System
Windows Caches
Under %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Caches, Windows stores per-user cache data used by shell components and built-in features to avoid regenerating assets every time they are needed. This folder commonly accumulates thumbnail cache databases, icon cache data, and other shell rendering artifacts that speed up File Explorer, Start menu surfaces, and preview generation. Kudu removes these rebuildable cache files so Windows can recreate fresh copies without touching documents, accounts, saved passwords, or personal settings.
Why clean Windows Caches?
- Corrupted thumbnail cache databases cause File Explorer to show blank previews, wrong image thumbnails, or generic icons until Windows rebuilds them
- Stale icon cache entries leave old app icons pinned in Start or on shortcuts after an update, so programs appear with incorrect or duplicated artwork
- Oversized shell cache files waste space in a single user profile and can make folder views with many media files feel slow while Explorer struggles through bad cached entries
- After moving, renaming, or replacing large numbers of files, cached previews can point to outdated content, so you see the wrong photo or video thumbnail in Explorer
- Damaged cache records can trigger repeated Explorer refreshes, flickering folder windows, or delayed preview pane loading when browsing image-heavy directories
- Thumbnail and icon databases fragment over time as entries are added and replaced, increasing lookup overhead and causing slower rendering of previews and desktop icons
What gets cleaned
Cache paths Kudu targets
Windows
%LocalAppData%/Microsoft/Windows/Caches |
Frequently asked
Common questions about Windows Caches
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