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If your computer desktop looks a little chaotic and you're noticing some performance slowdown, it might be time to do a cleanup. The best way to keep things running smoothly is to ensure you're running the most updated version of Windows (you'd be surprised how many folks' devices are several updates behind). But if you're up-to-date, there are other things you can do to optimize.
Also: How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 - for free
Windows has a few helpful utilities that can free up some space (and they're already on your PC). These utilities aren't intended for large-scale repairs, but can help make things run faster by cutting excess weight.
Regular computer usage results in stored cache files that can become corrupted and outdated, leading to operational quirks and slower boot times. Clearing this cache and other temporary files can improve performance and keep things running optimally. Here's how.
How to use the Windows Cleanup recommendations
Windows 11 can identify large files, unused apps, and system files that can be safely deleted. This is a good place to start when optimizing your disk space. Here's how to access these tools:
1. Click the Start button > Settings
2. System > Storage
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