Warning
Use an administrator account for these steps, and keep a recent backup before making repair or security changes.
What you will achieve
Clear cruft and large folders without breaking Windows updates or apps.
1) Use built-in cleanup paths
- Open Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files.
- Remove safe categories such as Delivery Optimisation files and temporary cache items.
- Run Disk Cleanup and include Clean up system files.
2) Remove large unused apps
Use Settings → Apps → Installed apps sorted by size.
3) Avoid dangerous deletions
Do not manually delete files in C:\Windows\WinSxS or C:\Windows\Installer.