Share via

Why does disk clean-up will not delete temporary files?

Anonymous
2023-01-29T14:34:07+00:00

When I run Disk Cleanup the Temporary files are not deleted.

I tried "Clean System Files as well and then rebooted.

Every time the 4.2 gig listed for Temporary files is still there.

WV-Mike

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-30T16:53:41+00:00

    Hi WV-Mike, glad to help!

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments

11 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-30T15:40:00+00:00

    Hi WV-Mike,

    1

    Disk Cleanup (system file) should have deleted that 21.9GB Windows.Old folder, which would contain the old version of Windows, can you manually delete that folder?

    2

    Open File Explorer, then type %temp% into the Address bar and press Enter.

    That will open the Temp folder.

    Delete the contents of the resulting Temp folder, some files will not be deleted, because they are in use.

    3

    Please provide a new screenshot of TreeSize, when that is done.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-30T13:34:18+00:00

    Hi WV-Mike,

    Before we proceed, have you recently upgraded to Windows 11 within the last 10 days?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-30T13:32:45+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    Here is the screen shot.

    0 comments No comments
  4. DaveM121 871.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-01-29T15:09:15+00:00

    Hi WV-Mike,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Sometimes those reported temp files can be in another folder, or may not even exist on your drive, it is a known bug.

    Click the link below to download a small free utility named Treesize

    https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free

    Important - to run TreeSize, you must right click its icon and choose Run as Administrator.

    Please provide a screenshot of your C drive in that TreeSize utility, so I can see your hard drive and work out where that space is being used and if there is an underlying problem.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    .

    0 comments No comments