Simple Ways to Clean Up and Speed Up Your Hard Disk in UTF-8

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Written by

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Last updated on April 22, 2024

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There are many benefits to cleaning up your disk space, and it's easier than you might think.

Cleaning your disk can improve your computer's performance. Over time, you may notice that your computer, gaming console, or other device is running slower than it used to. This is because storage space fills up with a lot of data as you use it.

This could be junk files, duplicate files, or leftover software from programs, games, and browsing activities. Therefore, it's important to clear these files to ensure your device is running at its best. Let's look at how to do this.

Introduction

There are many benefits to cleaning up disks on computers, gaming consoles, and other devices. Whether it's a server or a home computer, redundant software or extra data on any drive can cause it to run slowly. This can lead to lag in games or not being able to perform at 100%.

This can also limit the performance of other components, like your processor, memory, and graphics card. Here are a few reasons why you might need to clean your hard drive:

• Clean up unnecessary files to improve performance and avoid bottlenecks.
• Free up space for the game by removing junk and duplicates.
• Clean data for reuse or repurposing of the disk.
• Clear my laptop before selling it.
• Boost the performance of the operating system.
• Remove duplicate or similar files.
• Increase FPS (frames per second) in games.

These optimizations can indeed make a significant difference, but you must be sure to clean your disk correctly.

Methods for简单的清理硬盘数据/游戏、灰尘或划痕

There are several types of disk cleanup that can enhance performance. Each is crucial to ensuring optimal performance from your device, whatever its purpose. Common cleanup types include:

• Virtual cleaning – Remove bloatware or unnecessary files
• Physical cleaning – Dust off and remove grime
• Remove scratches from DVDs/gaming discs for smooth performance

Indeed, a virtual cleanup might be the easiest way to improve performance. However, excessive storage usage is not always the reason for slow performance. In many cases, it is due to a dusty hard drive or disk scratches. Thus, the five most common ways to address these issues are:

1. Clean a Data Disk with Formatting 2. Clean a Data/Game Disc with Cleaning Software 3. Clean a Dirty Disc with a Brush/Toothbrush and Duster 4. Fix Scratches and Clean a CD/DVD with Toothpaste 5. Clean an Xbox/Xbox 360 Disc

These are some ways you can do that. The first two are great if you want to clear out your data or start fresh.

However, it's crucial to back up your important data beforehand – you can use a third-party tool like Todo PCTrans to do the backup and then restore your essential files. Plus, you can use it to migrate your important apps and games.

Step 1: Remove the hard drive from your old computer.

• Unplug the computer. If you're working with a laptop, remove the battery as well.
• Open up the case of the old computer so you can access the hard drive.
• You'll need to unscrew the outer casing to get to it.
• Disconnect the hard drive and any cables attached to it, then remove the hard drive.

Step 2: Connect the hard drive to the new computer.

Multiple connectivity options:

1. USB hard drive enclosure: Use this special case to connect your old hard drive and then plug it into your new computer via USB.
2. USB hard drive adapter: This is a "cable" that connects one end to the hard drive and the other end to a USB port on your new computer.
3. Desktop computer: If your new computer is a desktop, you can connect the old hard drive directly as a second drive.

Step 3: Restore apps, files, and accounts from your old drive.

1. Download and run the Todo PCTrans tool. Select “Data Rescue” mode, then click “Start.”

2. Review the steps, then click “Scan.”

3. Make sure the hard drive is connected to your computer. Select the old hard drive you want to recover, then click “Continue.”

4. Choose the apps, files, and accounts you want to rescue.

5. Wait a few seconds for the data to transfer.

On the other hand, if your problem is due to a physical issue, such as dust or scratches, the last three methods will be perfect for you. So, let's explore each option to know what you should do.

#1. How to Clean a Disk with Formatting

The easiest way to clean the disk is to format it through File Explorer or Disk Management. You can choose either, but let's try formatting through File Explorer first. Here's how:

Step 1: Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: Go to "This PC," and then click the drive that you want to format.

Step 3: Right-click on the drive and select Format.

Step 4: After the window pops up, check “Quick format” and click “Start.”

That's how you do it in File Explorer. Let's look at how to do it with Disk Management:

Step 1: Click on This PC on your desktop.

Step 2: Click on Admin, then navigate to Storage in the sidebar, and then Disk Management.

Step 3: Right-click on the drive you want to format.

Step 4: Click on Format.

Step 5: Type the name for your Label.

Step 6: Choose a File system.

Step 7: Set the Allocation Unit Size to Default.

Step 8: Check the box next to Quick format.

Step 9: Click OK.

Step 10: Click OK again when the Format Warning appears.

