To clear cache on Windows safely, use the built-in tools in Settings, Disk Cleanup, and your browser, and never delete files you do not recognize. Cache files are temporary copies that help apps and websites load faster, but they can pile up, waste space, and show old content. This guide shows 7 best ways to clear cache on Windows, with clear steps for Windows 11 and Windows 10, plus the mistakes to avoid. You will learn what is safe to delete, what to leave alone, and how to set up a simple monthly routine.

ANSWER BOX 1: To clear cache on Windows, start in Settings, then go to System, Storage, and Temporary files. Delete only items Windows marks as safe. Then run Disk Cleanup on C, and clear browser cache if old pages still show. This built-in path is safe for most users.

ANSWER BOX 2: Do not delete the Windows folder, the Program Files folder, or any file with a name you do not know. Do not use a random cleaner app that promises huge speed gains. If a tool asks you to delete system files, stop and check the name first.

Contents

Clear Cache on Windows: What Cache Really Is

Cache is a short-term store of files that Windows, apps, and browsers keep to work faster. When you open a website, your browser saves images and scripts, so the next visit loads in less time. When you open an app, Windows may save temporary files, so the app starts faster on the next run. These files are useful at first, but they grow over time, and old files can cause odd errors, stale pages, and low disk space. Clearing cache removes these temporary copies, while your documents, photos, and installed apps stay in place.

There are many types of cache on a Windows PC, and each type has its own safe tool. System cache includes temporary files, update leftovers, and error logs, and Disk Cleanup handles most of it well. Browser cache includes website images and cookies, and each browser has its own clear data screen. App cache includes files from the Microsoft Store and desktop apps, and Settings can help you find the largest ones. DNS cache stores website address records, and a simple command can flush it when a site fails to load. Knowing the type helps you pick the right tool, and it stops you from deleting the wrong folder by hand.

clear cache on windows keyboard and laptop

Clear Cache on Windows Safely: The 7 Best Ways

Way 1: Use Storage Sense for automatic cleanup

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows feature that clears temporary files on a schedule you choose. To turn it on, open Settings, go to System, and then go to Storage, where you will find Storage Sense near the top. Turn the switch on, and then open its settings to choose how often it runs, such as weekly or monthly. You can also tell it to delete files in the Recycle Bin after a set number of days, and to clean the Downloads folder only if you want that risk. Leave Downloads off if you store files there, because Storage Sense will delete them once the time limit passes.

Storage Sense is the safest first step to clear cache on Windows, because it only targets files Windows marks as temporary. It will not delete your documents, your photos, or your installed apps, and it will not touch files in folders you did not choose. It works well as a background habit, because you set it once and it runs on its own. If your drive is still full after Storage Sense runs, move to the next ways, because some caches need a manual tool. Storage Sense is a helper, not a full cleanup, and it cannot find every type of cache on its own.

Way 2: Delete temporary files in Settings

Temporary files are easy to delete when you clear cache on Windows in Settings, and this way gives you a clear list before you confirm. Open Settings, go to System, go to Storage, and then click Temporary files to see what Windows found. Windows will scan your drive, and it will show items such as temporary files, thumbnails, and delivery files, with a size next to each one. Read each item, tick only the ones you understand, and then click Remove files to delete them. Do not tick an item with a warning you do not understand, because a short pause is better than a bad delete.

This way is useful when Storage Sense has not run yet, or when you want to see the sizes first. It also helps you learn which caches grow fastest on your PC, because the list shows the largest items at a glance. If a large item is Windows Update Cleanup, it is usually safe to delete, but it will remove the files that let you roll back an update. If you just updated and you want to keep the rollback option for a few days, leave that item for now. You can return to it later, once you know the update works well on your PC.

Way 3: Run Disk Cleanup on the C drive

Disk Cleanup is an older tool, but it is still one of the best ways to clear cache on Windows, and it is built into the system. To open it, type Disk Cleanup in the search box, open the app, and choose your system drive, which is usually C. Windows will scan the drive, and it will show a list of file types, such as Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, and Thumbnails. Tick the safe items, click OK, and then confirm with Delete Files to finish the job. This tool only targets temporary and junk files, so your documents and apps stay safe when you use the main list.

