The performance boost of software will inevitably lead to an increase in the size of the software itself, with the required cache and various temporary files growing exponentially.
Typically, we use a solid-state drive as the system disk, namely the C drive. Assuming a 500G solid-state drive is partitioned into a 200G C drive and a 300G D drive.
Some computers have even smaller C drive capacities, so it's common for the C drive to run out of space.
I would like to share a set of solutions I use daily to slim down the C drive, hoping it will be helpful to you.
kcleaner#
This is a standalone green version of Kingsoft's junk cleaning tool, with no ads or plugins, and no residue left behind. It cleans system junk thoroughly and quickly. I have been using this tool for many years, and you don't have to worry about it deleting anything it shouldn't; it provides peace of mind.
Typically run once a week.
CCleaner#
A well-known system cleaning tool, I remember it used to focus on erasing all traces of internet activity. It mainly targets browsers and the registry, so use it with caution.
It clears junk files that are no longer used by the Windows system to free up more hard disk space. Another major function is to clear the user's internet history. It can clean junk from folders, history, recycle bin, etc., and scan and clean junk items from the registry. It supports Simplified Chinese.
Therefore, after running this software, you will need to log in again to your browser accounts and refresh bookmarks and icons. From another perspective, if you plan to change jobs, running this on an office computer will clear all your browser-related records, thus protecting your personal privacy.
Typically run once every one to two months.
IObit Smart Defrag#
This is an intelligent disk defragmentation tool that uses the industry's most advanced disk fragmentation diagnosis technology to achieve fast analysis, organization, and optimization of hard disk performance. It supports defragmenting system files, such as page files, hibernation files, MFT tables, registries, and specified files.
It can clean up fragmented junk that cleaning tools cannot remove, and the dashboard UI design is very beautiful.
Typically run once every three months.
TreeSizeFree#
If there is no significant increase in C drive capacity after using the above junk cleaning and disk defragmentation tools, you should consider that large software is installed on the C drive, such as the Adobe suite or 3D rendering software.
TreeSizeFree is an open-source, free disk space management tool that displays file sizes and actual occupied space in a tree structure, allowing you to make corresponding deletion decisions. However, this decision can be difficult for friends who are not very familiar with computer systems, so please use this tool with caution.
If it doesn't allow easy deletion, then what use is it? It can help you identify who is occupying the C drive space, allowing you to decide the next steps.
- Some software is installed on a whim, used once or twice, and then never again; uninstall decisively.
- For software that must be retained, can it be moved? For example, Adobe software can be transferred to another drive using FreeMove, which we will mention later.
- If there is no software that can be moved, and junk is cleaned up, but the C drive capacity is still too small, what should be done?
- If the solid-state drive is partitioned into C and D drives, then call excess capacity from the D drive to the C drive.
- Buy a larger capacity solid-state drive during the Double Eleven sale; if money can solve the problem, don’t fuss over it.
Use as needed.
Geek#
A simple and easy-to-use system software uninstallation tool, the free version is sufficient. After uninstalling software, it conveniently cleans up the corresponding registry entries. However, I must remind everyone to be very careful when deleting registry entries!
For example, uninstalling PS 2023 and deleting the corresponding registry may affect other versions, such as PS 2018, and reset the user settings of the software.
Use as a substitute for the system uninstallation tool.
FreeMove#
Its main function is to transfer already installed programs to other partitions without loss.
It frees up C drive space by moving software loaded on the C drive to, for example, the D drive, effectively leaving only a shadow on the C drive while the actual program resides on another drive. Similar to the effect of Sun Wukong's monkey hair.
The operation is straightforward; just test it with an unimportant software first to see how it works.
Use when needed.
AMBooter#
If your system drive's capacity is small not because the hard drive is too small, but because it was initially allocated too little?
This can be easily solved by using a free partition assistant, such as reallocating excess space from the D drive to the C drive. The operation is simple; after completing the allocation, click submit, and the computer will restart once. This capacity allocation does not involve reinstalling and has no impact on the system or software; it simply reallocates excess space to the partition.
Alright, the C drive is back to life!
Conclusion#
There are many tools to slim down the C drive, but no single tool can handle everything. Cleaning system junk, defragmenting disks, uninstalling infrequently used software, transferring large files, and expanding partitions.
Each tool has different functional characteristics, targeting different areas of the C drive. If a doctor relies solely on one prescription to treat patients, they are either a quack or a fraud.
Regardless of how many software tools are combined, our goal is to slim down the C drive. However, if your system drive is only 100G, no matter how you maneuver, it will still be insufficient. It would be best to solve the problem fundamentally; skip a couple of packs of cigarettes and buy a larger solid-state drive.
Download a complete C drive cleaning solution#
Everything is bundled, green and non-toxic, safe and free.
https://wwi.lanzoup.com/iJD0t17j1kqf
