security

Clean Up Temp Junk Data

🧹 Clean-up Temp & Junk Data: Windows (BleachBit) & Mac (OnyX) Guide

This guide details the use of two essential, free tools for technicians to perform deep cleaning and system maintenance on both Windows and macOS systems.

I. Windows: Junk File Clean-up - BleachBit (Windows 10/11)

BleachBit is a free, open-source application used to quickly clean system junk, temporary files, and application caches on Windows.

1. Download and Installation

  • Download BleachBit: Get the installer from the official website: https://www.bleachbit.org/download
  • Prerequisites (Troubleshooting): If you receive an error during installation (e.g., related to MSVCR100.dll), you may need to install the C++ 2010 Runtimes from Microsoft’s website.

On BleachBit’s opening screen, enable the following cleaning options for a thorough junk file removal. Always review options before selecting ‘Clean’.

  • System (Windows):
    • Temporary Files
    • Recycle bin
    • Prefetch (Speeds up boot/app launch, but accumulated files can be old junk)
    • Temporary files
    • Windows Defender (Quarantine & Log files)
  • Web Browser(s) Cache:
    • Enable Cache and Cookies for all installed browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)
  • Applications:
    • Review and select Cache and Temporary files for other applications (e.g., Adobe Reader, VLC media player).

II. macOS: System Maintenance & Cleaning - OnyX (Mac)

OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS used to verify system structure, rebuild databases, and perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, including clearing caches and temporary files. Ensure you download the correct version for the Mac’s specific macOS release (e.g., OnyX for Sequoia, OnyX for Sonoma, etc.).

1. Download and Installation

  • Download OnyX: Obtain the correct version for the target macOS from the official Titanium Software website: https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html
  • Installation:
    1. Download the .dmg file.
    2. Open the .dmg and drag the OnyX application to the Applications folder.
    3. The first time it runs, OnyX will request the administrator password for full system access and may perform an initial Verification of the startup disk structure.

2. Essential Cleaning Procedures (Maintenance Tab)

The primary area for junk file removal is under the Maintenance tab.

  • Initial Step: Verification & Maintenance Scripts:
    • Navigate to the Maintenance tab.
    • It is generally recommended to allow OnyX to run the Maintenance Scripts (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) if they haven’t been run recently.
    • You may also choose to run a Smart Scan or Verify the structure of the system files if the system has been unstable.
  • Cleaning Cache and Junk Data:
    • Navigate to the Cleaning tab (often a sub-tab under Maintenance).
    • Select the items for removal. Recommended options for clearing junk:
      • System: Enable options like System Cache and Diagnostic Reports.
      • Applications: Enable options like Application Caches and Logs.
      • Internet: Enable Browser Caches (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and History.
      • Users: Enable User Cache and Logs.
      • Trash: Enable Trash (Empties the Recycle Bin).
  • Execution:
    • Once selections are made, click the Run Tasks button.
    • OnyX will typically require a system restart after a deep cleaning/maintenance procedure to fully apply changes and clear certain locked caches.