For a deeper clean, click Clean up system files after the first scan, and let Windows scan again. This second scan adds items such as Windows Update Cleanup and Previous Windows installation files, which can free a large amount of space. Previous Windows installation files are the old system kept for rollback, so delete them only when you are sure the new version works well. If you delete them, you cannot roll back with one click, and you would need a full reinstall to go back. This step is safe for most users, but it deserves a pause and a backup check first.

Way 4: Clear your browser cache in Edge or Chrome

Browser cache is separate from system cache, so you must clear it inside each browser you use. In Microsoft Edge, open Settings, go to Privacy, search, and services, and then choose what to clear under browsing data. In Google Chrome, open Settings, go to Privacy and security, and then choose Delete browsing data for a time range. You can choose cached images and files, and you can leave passwords and history alone if you want to stay signed in. Clearing cached images and files will make the next visit to a site load a bit slower, but it will show fresh content.

When you clear cache on Windows browsers, you can log out of some sites, especially if you also clear cookies, so plan for that trade-off. If you only need to fix one site, try a hard refresh first, with Ctrl and F5 in most browsers, because it reloads that page without a full cache clear. If a site still shows old prices, old images, or a login error, then a full browser cache clear is the next step. After the clear, visit the site again, sign in if needed, and check that the fresh content loads. This way solves many website errors, and it does not touch your Windows system files at all.

Way 5: Flush the DNS cache when sites fail to load

DNS cache stores the address records that turn a website name into a number your PC can reach. When this cache goes stale, a site may fail to load even though your internet works for other sites. To flush it, open Command Prompt as a normal user, type ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter to run the command. Windows will confirm that the DNS resolver cache was flushed, and it will rebuild the cache as you browse again. This step is fast, it does not delete documents, and it does not change your network settings.

Flush DNS only when you clear cache on Windows and have a clear sign, such as one site that fails while others work, or a site that moved. Do not run random network commands from the internet, because some commands can reset your whole network setup. The flush command is safe on its own, but a reset command is a bigger step that needs care. If the site still fails after a flush, restart your browser, and then restart your router if the problem affects all sites. These steps in order save time, and they avoid a needless reset of your network.

Way 6: Reset the Microsoft Store cache

The Microsoft Store keeps its own cache, and a stale store cache can block app downloads and updates. To reset it, press the Windows key and R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter to run the built-in tool. A blank command window will open, and the Store will open again once the reset is done. This tool clears the store cache only, so it does not delete your apps, your documents, or your account. It is a small and safe step, and it often fixes a Store that shows blank pages or stuck downloads.

Use this way only when the Store itself has a problem, because it will not help a slow browser or a full system drive. If an app still fails to update after a store reset, check for a Windows update, and then check the app page for a known issue. Do not delete Store folders by hand, because those folders hold app data that a reset does not touch. The wsreset tool is the right path, because Microsoft built it for this exact job, and it keeps the rest of your system safe.

Way 7: Use Cleanup recommendations and Delivery Optimization files

Cleanup recommendations live in Settings, under System and Storage, and they show large files, unused apps, and temporary data in one place. Open that screen, review each group, and delete only the items you recognize as safe, such as temporary files and large files you no longer need. Do not delete an app you still use, and do not delete a large file that may hold work, photos, or a project. This screen is a guide, not an order, so your judgment still matters for each item.

Delivery Optimization files are copies of update files shared between PCs, and they can take space after a big update. You can delete them in Disk Cleanup or in Temporary files, where they appear as a clear item. Deleting them does not harm Windows Update, because Windows can download fresh files when it needs them again. If you share updates on a local network, the next update may take a bit longer, but that is a small trade for free space. This way is best as a final check, after the six ways above have done the main work.

Mistakes to Avoid When You Clear Cache on Windows

The first mistake is to delete folders by hand in the Windows folder, because those files keep your system running. The second mistake is to use a random cleaner app that promises huge speed gains, because it can delete useful files and install junk of its own. The third mistake is to clear cookies and passwords when you only meant to clear images, because you will lose sign-ins on many sites. The fourth mistake is to empty the Downloads folder with Storage Sense, when that folder holds files you still need. The fifth mistake is to delete Previous Windows installation files on the same day as an update, before you know the update works well.

