Member Avatar for HondaPH22

Im probably posting in the wrong spot if so i appologize to you guys. My disk clean up will not work, when I attempt to run it it just freezes approx 1/4 of the way and will never finish. My computer is starting to get slow due to not running the cleanup. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem???

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Need2Unplug

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The suggestions already posted by , and are the right first moves, but when Disk Cleanup stalls persistently a bit deeper troubleshooting is needed. The following steps focus on diagnosing what cleanmgr.exe is waiting on and repairing underlying system or disk problems so the cleanup can complete.

Check logs and disk health first. Look for errors from Cleanmgr or related services in Event Viewer (Application and System). Run a thorough disk check to surface and repair file system or bad-sector issues:

chkdsk C: /f /r

This will usually schedule at the next reboot if the volume is in use. Low free space or a failing drive are common causes of repeated hangs.

Repair Windows components and system files. From an elevated command prompt run SFC, and on modern Windows run DISM before SFC to fix the component store:

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

Corrupted system files or component-store problems can make Disk Cleanup stall while enumerating system items.

If the problem appears environmental, look at third-party interference and live tracing. Disable non-Microsoft shell extensions with Autoruns or ShellExView, and use Process Explorer or ProcMon (Sysinternals) to capture what cleanmgr.exe is accessing when it freezes — ProcMon’s trace will usually show the file or registry key that blocks progress. Also consider testing from a fresh local administrator account to rule out profile corruption. As temporary workarounds, modern Windows versions offer Storage Sense, or a reputable third-party cleaner can be used cautiously. For persistent, unexplained hangs consider an in-place repair install or restoring from a backup.

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Member Avatar for Nick Evan

Try running your computer in 'safe mode' and then run disk clean up

Edited by Nick Evan because: n/a
Member Avatar for HondaPH22

how do I get the computer to run in safe mode??
thanks

Member Avatar for BG1386

Hit F8 on start up and you can select safe mode from the list. Are you using the computer while trying to use disk clean up if so try to start it at a time when you will not be using it for a few hours and let it run on its own. Using the computer while using disk clean up can greatly increase the time it takes to complete.

Member Avatar for Need2Unplug

Microsoft has confirmed this as an issue and says to clean out your temporary folder before running disk cleanup. Here's what to do:

1) Make sure all windows and programs are closed.
2) Go to Start -->Run
3) Type "%temp%" in the box and press enter.
4) Delete the entire contents of the folder
5) Run disk cleanup

I too had this same problem, but ever since cleaning out the temp folder....not one problem. I hope this helps =)

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