This is a proper quick-list for freeing disk space on your Win7 System. Obviously, if you want to free up space consider uninstalling unwanted programs using the Programs and Features feature in your Control Panel. Also, consider running a search for large files that you might have missed/forgot to delete (such as virtual machines, music video files or installation package). Compared to other lists on the web, the order in this list is actually important.
Empty the Recycle Bin and Configure it
After you empty your Recycle Bin, R-Click on it and select Properties. For your System drive (usually C:) enter maximum size 1024, and for any extra drives that appear in the list enter 1. Click Apply > OK
Run Windows Update (Optional)
This is an optional step but it is better to remember to do it now instead of doing it after you have done all the rest of the steps. After completing all necessary updates (especially the critical ones) reboot (restart) your system. IMPORTANT: After you do the restart your system, do an actual shut-down (poweroff) and start it up again in order to continue with the rest of the steps in this list. This might sound as an unnecessary step but trust me, in order to cover all possible scenarios, this can be a very important step.
Run Ccleaner
If you need to download ccleaner, search for ccleaner builds and download the portable version of it which you do not need to install. ALso, the portable version can run from a USB stick if needed. It is best to run ccleaner first before of the rest of the steps, as it will get rid faster most of the stuff you dont need.
Run Disk CleanUp
R-Click on your system disk (usually C:\) and select properties. Under the General tab you will find Disk Cleanup. Tick everything in the list and click OK, and then Delete Files on the message that appears next.
Run Disk CleanUp again!
Once Disk CleanUp is done, open it up again but this time instead of the General tab go to More Options tab. You will see that it says "System Restore and Shadow Copies" and when you click the Clean Up button under that section a message warns you for deleting your restore points. This is where you click Delete. It seems like nothing happened but once you click OK to the previous screen, a new message will pop up asking you if you want to permanently delete these files. You can now click the Delete Files button.
Stop System Restore
R-Click My Computer and select properties. Click "Advanced System Settings" and then go to the System Protection tab. Select your system disk from the list (usually C:), click configure, select the "Turn off system protection" radio button and click Apply. A message will appear asking you if you want to turn off system protection on this drive. Click Yes, and then delete all restore points by clicking the Delete button. Another message will appear and you need to click Continue. Once the restore points are deleted click Close to the message that will appear and click OK to the System Protection for Local Disk form. Click OK to the System Properties window.
Reboot
Yes, at this point you need to reboot (restart) your system. Yes, you have to. You will most probably notice that during the restart process it will go into a cleanup mode.
Cached Windows Updates files
You will see a number of files and folders inside the Downloads folder with long alphanumeric filenames. You can select and delete everything in here.
Turn Hibernation OFF
Open up the command prompt and type the following command:
You can turn hibernation back on by using on instead of off in the same command.
Empty the Recycle Bin and Configure it
After you empty your Recycle Bin, R-Click on it and select Properties. For your System drive (usually C:) enter maximum size 1024, and for any extra drives that appear in the list enter 1. Click Apply > OK
Run Windows Update (Optional)
This is an optional step but it is better to remember to do it now instead of doing it after you have done all the rest of the steps. After completing all necessary updates (especially the critical ones) reboot (restart) your system. IMPORTANT: After you do the restart your system, do an actual shut-down (poweroff) and start it up again in order to continue with the rest of the steps in this list. This might sound as an unnecessary step but trust me, in order to cover all possible scenarios, this can be a very important step.
Run Ccleaner
If you need to download ccleaner, search for ccleaner builds and download the portable version of it which you do not need to install. ALso, the portable version can run from a USB stick if needed. It is best to run ccleaner first before of the rest of the steps, as it will get rid faster most of the stuff you dont need.
Run Disk CleanUp
R-Click on your system disk (usually C:\) and select properties. Under the General tab you will find Disk Cleanup. Tick everything in the list and click OK, and then Delete Files on the message that appears next.
Run Disk CleanUp again!
Once Disk CleanUp is done, open it up again but this time instead of the General tab go to More Options tab. You will see that it says "System Restore and Shadow Copies" and when you click the Clean Up button under that section a message warns you for deleting your restore points. This is where you click Delete. It seems like nothing happened but once you click OK to the previous screen, a new message will pop up asking you if you want to permanently delete these files. You can now click the Delete Files button.
Stop System Restore
R-Click My Computer and select properties. Click "Advanced System Settings" and then go to the System Protection tab. Select your system disk from the list (usually C:), click configure, select the "Turn off system protection" radio button and click Apply. A message will appear asking you if you want to turn off system protection on this drive. Click Yes, and then delete all restore points by clicking the Delete button. Another message will appear and you need to click Continue. Once the restore points are deleted click Close to the message that will appear and click OK to the System Protection for Local Disk form. Click OK to the System Properties window.
Reboot
Yes, at this point you need to reboot (restart) your system. Yes, you have to. You will most probably notice that during the restart process it will go into a cleanup mode.
Cached Windows Updates files
Go to your system drive (usually C:) at the following path:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
You will see a number of files and folders inside the Downloads folder with long alphanumeric filenames. You can select and delete everything in here.
Turn Hibernation OFF
Open up the command prompt and type the following command:
powercfg /hibernate off
You can turn hibernation back on by using on instead of off in the same command.
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