A good rule is to use only built-in tools, and to read each item before you confirm a delete. If a file name looks strange, search for it first, and do not delete it until you know what it does. If a tool shows a warning, read the warning twice, because warnings often mark a rollback file or a system file. These habits take a few extra seconds, but they stop most cleanup accidents. You can always delete a file later, but you cannot always bring it back with one click.

How Often Should You Clear Cache on Windows?

For most users, a monthly cleanup is enough, and Storage Sense can handle much of it on its own. Set Storage Sense to run weekly if you install many apps, download many files, or work with large media each day. Clear your browser cache when a site shows old content, a login error, or a page that will not load, because those signs point to stale cache. Flush DNS only when a site fails while others work, because a flush is a targeted fix, not a daily habit. Run Disk Cleanup after a big Windows update, because update leftovers can take a large amount of space at that time.

Do not clear cache every day just to chase speed, because cache exists to make apps and sites load faster. A daily clear can make your PC feel slower, because every app and site must rebuild its cache from scratch. A monthly routine with Storage Sense on, plus a browser clear when needed, gives the best balance. If your drive is nearly full, a cleanup helps, but you should also move large files to an external drive or cloud storage. Cache clearing frees temporary space, but it cannot replace a real storage plan when a drive stays full.

clear cache on windows laptop

Verified Windows Facts You Can Trust

The first verified fact is the Windows 11 launch date: Microsoft released Windows 11 for general use on October 5, 2021. Wikipedia records this date on its Windows 11 page, and Microsoft announced the same date in its launch post in August 2021. This date matters for this guide, because the Settings paths in the 7 ways above follow Windows 11, with notes for Windows 10 where they differ. If your PC still runs Windows 10, most steps still work, but some screens may look a bit different.

The second verified fact is the end of Windows 10 support: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, most Windows 10 PCs no longer receive regular security updates, feature updates, or technical support from Microsoft. This fact comes from Microsoft support pages, and it is why a cleanup guide should also prompt a version check. If you still run Windows 10, check your update screen, and plan a move to Windows 11 or an extended update plan.

The third verified fact is the extended update window: Microsoft extended its consumer Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 to October 12, 2027. Microsoft states this date on its Extended Security Updates page, and it updated the date in June 2026 from an earlier 2026 date. Extended updates give critical and important security fixes only, and they do not bring new features or general support. This fact helps readers who cannot move to Windows 11 yet, because it gives them a clear and honest time frame.

The 10-Minute Monthly Windows Cleanup Routine

This routine is the section most guides skip, because they list tools but never give you a plan. Set a monthly reminder on the first Sunday of each month, and give yourself ten minutes for the whole routine. Minute 1 to 2: open Settings, Storage, and Temporary files, and delete the safe items you recognize. Minute 3 to 4: run Disk Cleanup on the C drive, and add system files only if an update left a large amount behind. Minute 5 to 6: clear cached images in your main browser, and leave passwords alone unless you want a full sign-out.

Minute 7 to 8: check Cleanup recommendations, and delete only large files and unused apps you truly do not need. Minute 9: flush DNS only if a site has failed that week, and reset the Store cache only if the Store has failed. Minute 10: restart your PC, and check free space in Settings to confirm the cleanup worked. Write down the free space each month, because a steady drop can point to a large app, a full Downloads folder, or a failing drive. This routine is short, it uses built-in tools only, and it keeps cache from growing into a real problem.

Quick Checklist Before You Delete Anything

Use this checklist each time you clear cache on Windows, because it takes less than a minute and it stops most accidents, so keep it close. First, confirm that you are in a built-in tool, such as Settings, Disk Cleanup, or your browser settings. Second, confirm that each ticked item is a temporary file, a thumbnail, a browser image, or a delivery file, not a document or a system folder. Third, confirm that you have a backup of key files, or that the items you tick do not hold work you need. Fourth, confirm that you did not tick Previous Windows installation files on update day, unless you are sure the update works. Fifth, restart your PC after a big cleanup, and check that your main apps and sites still open well.

If any check fails, stop and ask what the item does before you confirm the delete. A short search for the file name can save hours of repair later, and it is always better than a blind delete. Keep this checklist saved with the monthly routine, because it turns a risky chore into a calm habit. You will free space, fix stale pages, and keep your PC stable, all without a third-party cleaner or a risky hand delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to clear cache on Windows? A: Yes, it is safe when you use built-in tools such as Settings, Disk Cleanup, and your browser settings. These tools target temporary files, not your documents, photos, or installed apps. It is not safe to delete folders by hand in the Windows folder, or to use a random cleaner app you do not trust.

