installer Cache (winsxs folder)

Over time, Windows keeps outdated system files in the winsxs folder.

• Open Command Prompt as Admin
• Type:

Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Hit Enter.
This removes old Windows updates that are no longer needed.

📦 5. Compress or Archive Large Files

Don’t want to delete but need to save space?

• Right-click any large file or folder → Click Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder
  Or store them in a cloud (Google Drive, OneDrive).

🛑 6. Disable System Restore for Non-OS Drives

If you have multiple partitions, System Restore might be creating backups for all.

• Right-click This PC → Properties → System Protection
• Select drives you don’t need restore points for → Click Configure → Turn off system protection

(Only do this for non-C drives or storage drives)

🪛 7. Use 3rd-Party Cleanup Tools (With Caution)

Tools like:

• BleachBit
• CCleaner (Portable version preferred)
• Glary Utilities

These can clean deep system files, broken registry entries, logs, and more.
Avoid registry cleaners unless you know what you’re doing.

🗂️ 8. Sort & Organize Desktop Files

A messy desktop slows boot time.

• Move files into folders (e.g., Work, Personal, Media)
• Keep only shortcuts you actually use

📆 9. Clear Event Logs (Advanced Users)

Windows logs every action, which can grow over time.

• Open Event Viewer
• Right-click on Application, System, etc. → Clear log

(Do this only if you’re sure you don’t need old system history.)

⏳ 10. Remove Old System Restore Points

Keep only the latest restore point.

• Type cleanmgr in Run → Select Drive C
• Click Clean up system files → Select drive again
• Go to More Options → Under “System Restore and Shadow Copies,” click Clean up

✨ Bonus: Set a Monthly “Digital Cleaning Day”

Just like your room needs cleaning, your PC deserves attention too.
Pick a date each month to run through this checklist — and your computer will thank you!

• For More AI Tips and Tools Join our WhatsApp Channel AI Tips and Tools
• For More AI Tips: View Here
• Join our Telegram Channel
• Join our Discord