Helium
Built on Chromium and Electron, Helium stores browser-style data under its profile, including HTTP disk cache entries, GPUCache shader and command stream blobs, Code Cache bytecode for JavaScript, Service Worker caches, and SQLite/WebSQL state with WAL and journal files. These files speed up page loads and media playback for pinned floating windows, but they can also go stale after site changes, app updates, or graphics driver updates. Kudu removes disposable cache data and compacts cache-heavy databases while leaving your saved sites, window setup, account sign-ins, settings, and other personal data untouched.
Why clean Helium?
- Stale HTTP cache entries can keep serving an older version of a site, so a floating window shows missing buttons, broken layouts, or a page that refuses to reflect recent changes until the cache is cleared
- Invalidated GPUCache data after a graphics driver update can cause black or transparent web content, flickering video, or a window that renders incorrectly until Chromium rebuilds its shader cache
- Outdated Code Cache bytecode after a Helium or site update can trigger a noticeably slow first launch, delayed page scripting, or odd one-time UI glitches while JavaScript is recompiled
- Bloated Service Worker and Cache Storage data can make a pinned web app keep loading an old offline shell, repeat login prompts, or ignore newly deployed assets even when the network is fine
- Corrupted media and image cache files can lead to posters, favicons, or embedded video failing to load in a window that otherwise opens normally, then reappearing after the cache is rebuilt
- SQLite-backed site storage can accumulate page fragmentation over time; VACUUM rewrites the database to reclaim wasted space without deleting rows, which helps reduce profile size and clears out inefficient free pages
- Oversized cache directories under Helium's profile can consume hundreds of megabytes or more, leaving users with unexplained disk usage that returns to normal once temporary web data is removed
Cache paths Kudu targets
Windows
%LocalAppData%/imput/Helium/User Data |
macOS
~/Library/Application Support/net.imput.helium |
Linux
~/.config/helium |
Common questions about Helium
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.