How to Clear Cache on Windows 11 (And Why It’s Important)

Over time, your Windows 11 PC accumulates cache files, which can take up storage space and slow down system performance. Clearing the cache can free up space, improve speed, and fix certain system errors.

In this guide, we’ll cover why clearing cache is important and provide step-by-step instructions to delete different types of cache files on Windows 11.

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Why Clearing Cache on Windows 11 Is Important

Here are some reasons to regularly clear cache:

✅ Frees Up Storage Space – Cache files can take up gigabytes of space, reducing available storage.
✅ Improves System Performance – Deleting cache prevents slowdowns and boosts speed.
✅ Fixes Software Issues – Corrupt cache files can cause app crashes, errors, or slow loading times.
✅ Enhances Privacy – Clearing browser and system cache removes stored login credentials and browsing data.

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How to Clear Cache on Windows 11

1. Clear Temporary Files Cache

Windows stores temporary files from apps and the system.

Steps to Delete Temp Files:

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. A folder with temp files will open. Press Ctrl + A to select all files.
3. Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.
4. Do the same for C:\Windows\Temp (type it in File Explorer).
   
   
   

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2. Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Disk Cleanup removes system cache, temporary files, and old Windows updates.

Steps to Use Disk Cleanup:

1. Press Win + S and search for "Disk Cleanup".
2. Select your C: drive and click OK.
3. Check the boxes for Temporary Files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, and Previous Windows Installation (if available).
4. Click OK > Delete Files.

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3. Clear Windows Store Cache

If Microsoft Store is slow or apps are not updating, clearing its cache can help.

Steps to Reset Microsoft Store Cache:

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window will appear and disappear after a few seconds.
3. Microsoft Store will open automatically, indicating the cache is cleared.

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4. Clear Browser Cache (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.)

Clearing browser cache can speed up web browsing and fix page-loading issues.

Steps for Chrome & Edge:

1. Open the browser and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Choose All time under Time range.
3. Select Cached images and files, and optionally, Cookies and browsing history.
4. Click Clear data.

Steps for Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
3. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

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5. Flush DNS Cache (Fix Network Issues)

Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve internet connectivity problems.

Steps to Flush DNS Cache:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator).
2. Type the following command and hit Enter:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   

3. You will see a message: "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

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6. Clear File Explorer Cache

File Explorer cache stores recent searches and thumbnails, which can slow down navigation.

Steps to Clear File Explorer History:

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Click View > Options (or Settings in newer versions).
3. Under the General tab, find Clear File Explorer history and click Clear.

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7. Clear Windows Update Cache

If Windows Updates fail to install, clearing the update cache can help.

Steps to Clear Windows Update Cache:

1. Open Run (Win + R) and type:

   services.msc
   

2. Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and choose Stop.
3. Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution  
   

4. Delete all files inside this folder.
5. Go back to Services and restart Windows Update.

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Bonus: Automate Cache Cleaning with Storage Sense

Windows 11 has Storage Sense, which automatically deletes temporary files and cache.

How to Enable Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Storage > Storage Sense.
3. Toggle On and configure how often it cleans files.
   
   
   

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Final Thoughts

Clearing cache on Windows 11 helps maintain a fast, efficient, and error-free PC. Regularly cleaning temp files, browser cache, and system cache ensures your computer runs smoothly and efficiently.

For the best performance, schedule a monthly cleanup or enable Storage Sense to automate the process.

Would you like a script to automate cache cleaning? Let me know!