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Technology Advice for Small Businesses

Free up space with Disk Cleanup tool

Windows_June02_AOne of the first things you should do if your Windows desktop is running slow is to clean up the hard drive, and free up some disk space. One of the best ways to do this is through the Disk Cleanup tool which was created and designed as a convenient way to weed out old files that are no longer needed. These long forgotten files may be hindering your hard disk from performing at its peak. Disk Cleanup also has the innovative capability of determining which files can be removed safely from your hard disk.

How to operate the Disk Cleanup tool

Disk Cleanup can easily be accessed through the start menu or by searching Disk Cleanup. Once it has been opened, this tool will automatically select Drive C, although you can switch to other drives, and will show a list of file locations containing files that can be removed. Adjacent to each file location is data about the size it is taking up from your hard disk.

Each file location has a corresponding checkbox that needs to be selected in order to delete the unnecessary files it contains. Upon highlighting or selecting certain files, the description of the files will appear at the bottom of the window so that you know exactly which files you are removing.

When Disk Cleanup completes you need to restart your system to remove the unnecessary Windows Update files. Remember, the Disk Cleanup tool only removes those files that it thinks are no longer needed, hence usually very few are deleted.

The benefits of Disk Cleanup

  • Saves time and increases your efficiency – The traditional way of opening folders to find old files to delete may suffice for some, but not for those who prioritize productivity. Although files can be deleted manually, you may not know how, and the Disk Cleanup is faster too.
  • Makes your computer more reliable – Some programs are automatically downloaded through the Internet and are often virus-infected, therefore infecting other files as well. The Disk Cleanup tool can clean unwanted programs and virus-infected files which are decreasing your computer’s reliability.
  • Maximizes your drive’s memory – The ultimate advantage of cleaning up your disk is the maximization of your computer’s storage space, increased speed, and improvement of functionality. Upon clearing the disk drive, the computer can perform at greater speed enabling you to use your device to run at peak performance levels.

The Disk Cleanup tool is as handy to launch and operate as any basic program, so there is no hassle of installing new software and tools to clean your computer. Not only does this allow you to use your disk space for necessary files but also improves your productivity. If you are looking to improve the speed of your systems, contact us today to learn more about our services and how they can help.