How To Clear Computer Cache Windows 11 – Using Disk Cleanup Tool

by

Windows 11 stores temporary files that can slow your computer, making cache clearing an effective speed boost. If you have been wondering how to clear computer cache Windows 11, you are in the right place. This guide walks you through every method, from simple settings to advanced commands.

Your computer builds up cache files over time. These are meant to speed things up, but too many can cause lag. Clearing them frees up space and helps your system run smoother.

Why Clearing Cache Matters

Cache files are temporary data saved by apps and the system. They help load things faster on repeat visits. But when they pile up, they take up storage and can even cause errors.

Think of it like a cluttered desk. You need to clear off old papers to find what you need. Same goes for your PC.

Regular cache clearing can fix slow performance, app crashes, and weird browser behavior. It is a simple maintence task that makes a big difference.

How To Clear Computer Cache Windows 11

This is the main method you need to know. It uses the built-in Storage settings. No third-party tools required.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the Start button and select the gear icon. Or press Windows + I on your keyboard. This opens the Settings app.

Step 2: Navigate To System Storage

In Settings, click on System from the left sidebar. Then select Storage from the main panel. You will see a breakdown of your disk usage.

Step 3: Access Temporary Files

Under the Storage section, click on Temporary files. Windows will scan and show you what can be removed. This includes recycle bin, delivery optimization files, and more.

Step 4: Select And Remove

Check the boxes for the files you want to delete. Common choices include:

  • Windows Update Cleanup
  • Delivery Optimization Files
  • Recycle Bin
  • Temporary Internet Files

After selecting, click the Remove files button. Confirm if prompted. The process may take a few minutes.

Step 5: Verify Free Space

Go back to the Storage page. You should see your available space has increased. Repeat this monthly for best results.

Using Disk Cleanup For Deeper Cleaning

Disk Cleanup is an older tool but still works great. It finds cache files that Settings might miss.

How To Launch Disk Cleanup

Press the Start button and type Disk Cleanup. Click the app from the results. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).

What To Delete

After scanning, check these boxes:

  • Recycle Bin
  • Thumbnails
  • System error memory dump files
  • Windows upgrade log files

Click OK and then Delete Files. This is safe for most users.

Clean Up System Files

For even more space, click the Clean up system files button. This requires administrator rights. It can remove old Windows updates and service pack backups.

Clearing Browser Cache

Browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox store their own cache. This can slow down web browsing and cause outdated pages to load.

Clear Cache In Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right.
  2. Select Settings then Privacy, search, and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
  4. Check Cached images and files and click Clear now.

Clear Cache In Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top right.
  2. Go to More tools then Clear browsing data.
  3. Set the time range to All time.
  4. Check Cached images and files and click Clear data.

Clear Cache In Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and click the three lines in the top right.
  2. Select Settings then Privacy & Security.
  3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
  4. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Clearing App Cache

Individual apps also store cache. This is common for Microsoft Store apps, games, and productivity tools.

Clear Cache For Microsoft Store Apps

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps then Apps & features.
  2. Find the app you want to clear cache for.
  3. Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
  4. Under Reset, click the Repair button first. If that does not help, click Reset.

Clear Cache For Third-Party Apps

Many apps have their own cache settings. Look in the app’s settings menu under Storage or Cache. For example, in Discord, go to User Settings > App Settings > Advanced and click Clear Cache.

Using Command Prompt To Clear Cache

For advanced users, Command Prompt offers powerful options. This method clears system cache quickly.

Run As Administrator

Press the Start button, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Confirm the UAC prompt.

Enter Commands

Type each command and press Enter after each one:

  1. cleanmgr – Opens Disk Cleanup
  2. del /q/f/s %TEMP%\* – Deletes temp files
  3. ipconfig /flushdns – Clears DNS cache

Wait for each command to finish before moving to the next. Close the window when done.

Clearing DNS Cache

DNS cache stores website addresses. Clearing it can fix connection issues and speed up browsing.

