[2] The utility searches files that are no longer of any use, and enables the user to delete them.

For instance, 'Temporary Remote Desktop files' and 'Temporary Sync Files' may appear only under certain computer configurations, differences such as Windows Operating System and use of additional programs such as Remote Desktop.

In addition to the categories that appear on the Disk Cleanup tab, the More Options tab offers additional options for freeing up hard drive space through removal of optional Windows components, installed programs, and all but the most recent System Restore point or Shadow Copy data in some versions of Microsoft Windows.

Starting with Windows 10 version 1803, Microsoft integrated some of Disk Cleanup's capabilities into the Settings app.

Dubbed Storage Sense, this new tool can automatically run when the disk space becomes scarce.