How to Run Disk Cleanup on a Windows Vista Computer


The Disk Cleanup utility removes unnecessary files to free up space on the disk drive of your choice. To run Disk Cleanup on a Windows Vista computer, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup. You should see the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box that looks similar to the following:

cleanup prompt

  1. Click the Files from all users on this computer option.
  2. Click Continue when prompted that Windows needs your permission to continue.
  3. Click Drive C.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Disk cleanup will calculate the free space on your computer, which may take a few minutes.
  6. After the calculation is complete, you should see a dialog box that looks similar to the following:

disk cleanup window

  1. Confirm that only the following checkboxes are checked:
  1. Click OK.
  2. Click Delete Files in the dialog box that asks Are you sure you want to permanently delete these files?
  3. Disk cleanup will delete the files and close automatically.

Last updated: July 17, 2007
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