Clear logs generated by Disk Cleanup Tool ("cleanmgr.exe")
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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
- Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
- Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
- Impact: HighSystem Functionality Loss Risk: High
This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script. - Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
- Fully reversible
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.
The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.
Overview
This script is used to clear the log files generated by the Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe). These logs are
generated when the Disk Cleanup Tool is used to free up disk space. Log files for this tool are stored in
C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\setupcln\ 1.
Erasing these logs can enhance user privacy by removing traces of the cleanup process. These logs are known to be used in forensic analysis 2.
Not Advised
This script should only be used by advanced users.
This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.
Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.
- Cleanmgr - Delete Junk and Temp files - Windows CMD - SS64.com. ss64.com. (2023).
Original: https://ss64.com/nt/cleanmgr.html
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20230806192546/https://ss64.com/nt/cleanmgr.html - Beyond good ol' Run key, Part 86. Hexacorn. hexacorn.com. (2023).
Original: https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2018/09/02/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-86
Archived: https://archive.ph/2023.12.06-185637/https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2018/09/02/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-86/
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Choose one of three ways to apply:
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Download and run the script directly- No app needed
- Offline usage
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- Open-source
Help
How to apply or restore "Clear logs generated by Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe)" using script
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Web Browser
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 5 instructions
- 1
Download
Download the script file by clicking on the button above.
Use button above to restore changes. - 2
Keep the file
If warned by your browser, keep the file. - 3
Open
Open the downloaded file. - 4
Exit
Once it's done, press any key to exit the window. - 5
Restart
Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.
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Help
How to apply or restore "Clear logs generated by Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe)" using privacy.sexy
- ≈ 3 min to complete
- Tools: privacy.sexy
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 4 instructions
- 2
Choose script
- Search for the script name: Clear logs generated by Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe)
- Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
- 3
Run
Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.
- Apply
- Revert
Apply changes
:: Clear directory contents : "%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\LogFiles\setupcln"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""$($directoryGlob = '%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\LogFiles\setupcln'; if ($directoryGlob.EndsWith('\*')) { $directoryGlob } elseif ($directoryGlob.EndsWith('\')) { "^""$($directoryGlob)*"^"" } else { "^""$($directoryGlob)\*"^"" } )"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $deletedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (-not (Test-Path $path)) { <# Re-check existence as prior deletions might remove subsequent items (e.g., subdirectories). #>; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path) (already deleted)."^""; $deletedCount++; continue; }; try { Remove-Item -Path $path -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop; $deletedCount++; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path)"^""; } catch { $failedCount++; Write-Warning "^""Unable to delete $($path): $_"^""; }; }; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted $($deletedCount) items."^""; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to delete $($failedCount) items."^""; }"
Restore changes
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Help
How to apply or restore "Clear logs generated by Disk Cleanup Tool (cleanmgr.exe)" using commands
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Command Prompt
- Difficulty: Medium
- ≈ 3 instructions
- 1
Open Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as Administrator. - 2
Copy code
Copy the code: - 3
Paste & run
Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.Some changes require a system restart to take effect
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About the Creators
These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:
undergroundwires- Certified security professional
- 7+ years experience securing banks
- Open-source developer since 2005
- EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
- Open-Source Contributors
- Hundreds across the globe
- Testers, reviewers, developers
- Companies, military agencies
- Community since 2017
Reviewed By
This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:Expert review by undergroundwires
- Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
- Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
- Audited and verified using automated security tests
Public review by large community
- Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
- Millions of end-users tested across different environments
- Audited and verified using third-party security software
History
We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.