This is how you can quickly format in Windows Explorer or Disk Management.

#2. How to Use Cleaning and Erasing Software to Clean Data/Game Discs

Sometimes, formatting is not as straightforward as the steps above. This is mostly because the hard drive contains system volume information that can be difficult to remove even after formatting. Thus, if you want to reuse the hard drive, this can be a problem, for example,

• Resize the partition to make room for games or data.
• Sell the hard drive and upgrade to a larger one.

If you are facing such issues, you can use professional third-party partition management tools like tools Partition Master. As its name suggests, this excellent tool can help you manage partitions effortlessly, delete data, format the disk, or clean up junk files without any hassle.

You can easily use this tool to delete or format a disk. Simply right-click on the partition, and look for a prominent feature named “Erase Data.” This function will wipe all data and thoroughly clean any issues from your hard drive. It works efficiently and flawlessly for Windows users, sparing them the hassle of using Windows Explorer, Disk Management, or CMD.

We have two options for clearing your data. Please choose the one you need.

Option 1: Erase the partition

- Right-click the partition you want to wipe and select “Erase.” - In the new window, set how you want to erase the partition, then click “OK.” - Click “Execute 1 Task” in the bottom right to review your changes, then click “Apply.”

Option 2: Erase the disk

Select HDD/SSD, then right-click "Erase Disk." Set the number of times to overwrite the data (up to 10 times). Then click "OK." Click "Perform 1 Task," then click "Apply."

Additionally, you can explore other convenient features of this tool, such as:

• Resize, move, or split partitions
• Clone disks to save data before formatting
• Change file system without data loss
• Run a hard drive speed test

So this is really a partition master, because it doesn't take long, and it doesn't lose data.

#3. How to Clean a Dirty Disc with a Brush/Toothbrush and Balloon

If your hard drive or SSD isn't performing as fast as the average speed or as advertised, it could be because there's dust inside your computer. If your computer is generally clean, you might want to remove the hard drive or SSD instead. You'll need:

• Soft-bristled dusting brush or toothbrush
• Balloon pump or can of compressed air

With those, you can remove the hard drive from your computer and check the SATA connector and power cable, which should look like this:

If there's no dust, look for carbon. If you see black specks on the gold contacts, try removing them with a eraser. After you've blown away the dust or used a toothbrush, you can also use an alcohol wipe to remove carbon.

Once they're clean, plug them back into your computer and turn it on. If the problem persists or your computer is still running slowly, try cleaning the inside of your computer as suggested above.

#4. Clean Scratched CDs with Toothpaste

Whether you have a PlayStation, Xbox, or any other gaming console, scratched discs can put a damper on your fun. When a disc gets scratched, the game may run slower – or worse, not at all.

All you need is some clean cotton balls or gauze, isopropyl alcohol (optional), and toothpaste. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose the scratched disc you want to fix.

Step 2: Clean with cotton gauze, or use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

Step 3: Put a small dot of toothpaste on the CD.

Step 4: Spread it evenly and let it sit for five minutes.

Step 5: Wipe with a cloth first, then clean again with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 6: Let it dry, and try running it.

This method has a good chance of working, but it also carries the risk of damaging the disc beyond repair if it's too scratched. However, this process should guarantee the removal of light scratches and ensure that your game runs smoothly.

How to Clean Xbox, Xbox 360, and PS4 Game Disks

Formatting your console's hard drive can be beneficial whether you have an Xbox 360 or a PS4. It removes unnecessary software, speeds up performance, and gives your console a fresh start. You should also wipe the data before selling it, so here's how to do it:

For Xbox 360

Step 1: Press the Y button on the controller.

Step 2: Go to System, then to Settings.

Step 3: Find a local drive.

Step 4: After selecting the primary drive, press Y again.

Step 5: Go to Device Options.

Step 6: Click on Y under Format.

Step 7: Validate and restart the console.

For the PS4

If you have a PS4, do the following:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down, and tap Initialize.

Step 3: Click on “Initialize PS4” at the bottom.

Step 4: Choose the “Deep Scan” over the “Quick Scan.”

It will initialize your PS4 and delete all your data.

However, you can avoid all this hassle for your PS4 and Xbox consoles if you use the Partition Master tool.

Once Partition Master detects your game drive, it can wipe it faster than the options built into a PS4 or Xbox.

Conclusion: The best way to make the most of your disk is to keep it clean.

These are the steps you can take to remove a ton of junk from your computer, gaming console, and other devices.

However, there are easier and more common ways to do these things, so we recommend using the Partition Master tool, as it can save you a lot of time and perform the aforementioned tasks safely.