How to Remove Windows Cache Files

What Causes This?

Windows and the apps you use constantly create cache files to speed things up. These can include temporary files, update leftovers, Microsoft Store cache, browser cache, thumbnails, and system temp data. Over time, old cache files stop being useful, pile up in the background, and take up storage space. In some cases, corrupted cache files can also cause slowdowns, update problems, or apps that do not behave correctly.

Common Symptoms

• Your C: drive keeps losing free space
• Windows feels slower than usual during startup or everyday use
• Apps open slowly or act strangely
• Windows Update or Microsoft Store has trouble downloading or installing
• Disk Cleanup or Storage settings shows a large amount of temporary files

How to Fix It Manually

1. Clear temporary files from Windows Settings

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Storage.
   3. Click Temporary files.
   4. Let Windows scan, then review the list.
   5. Check items you want to remove, such as Temporary files, Thumbnails, DirectX Shader Cache, and Delivery Optimization Files.
   6. Avoid selecting Downloads unless you are sure you do not need those files.
   7. Click Remove files.

2. Run Disk Cleanup

   1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
   2. Select your C: drive and click OK.
   3. Check common cache-related items like Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, and Temporary files.
   4. For deeper cleanup, click Clean up system files.
   5. Select C: again, then review options such as Windows Update Cleanup and Temporary Windows installation files.
   6. Click OK, then Delete Files.

3. Delete files from the Temp folders

   1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
   2. Press Ctrl + A to select everything in the folder.
   3. Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove the files, then confirm.
   4. Skip any files Windows says are currently in use.
   5. Press Windows + R again, type temp, and press Enter.
   6. If prompted for administrator permission, click Continue.
   7. Delete what you can from that folder too.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store cache

   1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
   2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
   3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear briefly, then the Microsoft Store will reopen automatically.
   4. This clears the Store cache and can fix download or update issues.

5. Flush the DNS cache

   1. Press Windows + S, type cmd.
   2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
   4. You should see a message confirming the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

6. Restart your PC

   1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
   2. Restarting helps Windows finish clearing locked temporary files and refresh system processes.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to hunt through multiple folders and cleanup tools, Kudu can scan your PC for unnecessary cache files, temporary data, and other clutter automatically. It helps you safely remove junk, reclaim storage, and reduce the background buildup that can make Windows feel sluggish.

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