Quick Answer
You can find Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 by searching for it in the Start menu, opening it from the drive's Properties window, or running it from Command Prompt or PowerShell. It is a built-in tool that frees space by removing temporary files, system files, and other items you no longer need.
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Method 1: Search the Start Menu
Click the Start button or press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and select the app from the results. You can also type cleanmgr and press Enter to launch it directly.
Method 2: From Drive Properties
Open File Explorer, right-click the drive you want to clean (usually C:), and choose Properties. Click the Disk Cleanup button under the General tab, then click Clean up system files to include Windows update leftovers and other system items.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator and run cleanmgr. To target a specific drive, use cleanmgr /d C:. This is useful for scripting or remote troubleshooting.
Method 4: Add Disk Cleanup to the Start Menu or Taskbar
After searching for Disk Cleanup, right-click the result and choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar for faster access next time.
What Disk Cleanup Can Remove
- Temporary internet files
- Windows Update cleanup files
- Recycle Bin contents
- Temporary files from apps and installers
- Delivery Optimization files
- Device driver packages
When to Use Disk Cleanup vs Storage Sense
Disk Cleanup gives you manual, item-by-item control and can reach older system files that Storage Sense may skip. Storage Sense runs automatically and is better for routine maintenance. For deep cleanup after a major Windows update, Disk Cleanup with the system files option is usually the more thorough choice.