ByWindows PCs tend to slow down over time. Unwanted files, caches, temp data, corrupt system files, and unused programs impact your computer’s performance. Therefore, deep cleaning your system using CMD (Command Prompt) is an effective and fast method. In this article, we’ll learn in detail how to clean your Windows PC with CMD, so your system works like new.
What is CMD, and how does it help with system cleaning?
CMD, or Command Prompt, is a powerful tool in the Windows OS that allows you to control your system with custom commands. With this, you can:
Delete temporary files
Flush the DNS cache
Fix system file errors
Scan hard disk errors
Clean storage
Repair corrupted Windows files
Cleaning with CMD has advantages—it’s fast, deep, and works without any third-party tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Windows PC with CMD
Follow the steps below carefully. Each step contains a separate CMD command that will significantly clean and optimize your PC.
1. Delete Temporary Files (Fastest Cleanup)
Windows stores many types of temporary files.
Type the following command in CMD:
“`
del /q /f /s %TEMP%\
“`
This command permanently deletes all unneeded files from your TEMP folder.
Then:
“`
del /s /q C:\Windows\Temp\
“`
This empties the Windows system temp folder.
2. Flush the DNS Cache (Internet Speed Improvement)
If your internet is slow or websites aren’t loading, clearing the DNS cache can help.
In CMD, type:
“`
ipconfig /flushdns
“`
This will clear your PC’s DNS Resolver Cache and make the internet work better.
3. Disk Cleanup (Free Up Storage)
The Disk Cleanup command deep cleans Windows storage.
In CMD, type:
“`
cleanmgr /sagerun:1
“`
This removes old Windows Update files, Recycle Bin files, temp files, and unneeded system files.
4. Run the System File Checker (Corrupt Files Repair)
If Windows is running slowly or encountering errors, the system file checker is essential.
In CMD, type:
“`
sfc /scannow
“`
This:
Detects corrupt Windows files
Performs automatic repairs
This process can take 10–20 minutes.
5. Perform a Deep Scan and Repair with the DISM Tool
DISM repairs the Windows image and system components. This significantly improves Windows performance.
First command:
“`
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
“`
Second command (deep scan):
“`
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
“`
Third command (repair issues):
“`
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
“`
This performs a deep scan of Windows.
6. Scan and Fix Hard Disk Errors (chkdsk)
If your PC hangs or files won’t open, there may be disk errors.
In CMD, type:
“`
chkdsk C: /f /r
“`
This command:
Fixes bad sectors
Fixes file system errors
Recovers damaged data
This process will begin after a restart.
7. Delete Prefetch Files (Fast Boot Performance)
Windows prefetch files store app loading data. Overfilling them can slow down your system.
Type in CMD:
“`
del C:\Windows\Prefetch\ /Q
“`
8. Disable Startup Programs (Increase Boot Speed)
View the startup program list from CMD:
“`
wmic startup get caption,command
“`
To disable unwanted programs, manually disable them from Task Manager.
CMD will provide information about what is loading at startup.
9. Empty the Recycle Bin (Permanent Clean)
The Recycle Bin often takes up GBs of space. To empty it from CMD, type:
“`
rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin
“`
This will completely clear your Recycle Bin.
10. Netsh Winsock Reset (Network Fix + Speed Up)
This reset fixes many network-related errors.
In CMD, type:
“`
netsh winsock reset
“`
Restart → Internet and network performance will improve.
Full Cleanup Script Using CMD Commands (Full Cleaning in One Go)
If you want to perform a complete cleanup in one go, you can run the following script in CMD:
“`
del /q /f /s %TEMP%\
del /s /q C:\Windows\Temp\
ipconfig /flushdns
cleanmgr /sagerun:1
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin
netsh winsock reset
“`
This script will make your PC:
Fast
Clean
Stable
Benefits of Cleaning Your PC with CMD
Deep Cleaning Without Any Software
System Error Fix
Hard Disk Optimization
Boot Time Reduce
Internet Speed Improvement
Corrupt File Repair
Overall PC Performance Boost
CMD is a powerful tool. If used correctly, your Windows PC will perform like new.
Conclusion: Why is it important to clean your Windows PC with CMD?
Windows PCs slow down over time as temporary files, DNS cache, system errors, and corrupted files accumulate.
Using CMD, you can not only clean your PC but also fix system errors. This method is fast, safe, and 100% effective.
Want to grow your website organically? Contact us now
FAQ: Common questions about cleaning a Windows PC using CMD
1. Is it safe to clean your PC with CMD?
Yes, CMD commands are completely safe if you only run the commands described in this guide. These are built-in tools in Windows and won’t harm your system files.
2. Does deleting temporary files with CMD speed up your PC?
Yes, deleting temporary files and cache frees up RAM and storage space, leading to smoother system performance and faster speeds.
3. Is it necessary to run SFC and DISM?
It’s necessary if your PC:
Runs slowly
Takes time to boot
Shows errors
Has file corruption issues
These tools repair Windows system files.
4. Can running chkdsk delete data?
No, generally.
`chkdsk /f /r` fixes disk errors and bad sectors and recovers corrupt data.
But if the drive is severely damaged, some data may be at risk. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a backup.
5. How often should you perform a CMD cleanup?
We recommend performing a CMD cleanup every 15–20 days.
If you use it heavily (editing, downloading, gaming), you can do it once a week.
6. Is it necessary to restart after a CMD cleanup?
Some commands, such as:
SFC
DISM
chkdsk
Winsock reset
require a restart for the changes to take effect.
7. Is there another way to clean a Windows PC without CMD?
Yes, but CMD is the fastest way.
If you prefer:
You can use Disk Cleanup
Windows Storage Sense
Third-party cleaners
But CMD performs a deep cleaning.
8. Can viruses be removed from CMD?
Some malware-related tasks can be performed from CMD, but complete virus removal requires an antivirus.
9. Does CMD empty the Recycle Bin?
Yes,
“`
rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin
“`
command completely deletes it.
10. Can a CMD cleanup cause Windows to crash?
No.
If you only run the correct commands, your system is 100% safe.