Steps To Flush DNS

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. You should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

Clearing Thumbnail Cache

Thumbnails are small preview images. Over time, they take up space. Clearing them is safe and easy.

Using Disk Cleanup

Open Disk Cleanup as described earlier. Check the Thumbnails box. Click OK to delete them. Windows will recreate thumbnails as needed.

Using Settings

In Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, you will find Thumbnails listed. Check the box and remove them.

Clearing Windows Update Cache

Windows Update leaves behind old files. These can be large and are safe to delete after updates are installed.

Using Disk Cleanup

In Disk Cleanup, click Clean up system files. Check Windows Update Cleanup and delete. This can free up several gigabytes.

Manual Deletion

If Disk Cleanup does not work, you can manually delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. Stop the Windows Update service first:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete its contents.
  4. Type net start wuauserv to restart the service.

Using Storage Sense For Automatic Cleaning

Storage Sense automates cache clearing. It runs on a schedule so you do not have to remember.

Enable Storage Sense

  1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Toggle on Storage Sense.
  3. Click the arrow to expand options.
  4. Set it to run daily, weekly, or during low free disk space.

Configure What To Delete

Under Storage Sense, you can choose to delete temporary files, recycle bin items, and files in the Downloads folder older than a set time. Adjust these to your liking.

Clearing Cache In Windows 11 Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer a one-click solution, third-party tools exist. Popular options include CCleaner, BleachBit, and Wise Disk Cleaner. Use them with caution and only download from official sites.

How To Use CCleaner

  1. Download and install CCleaner from the official website.
  2. Open the app and go to the Custom Clean tab.
  3. Check the boxes for cache types you want to clear.
  4. Click Run Cleaner and confirm.

Risks Of Third-Party Tools

These tools can delete important files if misconfigured. Always review what they plan to remove. Stick to trusted brands and avoid bundled software.

Clearing Cache In Windows 11 For Specific Apps

Some apps have their own cache settings. Here are a few common ones:

Clear Cache In Microsoft Teams

  1. Close Teams completely.
  2. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams, and press Enter.
  3. Delete the contents of the Cache, Code Cache, and GPU Cache folders.
  4. Restart Teams.

Clear Cache In Spotify

  1. Open Spotify and go to Settings.
  2. Scroll to Storage and click Clear cache.
  3. Confirm the action.

Clear Cache In Adobe Photoshop

  1. Open Photoshop and go to Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks.
  2. Clear the scratch disk files manually from the location shown.
  3. Restart Photoshop.

When To Clear Cache

You do not need to clear cache every day. A good schedule is once a month. Clear it more often if you notice slow performance or run low on storage.

Signs you need to clear cache:

  • Your computer takes longer to boot.
  • Apps crash frequently.
  • Web pages load slowly or show outdated content.
  • You get low disk space warnings.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Clearing cache is safe, but there are pitfalls. Avoid these:

  • Deleting system files you do not understand.
  • Using third-party tools without reviewing selections.
  • Clearing cache while an app is running.
  • Forgetting to restart after clearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clearing Cache Delete My Files?

No, clearing cache only removes temporary files. Your documents, photos, and personal data are not affected.

How Often Should I Clear Cache In Windows 11?

Once a month is ideal. You can do it more often if you use many apps or browse heavily.

Will Clearing Cache Speed Up My Computer?

Yes, it can free up storage and reduce system clutter. This often leads to faster performance, especially on older PCs.

What Is The Fastest Way To Clear Cache In Windows 11?

Using Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup are the fastest built-in methods. They require just a few clicks.

Is It Safe To Clear All Cache Files?

Most cache files are safe to delete. Avoid deleting system cache related to active updates or critical processes. Stick to the options in Settings and Disk Cleanup.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clear computer cache Windows 11 using multiple methods. Start with the Settings app for a quick clean. Use Disk Cleanup for deeper work. And set up Storage Sense to automate the process.

Regular cache clearing keeps your system healthy. It is a simple habit that pays off with faster load times and more free space. Try it today and see the difference.