Maintenance

Atlas transforms Windows once, when you apply the Playbook. It does not clean or maintain anything afterward. Temporary files, startup apps, and unused software build up on any Windows installation over time. This page covers keeping yours clean.

Start with the built-in tools

Windows includes basic maintenance tools. Try these before installing anything.

Storage Sense

Storage Sense removes temporary files and empties the Recycle Bin on a schedule.

  1. Open Settings then System then Storage
  2. Turn on Storage Sense
  3. Click Storage Sense to configure what it cleans and how often

Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, old Windows Update files, and thumbnails.

  1. Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, press Enter
  2. Select the drive to clean
  3. Click Clean up system files to include update leftovers

Startup apps

Programs that start with Windows slow down boot and use resources in the background.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Go to Startup apps
  3. Disable anything you do not need at startup

Uninstalling software

Open Settings then Apps then Installed apps. Sort by size or install date to find software you no longer use.

What to avoid

The PC cleaner category has a bad reputation for good reasons. Avoid:

  • Registry cleaners. They do not deliver measurable speed improvements on modern Windows, and a bad deletion can break software.
  • Invented problem counts. A scan that reports hundreds of “errors” on a healthy PC is selling fear, not maintenance.
  • Bundled installers. If a cleaner’s installer offers a toolbar, a browser, or a second app, close it.

eclean

We built an app for everything on this page. The recommendation is ours, so judge it with that in mind.

eclean is free and built by the team behind AtlasOS. One app covers:

  • Junk files and disk space
  • Startup apps, services, and scheduled tasks
  • Uninstalling software and its leftovers
  • Hardware details and live sensors

Every change is explained before it is applied. Supported changes can be undone.

Download eclean

Third-party tools

Prefer something else? These tools also go further than the built-ins. All of them work on AtlasOS.

BleachBit

BleachBit is a free, open-source cleaner. It removes junk files and browser data. The interface is minimal and there are no upsells.

Install with winget: 
winget install -e --id BleachBit.BleachBit

Download BleachBit

CCleaner

CCleaner is the best-known cleaner. The free version works, but decline the bundled offers during installation and expect upgrade prompts. Skip its registry cleaner.

Install with winget: 
winget install -e --id Piriform.CCleaner

Download CCleaner

Revo Uninstaller

Revo removes software along with the leftover files and registry entries a normal uninstall misses. Useful for stubborn programs.

Install with winget: 
winget install -e --id RevoUninstaller.RevoUninstaller

Download Revo Uninstaller

WizTree

WizTree shows what is using your disk space. It scans in seconds and lists the largest files and folders, so you can decide what to remove.

Install with winget: 
winget install -e --id AntibodySoftware.WizTree

Download WizTree

A simple routine

Every month or two:

  1. Clear temporary files with Storage Sense or a cleaner
  2. Review startup apps and disable new entries
  3. Uninstall software you no longer use
  4. Keep at least 15% of your system drive free

Next steps