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Disk Cleanup is a handy tool in Windows 11 that helps you free up space on your hard drive by removing unnecessary files. Sometimes, however, it might stop working or fail to open. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to quickly clear out junk files to improve system performance.

Luckily, there are several simple and effective ways to fix Disk Cleanup if it’s not working properly. These troubleshooting steps will guide you from the easiest fixes to more advanced solutions.

Following these steps carefully will help you get Disk Cleanup running again without needing expert help. Let’s dive into the solutions.

By the end of this article, you will understand why Disk Cleanup might fail and how to resolve those issues yourself.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Ensure your Windows 11 is updated: Some issues are fixed in updates released by Microsoft.
• Restart your computer: This simple step often resolves minor glitches.
• Have administrator access: Disk Cleanup requires administrative privileges to run properly.
• Save any open work: Some steps may require restarting your PC, so it’s best to save your files first.

Step 1: Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator

Sometimes Disk Cleanup won’t open or work properly if it’s not run with administrative rights. Running it as an administrator gives the tool the necessary permissions to clean system files.

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar.
3. Right-click on the Disk Cleanup app from the search results.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

This often solves the problem because Disk Cleanup needs elevated rights to delete system files.

Step 2: Use the Command Prompt to Launch Disk Cleanup

If the normal way does not work, try launching Disk Cleanup using the command prompt. This can bypass some interface issues.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cleanmgr.exe and press Enter.
3. If you want to clean system files directly, type cleanmgr.exe /sageset:1 first to choose options, then cleanmgr.exe /sagerun:1 to run.

This method forces Disk Cleanup to start and can help if the shortcut or app is corrupted.

Step 3: Clear Temporary Files Manually

If Disk Cleanup is stuck or not working, clearing temporary files manually might help. Temporary files are often the reason your disk is full or slow.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type %temp% and press Enter. This opens the Temp folder.
3. Press Ctrl + A to select all files.
4. Press Delete on your keyboard to remove them. Skip any files that are in use.
5. Repeat the same process by typing temp in the Run dialog and deleting files.

Manually deleting these files frees up space and reduces clutter that might interfere with Disk Cleanup.

Step 4: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Disk Cleanup may not work properly if system files are corrupted. Running the System File Checker scans and repairs these files.

1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete. It might take some time.
5. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will repair them automatically.
6. Restart your computer once the process finishes.

This step ensures Windows system files are intact, which is crucial for Disk Cleanup to function.

Step 5: Reset the Disk Cleanup Tool Using DISM

If the problem persists, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair Windows system images and components related to Disk Cleanup.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 4).
2. Run the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command checks the health of your Windows image and repairs any issues it finds. After it completes, restart your PC and try Disk Cleanup again.

Step 6: Check for Malware or Virus Infection

Malware can sometimes interfere with system tools like Disk Cleanup. Running a full system scan helps identify and remove harmful software.

1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Quick scan or Full scan under Scan options.
4. Let the scan complete and follow prompts to remove any detected threats.

Keeping your system clean of malware ensures all native tools run smoothly.

Alternative Method: Use Storage Sense

If Disk Cleanup still doesn’t work, Windows 11 offers Storage Sense, a modern tool that automatically frees up space.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Turn on the toggle for Storage Sense.
4. Click on Storage Sense to configure how and when it runs.

This tool cleans temporary files and recycles bin contents automatically without needing Disk Cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Disk Cleanup not open on Windows 11?

It could be due to insufficient permissions, corrupted system files, or conflicts with other software. Running it as administrator or repairing system files usually resolves this.

Can I safely delete all files suggested by Disk Cleanup?

Most files are safe to delete, but be careful with system restore points or Windows update files if you plan to keep them for recovery purposes.

Is Disk Cleanup deprecated in Windows 11?

No, Disk Cleanup is still available. However, Microsoft encourages users to use Storage Sense as a more automated and modern alternative.

What if Disk Cleanup freezes or crashes?

Try running it in Safe Mode or use the command prompt method. Also, check for malware or perform system repairs using SFC and DISM tools.

Does Disk Cleanup delete personal files?

No, it only deletes temporary and unnecessary system files, not your personal documents or photos.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Disk Cleanup still does not work, consider these final options:

• Create a new user account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes issues. Test Disk Cleanup under a new account.
• Perform a Windows Update Repair: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
• Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, you can reset your PC while keeping personal files. This reinstalls Windows and fixes deep system issues.
• Visit Microsoft Support: Official help is available at support.microsoft.com.

Conclusion

Disk Cleanup is a useful tool to maintain your Windows 11 PC’s performance by removing unwanted files. When it stops working, starting with simple steps like running it as administrator or manually deleting temp files often solves the problem.

Using built-in repair tools like SFC and DISM helps fix underlying system issues that can cause Disk Cleanup to fail. If needed, Storage Sense offers an alternative cleanup method built right into Windows 11.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly troubleshoot and restore Disk Cleanup functionality without hassle. Keeping your system clean not only frees up space but also keeps Windows running smoothly.