The Different Types of Junk Files in a Windows Computer

If you want to know what are junk files, their types, and the process to delete them, then keep on reading this article as it will help you with the same.

When you use a computer over and over, Windows makes a lot of different files. For instance, Microsoft Word creates temporary files to keep things running smoothly and instantly backs up your work. Some temporary Internet files are also made when you use a web browser to browse the Internet. This is done so that the webpage loads fast because these files are already there. Also, Windows makes temporary system files every time the PC is turned on or off.

These short-term files are all very important to the machine. But files that are no longer needed are sometimes called "junk files." Junk files can build up over time, and if you don't delete them for a long time, they could take up a lot of hard room. Your Windows 10 or 11 computer does run slowly. So, you should get rid of these Windows junk files, Internet junk files, and other files by hand. Hence, here we are providing you with an in-depth knowledge about the junk files and how to remove them.

Different Types of Junk Files and How to Remove Them

Below we have shared all the kinds of junk files that your computer may have. And also, methods to clean these files from your system without using Junk Files Cleaner for PC.

Various Kinds of Junk Files in A Computer

Here is a list of junk files that can be found on your computer.

1. Temporary Internet files

These files, which are sometimes called browser cache files, save media assets from websites so that they load faster the next time you visit them. Although cache files are useful for sites you visit often, they are unnecessary and only take up space on your hard disk if you visit a site once.

2. Temporary system files

For a stable and fast startup, the proper functioning of certain critical functions, and the accurate identification of user information, are used to load fundamental extensions of the system; they are also called system caches. Once they've served their purpose, these files become obsolete and worthless.

3. Temporary program files

To facilitate the installation of applications and programs on your device, installer files are generated. However, these files will no longer be relevant after the installation is finished. Keep an eye out for bloatware, such as Potentially Unwanted Software (PUPs), whenever you install new programs.

4. Full recycle bin

File deletion often leaves behind some traces. The remnants of files that you have erased or destroyed are known as deleted or Recycle Bin files. You won't be able to access the deleted files until you clear the trash or Recycle Bin.

5. Thumbnails

To speed up the loading time of pictures on websites, your computer will frequently show you a preview of the image, often known as a thumbnail. If you aren't going to be seeing thumbnails for most photographs, it's best to delete them.

6. Large files

Hard disk space is directly proportional to file size. Remove large files that you aren't using to make room for new ones.

7. Duplicate files

Another fast way to fill up your hard disk is with several copies of the same file or repeated downloads of the same file.

Eliminating unnecessary files from your computer is usually a simple, fast, and secure process. Just as many different kinds of garbage exist, so are the options for removing them.

Process to Clean Junk or Temporary Files From A Computer

As we have mentioned before keeping these files could be dangerous for you and your computer. These files will eventually impact the performance and occupy your computer’s storage space. Therefore, it is in the best interest to remove all this junk and keep your computer clean. For this process, we are going to take the help of the Disk Cleanup tool. It is an in-built tool that comes with every Windows operating system. Below we have shared some instructions that will help you walk you through the entire process.

Step1: Click on the Windows icon present on the taskbar to open the Start menu.

Step2: Search for the Dis Cleanup and press the Enter key.

Step3: A dialog box will appear, select the drive you wish to clean.

Step4: On the Disk Cleanup window, click on the Clean up system files button.

Step5: Now, check all the boxes, then proceed further by clicking on the OK button.

Wait for some time and your computer will automatically remove all the junk and temporary files from that drive. You perform the same process to clean the other drivers as well.

Wrapping Up

It makes sense to clean up your PC regularly, just like you clean your house, apartment, or car. You might even give your system a new lease on life. At the very least, you'll make room on your hard drive for newer files. Over time, things that aren't needed can and do build up on any PC. Most of the time, this info either slows down your machine or fills up your hard drive. Several tools and techniques make it possible to quickly and easily free your computer from these bounds.

A professional blogger and write to specializes in buliding online communities.Rahul Yadav on Helping people to understand how to better driver traffic.