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Windows 11 Disk Cleanup Lab

Practice reclaiming storage space, clearing temporary files, and tuning automated cleanup options in Windows 11.

Lab Objectives

  • Identify high-impact Windows 11 storage cleanup tools and when to use them.
  • Run Disk Cleanup twice—first for user temp files, then with elevated permissions to remove system files.
  • Configure Storage Sense to automate routine maintenance and recycle bin retention.

Part 1: Quick Space Review

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, then navigate to System > Storage.
  2. Note the Storage breakdown categories with the largest usage. Capture a screenshot or jot down the top two categories.
  3. Expand Temporary files and review the available cleanup options without deleting anything yet.

Part 2: Run Disk Cleanup (Standard)

  1. Tap Windows and type Disk Cleanup; launch the app as your current user.
  2. Select the system drive (typically C:) and allow Windows to calculate reclaimable space.
  3. In the results list, tick:
    • Downloaded Program Files
    • Temporary Internet Files
    • Temporary files
    • Thumbnails
    Leave the recycle bin unchecked for now so you can review contents later.
  4. Choose OK > Delete Files and wait for completion. Record the space reclaimed.

Part 3: Run Disk Cleanup (System Files)

  1. Re-open Disk Cleanup and click Clean up system files. Approve the UAC prompt to relaunch with elevated rights.
  2. After the scan, review additional categories such as Windows Update Cleanup, System archived Windows Error Reporting, and Delivery Optimization Files.
  3. Select the categories you feel safe removing in a classroom environment and confirm the deletion. Note how much extra space was freed by the elevated run.

Part 4: Configure Storage Sense

  1. Return to Settings > System > Storage and toggle Storage Sense on.
  2. Open Storage Sense settings and configure:
    • Run Storage Sense: Every week
    • Delete temporary app files: Enabled
    • Recycle Bin retention: 30 days
    • Downloads retention: Never (preserves lab resources)
  3. Click Run Storage Sense now to validate the automation and confirm the summary report.
Quick Reference
  • Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr.exe
  • Administrative switch: cleanmgr.exe /sageset:1 and cleanmgr.exe /sagerun:1
  • Storage Sense: Settings > System > Storage

For scheduled maintenance, pair Disk Cleanup with Storage Sense or Task Scheduler so routine cleanups run automatically without manual scripts.

Completion Checklist
  • Storage usage snapshot captured before and after cleanup.
  • Disk Cleanup executed in standard and elevated modes.
  • Storage Sense configured with weekly automation.
  • Cleanup summary recorded in lab notes or screenshots.