2 min to read

Cleanup: What It Removes and What It Leaves Alone

Cleanup is under Windows in the sidebar and frees disk space by clearing caches and temporary files. It is a Premium feature. Every item is listed with a description so nothing is removed without you knowing what it was.

What it can clear

Temporary Files: Windows and application temporary files that build up over time
Update Leftovers: old Windows Update data kept after updates install
Delivery Optimization: the peer to peer update download cache
Prefetch Cache: rebuilt automatically as you use your PC
Thumbnails: Explorer’s thumbnail cache, rebuilt as you browse
DirectX Shader Cache: cached graphics shaders, rebuilt next time you play
Steam Cache and Steam Workshop leftovers
Discord Cache
Recycle Bin

The two that need thought

Recycle Bin

Emptying it permanently deletes what is inside. That cannot be undone. Check it before you tick it.

Discord Session

Clearing this signs you out and you will need to log back in. Only useful if that app is misbehaving.

What it never touches

Your documents, photos, games, installed programs and saves. Installed Steam Workshop content is left alone, only incomplete and leftover downloads are cleared.

Expect the first run to be slower afterwards

Caches exist to make things fast. Clearing the shader cache means the next launch of a game rebuilds it, so that one launch takes longer. This is normal and it is the price of the space.

Scheduling it

Cleanup can run on a schedule, daily, every three days, weekly, monthly or a custom interval. If you set one, leave the Recycle Bin unticked so you are never surprised.

Related: Debloating Windows.