How to Remove Temporary Files on Windows

What Causes This?

Windows and many apps create temporary files to speed up installs, updates, browsing, and everyday tasks. Over time, these files can pile up and stop being useful, especially if programs crash, updates fail, or cleanup never happens automatically. Large temp folders can waste several gigabytes of storage and sometimes slow down basic system tasks.

Common Symptoms

• Your C: drive keeps losing free space
• Windows feels slower than usual when opening apps or files
• Disk Cleanup or Storage settings shows a large amount of temporary data
• App installs, updates, or Windows updates fail because of low disk space
• You notice large folders in C:\Windows\Temp or %temp%

How to Fix It Manually

1. Remove 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 deleting Downloads unless you are sure you do not need those files.
   7. Click Remove files.

2. Clear your user temp folder

   1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
   2. Type %temp% and press Enter.
   3. In the folder that opens, press Ctrl + A to select everything.
   4. Press Delete.
   5. If Windows says some files are in use, click Skip for those items. That is normal.

3. Clear the Windows temp folder

   1. Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter.
   2. If prompted for admin permission, click Continue.
   3. Select the files with Ctrl + A and press Delete.
   4. Skip any files that are currently in use.

4. Run Disk Cleanup for system junk

   1. Press Windows, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
   2. Select your C: drive and click OK.
   3. Check common cleanup items like Temporary Internet Files, Temporary files, Thumbnails, and Recycle Bin.
   4. For deeper cleanup, click Clean up system files.
   5. Select C: again, then review items like Windows Update Cleanup and Device driver packages.
   6. Click OK, then Delete Files.

5. Empty the Recycle Bin

   1. Right-click Recycle Bin on your desktop.
   2. Click Empty Recycle Bin.
   3. Confirm the deletion.

6. Restart your PC

   1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
   2. After rebooting, check free space again in Settings > System > Storage.
   3. If temp files return quickly, an app or update process may be creating them repeatedly.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your PC for temporary files, Windows update leftovers, cache files, and other safe-to-remove junk without making you dig through multiple folders and menus. It helps you free up space quickly while avoiding important personal files like documents and downloads unless you choose otherwise.

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