If your computer has become slower than before, try using the free cleanup tool already included in Windows 11 before buying a paid optimization program. Once you set it up, it cleans up automatically.
1. Turn on Storage Sense
You can enable 'Automatically clean up user content' in Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense. It automatically deletes temporary files, the Trash, and the Downloads folder at set intervals. It is generally recommended to set the execution frequency to weekly and delete Trash files after 30 days. Be careful when automatically deleting the Downloads folder, as it may delete old installation files, so only enable it when necessary. Pressing 'Run Storage Sense now' at the bottom of the settings will clean up immediately.
2. Deep clean up all at once with Disk Cleanup
Search for and run 'Disk Cleanup' from the Start menu, then select the C: drive. If you click 'Clean up system files,' additional large items such as 'Clean up Windows Update' and 'Previous Windows installations (Windows.old)' will appear; since these two items often take up anywhere from a few GB to tens of GB, this is the most effective method.
3. Startup Program Management
Turning off apps that run automatically at boot in Settings → Apps → Startup will noticeably speed up your boot time. Turn off apps you don't need to use every time, such as messengers and cloud synchronization.
4. OneDrive Online-only storage
If you use OneDrive, you can free up local disk space by switching files you haven't opened in a long time to 'Online Only' in Storage Sense. You can simply download them again when needed.
Since no separate programs are installed, there is no need to worry about ads or bundled software, and checking regularly (about once a month) is sufficient.
Source: Geek Rewind (How to use Windows 11 Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense), MakeUseOf (Why Windows' built-in cleanup tool is better than paid programs)
https://geekrewind.com/how-to-use-windows-11-disk-cleanup-and-storage-sense/
https://www.makeuseof.com/stopped-installing-cleanup-apps-after-learning-windows-storage-sense/
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