How to Clear Cache in Windows 11 (Updated Guide)

Over time, Windows 11 stores a lot of temporary files, known as cache. While cache helps your system load faster, too much of it can actually slow down your PC, cause errors, and waste storage space. If your computer feels sluggish, apps are crashing, or storage is running low, it’s time to clear cache in Windows 11.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn all the safe and effective ways to clear cache in Windows, step by step.

What Is Cache in Windows?

Cache is temporary data stored by:

• Windows system
• Apps and programs
• Web browsers
• File explorer
• Windows updates

Its purpose is to:

• Speed up loading
• Save frequently used data
• Improve performance

But when cache becomes too large or corrupted, it causes:

• Slow performance
• App errors
• Low disk space
• System glitches

Why You Should Clear Cache in Windows 11

Clearing cache helps you:

• Free up storage space
• Fix app crashes
• Improve system speed
• Solve update problems
• Remove junk files
• Fix slow file explorer

💡 Many US users clear cache every 1–2 months to keep Windows fast.

Method 1: Clear Temporary Files (Most Important)

This is the easiest and safest method.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Storage
3. Click Temporary files
4. Select:
   • Temporary files
   • Thumbnails
   • Recycle Bin
   • Delivery Optimization Files
5. Click Remove files

This alone can free several GBs.

Method 2: Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup removes deep system cache.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type cleanmgr
3. Select drive C:
4. Click Clean up system files
5. Check all safe options
6. Click OK

This clears:

• Windows update cache
• Old system files
• Error logs

Method 3: Clear Browser Cache

Browsers store a lot of cache.

For Google Chrome:

Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
Select:

• Cached images and files
• Cookies (optional)

For Microsoft Edge:

Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data

This fixes:

• Slow browsing
• Website loading issues
• Login problems

Also Read: How to manage High CPU Usage in Windows 11

Method 4: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Microsoft Store often causes errors due to cache.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type:

wsreset

3. Press Enter

Store will reset automatically.

Method 5: Clear DNS Cache

DNS cache stores website addresses.

Clear it if:

• Websites not loading
• Internet errors
• Network issues

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Type:

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter

Instant network refresh.

Method 6: Clear File Explorer Cache

File Explorer stores thumbnails and history.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click three dots → Options
3. Under Privacy:
   • Click Clear
4. Restart Explorer

Fixes slow folders.

Method 7: Clear Windows Update Cache

If updates fail, clear this.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type:

services.msc

3. Stop:
   • Windows Update
4. Go to:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

5. Delete all files
6. Restart Windows Update service

Fixes update errors.

Method 8: Clear App Cache (Individual Apps)

Some apps build huge cache:

• Spotify
• Discord
• Teams
• Zoom

Steps:

Settings → Apps → Installed apps
Click app → Advanced options → Reset

This clears app cache.

Method 9: Clear System Memory Cache (RAM)

Restarting PC clears RAM cache.

You can also:

• Close unused apps
• Disable startup programs

Helps if system feels slow.

Method 10: Clear Prefetch Cache

Prefetch stores app loading data.

Steps:

1. Win + R
2. Type:

prefetch

3. Delete all files
4. Restart PC

Safe and useful.

Method 11: Use Storage Sense (Automatic)

Storage Sense cleans automatically.

Enable:

Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense → Turn ON

Windows will auto-delete:

• Temp files
• Recycle Bin
• Old downloads

Method 12: Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)

Trusted tools:

• CCleaner
• BleachBit

Use only well-known tools.

Avoid:
❌ fake cleaners
❌ cracked software

How Often Should You Clear Cache?

Usage Type	Frequency
Heavy user	Every 2 weeks
Normal user	Once a month
Light user	Every 2–3 months

Does Clearing Cache Delete Personal Files?

No. Clearing cache:

• Does NOT delete documents
• Does NOT delete photos
• Does NOT remove apps

It only removes temporary junk data.

Signs You Need to Clear Cache

• PC is slow
• Low disk space warning
• Apps crash
• Browser slow
• Windows updates fail
• File Explorer lag

Best Practices

• Enable Storage Sense
• Use SSD if possible
• Keep at least 20% disk free
• Restart weekly
• Avoid too many cleanup tools

Final Thoughts

Learning how to clear cache in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to fix slow performance, free storage, and solve many common system problems.

You don’t need any paid software — Windows already includes powerful cleanup tools.

👉 Best advice:
Clear cache once a month and keep Storage Sense enabled.

FAQs – How to Clear Cache in Windows