How to Fix Disk Cleanup Not Working – Easy Solutions!

Introduction

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility that helps free up storage by removing unnecessary files. However, many users experience issues like:

• Windows Update Cleanup not showing in Disk Cleanup
• Disk Cleanup not working Windows 11
• Disk Cleanup Windows Update Cleanup not working

If you’re facing any of these problems, this guide will help you fix them quickly.

Common Reasons Why Disk Cleanup Is Not Working

• Corrupt system files
• Insufficient permissions
• Windows Update Cleanup not appearing due to pending updates
• Software conflicts with third-party tools
• Temporary system bugs

How to Fix Disk Cleanup Not Working

1. Run Disk Cleanup as an Administrator

1. Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup.
2. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
3. Choose C: drive and check if Windows Update Cleanup appears.

2. Check for Pending Windows Updates

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update and check for updates.
3. Install any pending updates and restart.

3. Use Storage Sense Instead of Disk Cleanup

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Storage.
3. Toggle on Storage Sense and run it.

4. Manually Delete Windows Update Files

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc
2. Stop the "Windows Update" service
3. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
4. Delete all files in this folder
5. Restart the "Windows Update" service
    

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Commands

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

6. Use Command Prompt to Force Disk Cleanup

cleanmgr /sageset:1
cleanmgr /sagerun:1
    

7. Use Third-Party Cleanup Tools

• CCleaner – Removes temporary files and junk.
• BleachBit – Open-source and effective.
• Wise Disk Cleaner – Automatically cleans and defragments.

8. Reset Windows Update Components

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
    

FAQs About Disk Cleanup Issues

1. Why is Windows Update Cleanup not showing in Disk Cleanup?

Pending updates or system corruption may hide this option. Try running Disk Cleanup as an administrator.

2. How do I fix Disk Cleanup not working in Windows 11?

Try running SFC/DISM scans, resetting Windows Update, or using Storage Sense.

3. Why does Disk Cleanup Windows Update Cleanup not work?

Possible reasons include corrupt system files, software conflicts, or pending updates.

4. What’s a good alternative to Disk Cleanup?

Storage Sense (built-in), CCleaner, and BleachBit are great alternatives.

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