How to Clear Cache on Windows

Cache files accumulate over time and consume significant disk space while potentially slowing down your Windows system. Clearing these temporary files regularly frees up storage and can resolve performance issues.

1. Open Disk Cleanup utility. Press Windows key + R to open Run dialog. Type 'cleanmgr' and press Enter. Select your primary drive (usually C:) when prompted and click OK. Windows will calculate how much space you can free up.
2. Select cache files to delete. In Disk Cleanup window, check boxes for Temporary files, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, and Recycle Bin. Click 'Clean up system files' button for additional options including Windows Update Cleanup and Previous Windows installations.
3. Clear Windows Store cache. Press Windows key + R, type 'wsreset.exe' and press Enter. A black command prompt window will appear briefly, then close automatically. The Microsoft Store will open, confirming the cache has been cleared.
4. Delete temporary files manually. Press Windows key + R, type '%temp%' and press Enter. Select all files with Ctrl+A and delete them with Delete key. Some files may be in use and cannot be deleted—skip these. Empty the Recycle Bin when finished.
5. Clear browser cache. For Chrome: Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select 'All time' timeframe, check 'Cached images and files', click Clear data. For Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select 'Everything' timeframe, check 'Cache', click Clear Now. For Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select 'All time', check 'Cached images and files', click Clear now.
6. Use Storage Sense for automatic cleanup. Open Settings with Windows key + I, go to System > Storage > Configure Storage Sense. Toggle Storage Sense on and configure it to run automatically every month. Set temporary files to delete after 30 days and Downloads folder cleanup as needed.