Student Handout

Subject: Computer Systems Servicing

Quarter: I
Learning Outcome: 6. Maintain computer equipment and systems
Topic: A. Disk Cleanup

OPTIMIZING YOUR COMPUTER

Performance of computer will degrade as time goes by and because of so many files stored in
the HDD and many installed application software. But did you know that not everything that is bulking
your computer is intentionally saved? Some of them are temporarily stored, waiting for the User to
delete them. What are they? They may be files that was Autosave Feature by our system during system
failure or Webpages that are saved so that we can still view them even when not connected to the
internet. Or those files deleted but still hanging still in the Recycle Bin. Don’t worry because Windows
has the right apps for you. This is Disk Cleanup utility that will help you optimize your disk space.
Why is optimizing your computer important?
1. Remove unneeded files from your disk to maximize space
2. You can identify and correct file system and hard disk errors
3. Improve computer performance

Using the Disk Cleanup Utility

Disk Cleanup Utility- searcher for and can remove the following categories of unneeded files and
components
1. Downloaded Program Files- consist of ActiveX controls and Java applets that Internet
Explorer or other web browsers automatically install.
a. Example – Adobe Systems, Shockwave Flash
2. Temporary Internet Files – are files that IE downloads and stores in the Temporary Internet Files
folder for your user account. These files are internet web browsers’ cashe.
Cashe (pronounced “cash”) – is a folder or are of memory where a program or Windows
temporarily stores data.
3. Offline Webpages – You can store Web pages on your local computer so that you can work with
them locally
4. Recycle Bin – You can also remove deleted folders and files from the Recycle Bin, but then they
are no longer available if you need to restore these folders or files on your hard disk drive.
5. Temporary files – some programs use Temp folder to store information,

HOW TO USE DISK CLEANUP

Run Disk Cleanup in Windows Vista and 7
Run from My Computer
To open Disk Cleanup on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer, follow these steps:
1. Click Start
2. Go to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
3. Click Disk Cleanup
4. Choose what type of files and folders to delete at the Files to delete section
5. Click OK
6. To delete system files that are no longer needed, click Clean up system files. You may be
prompted by UAC (User Account Control) to confirm the action.
7. Click Delete Files
To free more space, go to the More options tab:
 Click Clean up at the Programs and Features section to remove program files that are no longer
needed
 Click Clean up at the System Restore and Shadow Copies section to remove restore points,
except the last one

Run from Command Prompt

To open Disk Cleanup via Command Prompt (command line) on a Windows Vista or Windows 7:
1. Open Command Prompt
2. Type cleanmgr
3. Press Enter

Note: Use Disk Cleanup as Administrator

Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 8 or 8.1

Run from My Computer
To open Disk Cleanup on a Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 system, follow these instructions:
1. Click Settings > Click Control Panel > Administrative Tools
2. Click Disk Cleanup
3. At the Drives list, select which drive you want to run Disk Cleanup on
4. Select which files you want to delete
5. Click OK
6. Click Delete files
To delete system files that are no longer needed on your computer, click Clean up system files.
Shadow copies and restore points (except the last ones) can be deleted by going to the More
options tab > Click Cleanup.

Prepared by:

Gemma F. Lamsen
SHS Teacher, SST-II
Subject: Computer Systems Servicing
Quarter: I
Learning Outcome: 6. Maintain computer equipment and systems
Topic: A. Disk Cleanup

ASSESSMENT:

Identification: Identify the correct answer

______________1. This Windows apps helps optimize your computer performance
______________2. What is the command for opening Disk Cleanup Utility
______________3. These are files that are temporarily stored in your computer by your web
browser
______________4. A folder where deleted files are temporarily stored but takes up storage
capacity
______________ 5. ___________consist of ActiveX controls and Java applets that Internet Explorer
or other web browsers automatically install.

Key answer:

1. Disk Cleanup Utility

2. cleanmgr
3. Temporary Internet Files
4. Recycle Bin
5. Downloaded Program Files