How to Delete Unwanted Files? Learn 5 Easy Ways
Discover how to delete unwanted files from computer including Windows and Mac so that it continually runs efficiently. Over time, Windows collects temporary files, caches, logs, and other unneeded information that gradually accumulates on your machine. These junk files occupy crucial storage space when they are unneeded and can decrease performance and potentially threaten your privacy.
In this guide, we will clarify what junk files are, why it is important to remove unnecessary files or folders from multiple devices, and you will learn about the various ways you can clean the unwanted files on your PC. Keep reading the article to learn how to delete unwanted files in Windows 10, 11 and Mac devices. You will learn the best way to keep your computer free of junk files and to optimize performance.
What Are Junk Files?
Before you learn how to delete unwanted files, it is crucial to first understand what are Junk files. Junk files are files that serve no purpose created by your computer during different activities. They are meant to be temporary. However, they often remain in your system even after their function is complete. These files build up and take up valuable storage space without providing any benefit.
- Recycle Bin: Whatever files you delete in Windows 10 it all goes to recycle bin folder. You need to clean up this folder if you want to get rid of unnecessary files.
- Temporary Files: When your Windows 10 system is performing activities, the system and some programs generate temporary files in the background. It turned out to be junk files, and your computer doesn’t delete unwanted files from Windows 10 automatically.
- Temporary Internet Files: Windows Upgrade Log Files, Offline Webpage Cache These files are also unwanted files. They store images, text, and other multimedia content so that you can visit these websites faster the next time.
- Thumbnails: Windows keeps a copy of all your videos and documents in the Thumbnails cache file. If you delete these thumbnails, they will be automatically recreated as needed.
Why Remove Unnecessary Files or Folders on Computer?
Here are some facts on why it is crucial to delete unwanted files from your PC:
- Create More Room for Storage: Unwanted files waste valuable storage space on your device that could be better suited for critical files.
- Increase Speed of Your Device: By removing junk or unwanted files, your computer will be capable of running much faster and more smoothly, with less bottleneck.
- Avoid Errors & Crashes: Temporary files, or unnecessary files will take their toll on how your system is running, causing it to bog itself down and which can eventually impact on the function of your system.
- Safeguard Your Privacy: Temporary files and/or unwanted files may have data contained within them, and thus, cleaning this data after you clear it minimizes the possibility of leaking information.
- Keep Your PC in Order: If you clean up unwanted files regularly, it would help you find and manage your important files a little better.
How to Delete Unwanted Files in Windows 10 & 11?
There are several methods available for deleting unnecessary files on your computer. Built-in options include using File Explorer, Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and the Run command to delete temporary files and recover storage from Windows 10 or 11. On the other hand, if you think these methods are too long or too difficult, you can also use an automated tool that will quickly remove unwanted files to give you a more secure cleanup.
Method 1: Delete Individual Undated Files
Follow the steps mentioned below to easily delete unwanted files in Windows 11 and 10:
- Open File Explorer >> Press Windows Key + E.
- Find the file or folder you don’t need anymore.
- Delete it >> Either press the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click and choose Delete.
- Empty Recycle Bin >> The file is not gone yet.
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin to delete unwanted files permanently.
Method 2: Clean Up Unwanted Files with Disk Cleanup Tool
You can also use a Disk cleanup tool to delete unwanted files from computer:
- Press Windows Key + S and type Disk Cleanup, then Select Enter.
- Generally, you will choose the C: drive and select OK.
- Check the appropriate boxes for Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, or Thumbnails.
- Click Clean Up System Files, and you can go for a more comprehensive clean up.
- Click OK, you will then click Delete Files to free up space.
Method 3: Use Storage Sense (Automatic Cleaning)
- Click on the Windows Key + S, type storage, and then open Storage settings.
- Turn on the switch for automatic cleanup.
- Customize settings:
- How often Windows should automatically delete junk files.
