Noticed that the laptop HP started to slow down, and the free space on the disk is melting before your eyes? This is a big problem for models Pavilion, Envy and even gaming Omen — over time, the system becomes clogged with temporary files, cache and unnecessary programs. But don’t rush to buy a new SSD: in 80% of cases, proper cleaning is enough to restore performance and free up 10-30 GB of space without losing important data.

In this article - 7 working methods memory cleaning, from basic (for beginners) to advanced (for experienced users). We'll figure out how to remove hidden junk and optimize C: disk, clean the registry and even restore factory settings without reinstalling Windows. All instructions are tested on laptops HP with Windows 10/11 and relevant for 2026.

1. Quick cleaning: remove junk and temporary files

Start with the simplest thing - deleting temporary files that Windows and programs create automatically. This the safest way, since the system itself determines what data can be erased without risk.

On laptops HP There are two tools for this: built-in utility Disk Cleanup And HP Support Assistant (if installed). The first option is universal, the second is optimized for hardware. HP and may find more debris.

  • 📂 Via Disk Cleanup: press Win + R, enter cleanmgr and select the drive C:. Check all the boxes, especially "Temporary files" And "Basket".
  • 🧹 Via HP Support Assistant: open the program (tray icon or via search), go to Settings → System optimization.
  • 🗑️ Manually cleaning folders: delete content C:\Windows\Temp And C:\Users\Your_name\AppData\Local\Temp (show hidden files!).

After cleaning, reboot your laptop - this is mandatory, as some files may be blocked by running programs. On average, this method frees 3-7 GB on the system disk.

📊 How often do you clear memory on your laptop?
  • Once a month
  • When it starts to slow down
  • Never cleaned
  • I use automatic cleaning

2. Removing unnecessary programs and "bloat"

Laptops HP often come with pre-installed software (called bloatware), which takes up space and slows down the system. For example, on HP Pavilion 15 installed by default McAfee LiveSafe (antivirus), Dropbox, Netflix and other programs that you may not use.

To remove them right, it is not enough to simply uninstall through “Options”. Need:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Apps & features.
  2. Sort the list by installation date or size.
  3. Remove programs that you do not use (especially those that weigh >100 MB).
  4. For stubborn programs (eg. McAfee) download official uninstall utility from the manufacturer's website.

Pay attention to programs with names like HP Audio Switch, HP JumpStart - they can be removed if you do not use proprietary functions HP. After cleaning, check the folder Program Files for residual files.

Remove unnecessary programs through "Options"

Check the Program Files folder for residual files

Delete temporary files using cleanmgr

Restart laptop -->

3. Clear browser cache and system files

Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and system processes create a cache, which grows to gigabytes over time. For example, Google Chrome may take up to 5 GB only for cache and cookies, if you never clear it.

How to clean:

  • 🌐 Chrome/Edge: press Ctrl + Shift + Del, select "For all time" and mark "Cookies", "Cached Images".
  • 🦊 Firefox: Settings → Privacy → Cookies and website data → Delete data.
  • 🖥️ System cache: run on the command line (Win + R → cmd) command: 
    ipconfig /flushdns

    Then:

    netsh winsock reset

For deep cleaning, use utilities like CCleaner (only download from the official website to avoid viruses). They will find the cache Windows Store, log files and other hidden data.

What happens if you don't clear the cache?

The page loading speed in the browser will decrease by 2-3 times due to a full cache.

Some sites may not display correctly (for example, old versions of pages).

The system will take longer to boot because Windows checks thousands of temporary files at startup.

4. Disk optimization: defragmentation and TRIM for SSDs

If on your laptop HP worth it HDD (hard drive), it needs to be defragmented regularly. If SSD - enable command TRIMso that the system manages the memory cells correctly.

How to check disk type:

  1. Click Win + X and select Disk management.
  2. Look at the disk model in the list (if the name contains SSD, for example Samsung 970 EVO is a solid state drive).

Next:

Disk type Action Command/Tool
HDD Defragmentation dfrgui (type in Windows search)
SSD TRIM check 
fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

(should return 0)
Any Optimization Disk optimization (Windows search)

Important for SSDs: Never defragment the SSD - this will shorten its lifespan! Instead, use the built-in optimization in Windows, which automatically sends the command TRIM.

5. Cleaning the registry and system errors

The Windows Registry is a database of system settings that, over time, becomes filled with junk entries from uninstalled programs. Cleaning the registry can make your laptop boot faster 10-15%, but you need to do this carefully!

Safe ways:

  • 🛠️ Built-in utility: sfc /scannow (checks the integrity of system files).
  • 🧹 CCleaner: section Registry → Search for problems (make a backup first!).
  • 🔧 DISM: For deep recovery do: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Warning: Do not edit the registry manually via regeditif you are not sure of your actions. An error may lead to system inoperability!

💡

Before cleaning the registry, create a restore point: Control Panel → Recovery → Set up system recovery → Create.

6. Reset Windows to factory settings

If laptop HP slows down a lot, and there is critically little free space (less than 10% of the disk volume), this will help factory reset. This is an extreme measure, but it will return the system to its original state without losing your Windows license.

How to reset:

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
  2. Select "Restore your computer to its original state".
  3. Select whether you want to keep your personal files (recommended "Delete everything" for complete cleaning).
  4. Click "Reset" and wait for completion (takes 30-60 minutes).

After the reset, the laptop will be like new, but all programs will have to be installed again. But this guaranteed to free up 20-50 GB and will eliminate all system errors.

💡

A factory reset is the only way to completely remove viruses and malware if your antivirus fails.

7. Additional methods: cloud storage and external drives

If on a laptop HP There is always not enough space, consider alternative options:

  • ☁️ Cloud services: Transfer photos and documents to Google Drive, OneDrive or Yandex Disk (the first 15 GB are usually free).
  • 💾 External SSD/HDD: connect the drive via USB 3.0 and transfer heavy files (videos, games, archives) to it.
  • 🔄 Synchronization: use OneDrive for automatic synchronization of work files (this is built-in in Windows 11).

For gaming laptops HP Omen It is important to transfer games to an external drive (if they support it). For example, in Steam You can specify a new installation folder on a different drive.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on HP

Is it possible to clear memory without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, in 90% of cases the methods from this article are sufficient: cleaning up garbage, uninstalling programs and optimizing the disk. Reinstalling Windows is only necessary if the system is severely damaged by viruses or errors.

Why do I quickly run out of space again after cleaning?

System files are to blame hiberfil.sys (hibernation mode) and pagefile.sys (swap file). They can be reduced:

  • Disable hibernation: powercfg /h off (on the command line from the admin).
  • Reduce swap file: Settings → System → About → Advanced settings → Performance → Advanced → Virtual memory.

How to clear memory on HP with Linux?

On Linux use the commands: 

sudo apt clean
(clearing package cache), 
sudo journalctl --vacuum-size=100M
(clearing logs).

Suitable for GUI BleachBit (similar to CCleaner).

Is it safe to use cleaning programs like CCleaner?

Yes, if you download them from official website. Avoid pirated versions - they often contain viruses. Alternatives: Wise Disk Cleaner, built-in utility cleanmgr.

⚠️ Attention: if after cleaning the laptop began to work even worse (for example, blue screens appeared), critical system files were probably deleted. Restore your system from a restore point or perform a reset.
⚠️ Attention: on laptops HP with BitLocker (disk encryption) before wiping, disable it in Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption, otherwise access errors may occur.