Internet Cache
Windows Internet Cache stores temporary web content fetched by WinINet-based components, including HTML copies, images, JavaScript, CSS files, cookies-related cache entries, and validation metadata such as ETags and last-modified records. Internet Explorer, legacy WebBrowser controls, and older apps that rely on the WinINet stack use this disk cache to speed up page loads and reduce repeat downloads. Kudu removes the cached web files and stale validation data in %LocalAppData%/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache without touching saved accounts, browser settings, passwords, or personal documents.
Why clean Internet Cache?
- Stale cached CSS or JavaScript can make older WinINet-based sites load with broken layouts, missing buttons, or pages that do not respond correctly after the site was updated
- Corrupted image and media cache entries can cause red X placeholders, partially loaded pictures, or web pages that keep showing old logos and graphics
- Bad validation metadata such as outdated ETag or last-modified records can trap a page in a refresh loop where the browser appears to reload but still shows yesterday's content
- Oversized INetCache folders waste disk space over time because temporary HTML, script, and image files accumulate long after the sites that created them are no longer used
- Damaged temporary download entries can make embedded login pages or legacy app help panes fail to load completely, leaving blank sections or script errors in older software
- Removing stale WinINet cache files can fix cases where intranet pages behave differently from another PC because one machine keeps reusing outdated local copies instead of fetching the current version
Cache paths Kudu targets
Windows
%LocalAppData%/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache |
Common questions about Internet 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.