- If it should delete files in the Recycle Bin and the Downloads folder after a certain time.
Method 4: Delete Unwanted Files Using Run Command
Learn how to delete unwanted files using Run Command:
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
- Type the command >> Enter %temp% and OK.
- Delete files >> A folder with temporary files will open. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and Delete.
- Repeat >> Now run temp and prefetch commands one after the other in the Run box to clear more junk files.
Why is the Manual Method Not Recommended?
The manual method is easy to delete all folders at once. However, keep in mind that the software may not work on all devices to remove the unnecessary files. Deleting unwanted files takes up space on your computer and it works well.
But any third-party tool like data recovery software available in the market. With this software, any hacker or thief can recover your data and harm you by gaining access to your data.
Method 5: Smart Solution to Delete All Unwanted Files on Windows and Mac
BitWipe Data Wipe Software is the best sanitization solution to delete all unwanted files and folders easily on multiple devices whether it’s Windows or Mac. The powerful software provides you with a variety of options to delete unwanted files from C drive or other drives. With this solution, you can easily remove unnecessary files from Windows 10, 11 and any prior versions. Additionally, the software works on Mac devices as well. The software will delete unwanted files permanently. No one can recover your data via any third-party software. The software safely wipes the files that you don’t need from your computer, no matter what version of Windows or Mac you are using.
How to Remove Unnecessary Files from a Computer?
- First, Download and install the software on your computer to delete unwanted files in Windows 11 and Windows 10 or Mac.
- Secondly, choose the “Files & Folders” option to wipe specific files and folders or check the “Logical Drive” option to delete unwanted files from computer permanently.
- Thirdly, select the drive from the Drives option and hit the Next button to remove junk files Windows 10.
- After that, select the folder that you want to delete and click the Next tab to delete all unwanted files permanently.
- Go to the filter option and delete specific data by the Date Range option, “File Mask” to erase specific files by their extension, and “Overwrite Data Text” to overwrite specific data.
- Next, choose a wiping method according to your needs to remove unnecessary files from Windows 10 and 11.
- After completing all the processes, the software will show you the warning message and click yes and permanently delete unwanted files in PC.
Features of the Tool to Remove Junk Files Windows 10
- Multi-Devices Data Erasing: This Software supports multiple devices to delete unwanted files in Windows 10 and 11 such as HDD, SSD, SATA, PATA, Flash Drive, USB, Laptop, and Desktop & PC.
- Wipe Data Types: It is capable to remove junk files Windows 10 the Hidden area, Drive partition, File and Folder, Chat and browser history, Drive Free Space.
- Several Wiping Methods: It allows users to delete unwanted files from computer with multiple wiping methods. As per your requirements like Zero (1 pass), Random (1 pass), Wipe File – Simple (1 pass), Zero and Random (2 pass), Random and Zero (2 pass), Wipe File – Medium (2 pass), US Navy – MFM (3 pass) and other methods.
- Avert Data Breach: Data breaches are becoming more common as a result of compromised networks and laptop theft. In short, this data erasure tool can help a company or individual protect their data from identity theft.
In a Nutshell
As you can see above, we have mentioned two methods to delete unwanted files in Windows 10 or 11 and Mac devices. Manual methods seem very easy but are also very risky. No one wants his personal information to be in the hands of another person. Also, we have mentioned professional tools to how to remove unnecessary files from Windows 11 or 10 easily and without any interruption.
FAQs: Delete Unwanted Files
Q 1: How to delete unwanted files from C Drive?
To delete unwanted or unnecessary files from C Drive, you can use the Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense in Windows 10 and 11.
Q 2: How to delete unwanted files from Android phone?
To delete unwanted files from Android phone, simply go to Settings > Storage and then clear the cache and unwanted files. Moreover you can also use the phone cleaner apps.
Q 3: How to delete all unwanted files at once?
To delete all unwanted files in bulk at once, it is best to use the recommended software.