How to Remove GPU Cache Files on Windows

What Causes This?

Windows and graphics apps create GPU cache files to store compiled shaders, thumbnails, and other temporary rendering data so programs load faster. Over time, these files can become outdated, corrupted, or unnecessarily large, especially after GPU driver updates, Windows updates, or frequent use of games and creative apps. When that happens, the cache may take up disk space or cause visual glitches and performance issues instead of helping.

Common Symptoms

• Unexplained storage usage in AppData or temporary folders
• Games or apps stutter after a driver update
• Visual glitches, black screens, or slow shader loading
• Apps rebuild graphics data every launch
• Windows feels slower when opening GPU-heavy programs

How to Fix It Manually

1. Close apps that use the GPU

   • Save your work and close games, browsers, video editors, and design apps.
   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc and end any leftover app processes that may still be using the GPU.

2. Delete the DirectX shader cache with Windows settings

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to System > Storage > Temporary files.
   • Let Windows scan, then check DirectX Shader Cache.
   • Click Remove files.

3. Clear the DirectX cache folder manually

   • Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%\D3DSCache, and press Enter.
   • If the folder opens, press Ctrl+A to select everything, then press Delete.
   • Skip any files Windows says are still in use.

4. Clear NVIDIA, AMD, or app-specific GPU cache folders

   • Press Windows + R and check these locations one at a time:
     • %localappdata%\NVIDIA\DXCache
     • %localappdata%\NVIDIA\GLCache
     • %localappdata%\AMD\DxCache
     • %localappdata%\AMD\GLCache
   • Delete the contents of these folders if they exist.
   • You can also check game launcher or app cache folders in %localappdata% if a specific app is having graphics issues.

5. Clean temp files

   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
   • Select the files you can safely remove and delete them.
   • Then press Windows + R, type temp, and repeat if needed.
   • Don’t worry if some files can’t be deleted because they’re in use.

6. Restart your PC

   • Reboot Windows after deleting cache files.
   • This lets the GPU driver and your apps rebuild fresh cache files the next time they run.

7. Update your graphics driver if the problem keeps coming back

   • Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
   • Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and choose Update driver.
   • If problems started after a recent driver update, consider installing the latest version directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel instead of using Windows Update.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can find leftover GPU cache files, DirectX shader cache data, and other safe-to-remove junk without making you dig through hidden folders. It helps free up space and clear stale graphics cache files quickly, so you can fix performance issues with less risk of deleting the wrong thing.

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