How to clean junk files in Windows 11 without clean software?

This article teaches you how to clean junk files in Windows 11 without clean software. Follow the steps bellow, you will see how to clean junk files in Windows 11 without any external cleaner. 

How to access Storage Settings?

In my old posts, there is a post about “How to put “This PC”(computer) on Desktop of Windows 11“. The quick way to access Storage Settings need you to put “This PC” on Desktop at first. 

Right click “This PC” and choose Properties, there will be a windows of Settings there. 

Click Storage at the left sidebar, you can see there are some options for you to free up your space by removing files. 

1. if you want to clean your computer automatically by Windows 11, just active Storage Sense. Windows 11 will automatically clean junk files for you. And “Configure Storage Sense” allows you to decide which files should be cleaned.

Of course, you’d better not unselect “Keep Windows 11 running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files.” 

And adjust “Configure cleanup schedules” like bellow:

“Run Storage Sense” – “During low free disk Space(default)”

“Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over” – “30 days(default)”

“Delete files in my Downloads folder if they haven’t been opened for more than” – “30 days”

2. if your Windows 11 system occasionally lags, it means you need to clean your system as soon as possible. Now you need to manually clean Temporary files by clicking it. Or check “Show more categories”

Click temporary files, and make all options selected, and click Remove files button. 

Your disk space will free up. 

Remember, less software or app installed, less temporary files will have. So I recommend you not to install Windows 11 cleaners, just use Windows 11 built-in Storage Sense. That is quite enough for Windows 11 users.