Claude Code Cache
Claude Code stores temporary download data under ~/.claude/cache and plugin-related package caches under ~/.claude/plugins/cache to avoid re-fetching artifacts, plugin bundles, and extracted dependency files every time the tool starts or installs an extension. Those folders can accumulate stale downloaded archives, partially extracted plugin payloads, and outdated plugin package caches after interrupted updates or failed installs. Kudu removes only these disposable cache files so Claude Code can rebuild them cleanly, while leaving projects, checkpoints, conversation history, configuration, plugins, backups, and shell snapshots untouched.
Why clean Claude Code Cache?
- A cancelled or interrupted plugin install leaves partial archives or extracted files in the plugin cache, which can make a plugin fail to load or repeatedly prompt for reinstall
- Outdated cached plugin packages can be reused after a plugin update, causing version mismatches where a plugin appears installed but its commands or UI elements do not work correctly
- Corrupted download cache entries force Claude Code to retry fetching the same artifact, showing repeated download failures or install loops until the bad cache is removed
- Large accumulated plugin tarballs and extracted temporary files in ~/.claude/plugins/cache steadily consume disk space, which users usually notice as an unexpectedly large .claude folder
- Stale cached artifacts from an older Claude Code release can conflict with newer plugin expectations, leading to startup warnings, failed plugin activation, or missing integrations after an update
- Temporary package caches left behind by failed dependency resolution can slow later installs because Claude Code keeps rechecking unusable local artifacts before downloading fresh ones
- Cleaning the cache forces fresh downloads of disposable plugin and installer data without touching saved conversations or settings, which is often the quickest fix when plugins behave inconsistently across restarts
Cache paths Kudu targets
Windows
~/.claude/cache |
~/.claude/plugins/cache |
Common questions about Claude Code Cache
Download Kudu and reclaim your disk space.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No account required, no feature gates, no telemetry without consent. All cleaning targets are open source and community-auditable.