Q: Will I lose my files if I clear cache on Windows? A: No, you will not lose documents, photos, or apps when you clear cache with built-in tools. Cache files are temporary copies, and Windows keeps your real files in their own folders. You can lose files if you tick the wrong item, such as Downloads in Storage Sense, so read each item before you confirm.

Q: How do I clear cache on Windows 11? A: Open Settings, go to System, go to Storage, and then click Temporary files to delete safe items. Then run Disk Cleanup on the C drive for a deeper clean, and clear cached images in Edge or Chrome for website errors. These steps cover most cache types, and they use built-in tools only.

Q: How do I clear cache on Windows 10? A: The steps are much the same: use Settings, Storage, and Temporary files, and then run Disk Cleanup on the C drive. Windows 10 also has Storage Sense, and it has the same browser cache screens in Edge and Chrome. Some screen names may differ a bit, but the safe items and the warnings are the same.

Q: Does clearing cache make Windows faster? A: It can help when a full drive or a stale cache causes errors, slow loads, or app crashes. It will not turn an old PC into a new one, and it will not fix a slow drive, low memory, or a failing part. If your PC stays slow after a cleanup, check startup apps, free space, and updates before you try a deeper fix.

Q: Will clearing browser cache log me out of websites? A: It can log you out if you also clear cookies, because cookies hold your sign-in state on many sites. Clearing cached images and files alone usually keeps you signed in, but some sites may still ask you to sign in again. If you want to stay signed in, tick only cached images and files, and leave cookies alone.

Q: What is the difference between Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense? A: Storage Sense runs on a schedule you set, and it clears temporary files in the background with little input. Disk Cleanup runs when you open it, and it gives you a clear list to review before you confirm. Use Storage Sense for a habit, and use Disk Cleanup for a deeper check after a big update.

Q: Should I delete Windows Update Cleanup files? A: Yes, in most cases it is safe, because these files are leftovers from past updates that Windows no longer needs. Deleting them can free a large amount of space, especially after a feature update. Leave them for a few days after a new update if you want to keep the rollback option, and then delete them once the update works well.

Q: What does ipconfig /flushdns do on Windows? A: It clears the DNS resolver cache, which stores website address records for faster browsing. Windows rebuilds this cache as you visit sites again, so the command does not change your network settings. Use it when one site fails while others work, because that pattern points to a stale address record.

Q: What is wsreset.exe on Windows? A: It is a built-in tool that resets the Microsoft Store cache, and it often fixes blank Store pages and stuck downloads. It clears the store cache only, so it does not delete your apps, your documents, or your account. Use it only when the Store itself has a problem, because it will not help a slow browser or a full drive.

Q: How often should I clear cache on Windows? A: A monthly cleanup is enough for most users, with Storage Sense set to run weekly or monthly in the background. Clear browser cache when a site shows old content or a login error, and run Disk Cleanup after a big update. Do not clear cache every day, because cache helps apps and sites load faster.

Q: Can I clear cache on Windows without third-party software? A: Yes, you can clear all common cache types with built-in tools, and this guide uses only those tools. Settings, Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, browser settings, and the wsreset tool cover system, browser, DNS, and Store cache. A third-party cleaner is not needed, and it can add risk if you do not trust the source.

Q: What should I never delete when I clear cache on Windows? A: Never delete the Windows folder, the Program Files folder, or any file with a name you do not know. Never delete a large file that may hold work, photos, or a project, even if Cleanup recommendations flags it. When in doubt, search for the file name first, and use a built-in tool instead of a hand delete.

Final Word

To clear cache on Windows safely, stick to built-in tools, read each item before you delete it, and follow the monthly routine in this guide to clear cache on Windows each month. Start with Storage Sense and Temporary files, add Disk Cleanup after big updates, and clear browser cache only when a site shows stale content. If you want more Windows help, read our guide on how to clear cache on iPhone, plus our guides on how to screenshot on Windows, how to screenshot on Mac, and how to convert PDF to Word. These guides use the same safe, step-by-step style, and they help you fix common device problems without risky tools. If your drive stays full after a cleanup, see our guide on best free cloud storage.

Learn more about this operating system on Wikipedia: Windows 11.

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