Use Windows Storage settings and Disk Cleanup to remove safe temporary files while protecting personal downloads, recovery data, and rollback options.
Cleanup can permanently remove personal downloads, diagnostic data, or feature-update rollback files. Review every category and maintain a separate backup of important data.
Use **Storage** and **Disk Cleanup** to remove temporary files you recognize while preserving recovery-related files and personal data. Cleanup can free disk space but does not replace a verified backup or guarantee that deleted files are recoverable.
Open **Settings > System > Storage** and wait for Windows to calculate disk usage. Review temporary files, installed apps, system files, and other categories before selecting anything. This helps distinguish disposable data from personal files and recovery components.
Open **Temporary files** and read each category carefully. Select clearly disposable items such as temporary files or thumbnails when appropriate. Leave Downloads unchecked unless you have reviewed its contents and backed up anything important.
Do not select **Previous Windows installation(s)** if you may need to roll back a recent feature update. Avoid manually deleting recovery partitions, Windows recovery folders, or unknown system files. Removing previous installation data can eliminate the built-in rollback option.
Search for **Disk Cleanup**, select the Windows drive, and review the categories presented. Use **Clean up system files** only when you understand the extra categories it exposes. Check each selection before confirming because system cleanup can remove rollback data and diagnostic files.
Close apps that are actively using large temporary caches, then use their built-in cleanup controls where available. Clearing a cache can trigger additional downloads or slower first launches. Do not delete application data folders wholesale to save space.
Confirm the selected cleanup categories and start the cleanup. Reopen Storage to check the remaining free space, then test the applications you use regularly. Windows may continue to recreate temporary files during normal operation.
Windows and applications recreate caches and temporary files during normal use. Check which category is growing before trying to remove it again.
The rollback files may already have been removed, may not exist for that installation, or may be managed differently. Do not recreate or manually manipulate recovery folders.
Review large applications, videos, and other personal files through Storage. Back up files before moving or deleting them.
Many temporary files are disposable, but review each category and preserve files needed for rollback or recovery.
Avoid selecting Downloads unless you have reviewed its contents and confirmed that nothing important will be lost.
It can help when low disk space is causing problems, but deleting temporary files does not automatically improve performance.
Deleted temporary files generally cannot be restored through a simple Windows setting. Recover important files from your backup or applicable recovery service. If you removed previous Windows installation files, the built-in rollback option may no longer be available; reinstalling or repairing Windows may be necessary if serious problems arise.
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