Speed up your PC or Mac: 5 pro tricks to quickly find and delete junk
In our homes, dirt, dust, and grime can pile up over time. Cached files, screenshots and duplicates are the digital equivalent.
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When it comes to computers, I get endless questions about speed. Most often, slow internet is to blame. Tap or click for quick fixes for your bad Wi-Fi. The first step is a no-brainer: Update your router.
If old files are what’s slowing you down, here are five methods you can use to cut the fluff and only keep what you need.
First, what files can you get rid of for good?
Old files you no longer need and duplicates probably make up the bulk of the unnecessary files on your computer. Another source of clutter? The temporary files your system uses to store data while running programs.
Say you’re saving a document in Microsoft Word, but something goes awry. Chances are, your computer saved a temporary file as a backup. This can be helpful in case of emergency — but over time, they can build and eat up a significant chunk of space.
Now, let’s start clearing things out.
1. Use native software
Start with the method that comes baked into your Mac or PC. I will give you third-party options but start here to see how far you get.
Got a PC? Use the Disk Cleanup tool
One of the best ways to clean Windows files and folders is through Disk Cleanup. Instead of manually deleting things, this tool automates the process. Plus, it reduces the risk of you deleting the files you need.
Open it by searching Disk Cleanup in the Start menu. Then, select a drive, choose to scan it and hit Clean up system files. From here, you can delete downloaded program files, temporary internet files, thumbnails and much more.
You can also turn on Storage Sense
This Windows 10 feature automatically frees up space. If it sees your computer is low on space, Storage Sense will delete junk without you having to do anything. It will also clear out items in the Recycle Bin.
To turn it on:
- Click Windows > Settings > System.
- In the left-hand menu, choose Storage.
- Toggle Storage Sense on.
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For Mac users, use Reduce Clutter
Your Mac can automatically identify files you don’t need, too. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top of your home screen, then search for “Storage Management.”
You can also get there this way: Open the Apple menu > select About This Mac > click Storage > click the Manage button.
The Store in iCloud option keeps all your files, photos, and messages in the cloud to save space on your machine.
Next to Reduce Clutter, click Review Files. Select the file category you want to cleanout. You can sort by large files, downloads, and unsupported apps, too. Delete whatever you don’t want.
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2. Delete unnecessary users, too
Maybe you used to share your computer with former roommates or family members who have since moved out. Each user has their files, sign-in info, desktop settings and more. Of course, that takes up some space.
Delete users no longer sharing your PC
- Click the Start menu > Settings > Accounts.
- In the left-hand menu, select Family & other users.
- Select the user and click Remove.
Remove unwanted accounts on Mac
Make sure you have administrative access, then follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the user or group you want to delete, then hit the Remove button, which looks like a minus sign.
- You’ll probably also want to remove their home folder from the computer, so click on Delete the home folder.
- To finalize it, select Delete User.
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3. Take out the trash
This one might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget. Make sure you empty the Recycle Bin on your PC and the Trash Can on your Mac.
If you followed the steps to turn on Storage Sense above, your PC is good to go.
For Mac users:
- Go to the top toolbar and select Finder.
- Hit Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable the option that says Remove items from the Trash after 30 days.
Now, macOS will automatically delete anything you throw in the Trash Can after a month. Nifty, right?
4. Manually delete your temporary files
If you’ve never done this, you might have a lot of junk gunking up the works.
PC users, do this
- Click the Start menu > Settings > System. From there, click Storage.
- You’ll see the trash can icon next to Temporary files. Click on that and your PC will run a scan. Clear out anything you don’t need.
Got a Mac?
Follow these steps to remove your temporary files:
- First, head to the top toolbar and click Go.
- From the drop-down list, select Go to folder.
- In the search box, enter the command ~/Library/Caches.
- A new window will pop up, revealing your Mac’s cached files. Click Edit in the top menu.
- Then, hit Select all.
- Click File, then Move to trash. (Note: You may have to enter your Mac’s password to do this.)
5. Try third-party software
CCleaner is easy to use and can do a lot of this work for you. Not only does it clean your computer, but it also can find and fix registry errors. You can also use its Tools function to uninstall unneeded programs, browser plug-ins and more.
Once you download it, hit Analyze to see how much storage space you’ll get once your digital space is cleaned up. If everything looks good, click Run Cleaner to sweep away the files permanently.
There is a paid pro version, but the free version should get the job done. Keep an eye out and deselect the checkmarks for third-party add-ons you don’t want. Tap or click to download CCleaner.
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Tags: Apple, Apple Mac, computers, dirt, disk cleanup, duplicates, dust, grime, home, recycle bin, screenshots, slow internet, speed, Storage Sense, Wi-Fi