How Can I Safely Delete Unnecessary Files Without Breaking My PC?

You can check what files are taking up space using WinDirStat, which provides a user-friendly overview of your disk usage. As for folders to avoid, definitely steer clear of 'Windows', 'Program Files', and 'AppData'. If you see any of those folders, don't touch them unless you have a specific reason.

To safely uninstall programs, always use their dedicated uninstallers found in Windows settings. You can delete files from your Documents and Downloads folders, as well as other files you recognize and no longer need. Make sure to avoid deleting anything from sensitive directories like Program Files or Windows unless you really know what you're doing. For anything you're unsure about, a quick Google search can provide insight on whether it's safe to delete.

A good practice is to back up your important files on an external drive before making significant changes. If you're really looking to clean up, you might consider doing a full system reset after backing everything up. This way, you start fresh and only reinstall the applications you really need.

There's no quick way to tell what's safe to delete without knowing the files, but remember that your data folder (C:Users) holds your personal files, which you can usually delete freely. For system files like hiberfil.sys, pagefile.sys, or swapfile.sys, it's better to leave those alone unless you have a reason to manage them.

Using tools like BleachBit can help you find and remove unnecessary files, but be cautious with anything in your C:Windows directory. It's best to stick to cleaning your desktop and folders you recognize.