Deleting Windows Files - Text Documents

Text documents themselves are usually safe to delete if they are personal files that are no longer needed (for example, notes, logs, or documents created or saved manually). However, file names like “Com setup” and “Windows update” are generic and could be related to setup or update information for software that is or was installed.

Because the context only covers supported ways to free up space and not specific file names, the recommended approach is:

1. Do not manually delete unknown files in system-related locations (such as C:\Windows, C:\Program Files, or hidden/system folders).
2. To safely free up space on Windows 11, use the built-in tools instead of deleting random files:
   • Use Storage Sense:
     1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
     2. Turn Storage Sense to On.
     3. Select Storage Sense and configure how often it runs and what it cleans (temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
   • Use Cleanup recommendations:
     1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.
     2. Review categories like Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
     3. Select items you no longer need and choose Clean up.
3. Delete or move only clearly personal text documents (for example, in Documents, Desktop, Downloads) that are known and no longer needed. If unsure what a file is for, leave it or consult the software/vendor that created it.
4. Also consider moving large personal files (videos, music, photos, documents) to an external drive:
   • Open File Explorer, locate large files (for example in Videos, Music, Pictures, Downloads), and sort by Size.
   • Move them to a USB drive or SD card if they are rarely used.

Using these supported methods avoids accidentally deleting files that Windows or applications may still need.

References:

• Free up drive space in Windows
• Manage drive space with Storage Sense