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Delete Windows update files to regain hard-drive space

Windows has always been bad at cleaning up after itself. Take matters into your own hands with one of the preinstalled tools, and regain hard-drive space so you can store more-important files.

Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma
2 min read
Nicole Cozma/CNET

Fortunately, there's an easy way to clear out the clutter with tools that are provided in Windows itself (imagine that). While needing to do some extra work to save hard-drive space isn't ideal, at least the option is there. Here's how to clean out old update files, and regain more space for cute kitten GIFs.

Before you get started, make sure you've installed all recent Windows 7 updates.

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Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type cleanmgr in the search box, then hit Enter. Disk Cleanup will ask you where Windows is installed.

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You found your space!

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Once it has completed this process, you may have to press the button that says "Clean up system files." If you don't see a button, the required options should already be in your list (more on this later).

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Eradicate!

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Make sure to check the box next to Windows Update Cleanup and any other files you would like to clean (honestly, all of them) and click OK. Now Disk Cleanup is deleting all of the files for each selection that was made.

(Optional) Step 3: Another option you might want to take advantage of is cleaning out old System Restore files and Shadow Copies. You can do this by clicking on the More Options tab at the top and selecting "Clean up" under System Restore and Shadow Copies. This deletes all but the most recent of each.

Have a Windows space-saving tip to share? Let me know in the comments below.