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How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10?

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Quick Solution!

Here is a quick and easiest solution for our speedy learners. Follow these steps to clean temporary files from your Windows PC.

Automated Method: Using Disk Cleanup Tool

  1. Open the “Disk Cleanup” tool.
  2. select the drive you want to clean and click “OK.”
  3. Check the box next to the file you want to delete, Click “OK” at the bottom.
  4. Finally, Click “Delete Files” to confirm.

Manual Method: Using Run Command

  1. Press the Windows key + R and type “temp” in the search field and OK
  2. Now, select all temp files using ctrl + A and then press delete.

Sometimes, despite having enough RAM, our system lags or hangs. This trouble can be due to storage issues or any extra unnecessary program running in the background. One way to prevent this slowing down of our system is to remove temp files created automatically as it will boost your system’s performance.

Are Temporary Files the Same as Junk Files?

Temporary files are created by programs to store information temporarily. Temporary files speed up tasks by storing data temporarily. For example, while working on a document, a temporary file may be created to save the changes made, reducing the time it takes for processes to complete.

However, not all temporary files become junk. Junk files are unnecessary, or unused files that gather over time, and they may include temporary files. Therefore, while some temporary files may become junk, not all temporary files are considered junk.

Why Should You Delete Temporary Files From Your PC?

Deleting temporary files from your PC is important for several reasons. First, it frees up space on your computer systems, helping your computer run faster. It also maintains your online privacy by removing traces of your activities. Deleting temporary files can improve system performance and prevent potential errors. Moreover, it reduces the risk of malware hiding in these files. In short, advantages include increased storage, enhanced privacy, improved speed, error prevention, and better protection against malware.

How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10?

Deleting temporary files ensures that your system doesn’t hang due to unnecessary space occupied by temporary files in your system. So delete these temp files and keep your system cool. Here we have segregated the methods of deleting temp files into automated and manual methods. So go ahead and try these methods and improve your PC’s performance now.

Automated Methods:

These methods involve system configuration changes that remove temp files from your Windows regularly. Once you make these changes, your system will delete these temp files periodically when accumulated over time.

Method 1: Delete Temporary Files Using System Settings

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Go to System > Storage.

Step 3: Now click on “Temporary files”, under the “Local Disk (C:)” section.

Lightbox

Step 4: Check the boxes for the types of files you want to remove.

Step 5: Click “Remove files” to clear the cache.

How-to-Clear-Cache-in-Windows-11-1

Step 6: Click on “Continue

Method 2: Delete Temporary Files Using Disk Cleanup Tool

Microsoft has included disk cleanup as a part of your Windows 10 that will enable you to get rid of temporary and cached files from your PC.

Step 1: Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar.

Step 2: Now select the drive you want to clean up and click “OK.”

Delete-temporary-files-using-diskclean-up-tool_2

Step 3: Check the box next to file you want to delete, Click “OK” at the bottom.

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Step 4: A Dialogue box to confirmation will appear claiming to permanently delete files from your PC. Click “Delete Files”

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Alternatively, you can perform Disk Cleanup Using Powershell Scripts  to delete temp files or recycle bin data

Manually Methods:

Unlike automated methods these methods don’t remove temp files on regular basis. Manual methods are performed explicitly. Here we have provided four different methods to delete temp files from your Windows PC.

Method 1: Delete Temporary Files Using CMD

To delete the temporary files from the command prompt:

del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*

Method 2: Delete All Temp Files Using Run Command

To delete all the temporary files follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command. Then type “temp” in the search field and press OK

type in “temp” and press ok

Step 2: Now, select all temp files using ctrl + A and then press delete.

Select all and press delete

Method 3: Delete local Temp Files Using Run Command

There are some local temporary files into your system, you can delete these specific files using following steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R  to open the Run command. Then type “%temp%” in the search field and press OK

Type %temp% and press OK

Step 2: Now, select all local temp files using Ctrl + A and then press delete.

Select all files and press delete

Method 4: Delete Local Temp Files Using Prefetch

To delete the local temporary files using Prefetch follow the below steps:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R  to open the Run command. Then type “Prefetch” in the search field and press OK.

Type “prefetch” and press ok

Step 2: Now, select all prefetch files using ctrl + A and then press delete.

Select all prefetch files and press delete

Finally, delete all the files from recycle bin too. All temporary files are deleted, and now you are good to go!!

Delete Hidden Temporary Files by Cleaning Up Browser Cache

Temporary files are generated in various segments of application programs. Even after deleting all visible temporary files, browser cache often remains unnoticed. Is it important to clear browser cache? The answer is yes! It’s essential to regularly clear these hidden files as they occupy significant space in your system. So don’t overlook the browser cache; cleaning it helps maintain system performance by freeing up storage space and ensuring a smoother experience. Regularly cleaning up browsers cache helps to speed up internet browsing speed.

There are different Browser Cache Stored in Your System like stored data from websites, like images, pages, your saved passwords and other browsing activities are stored to speed up future visits. These Cached data are stored in specific folders on your system.

Delete Browser Cache from Windows 10:

Step 1: Open your browser and Go to Settings > Privacy and security

Delete-Browser-Cache_1

Step 2: Select “Clear Browsing Data”.

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Step 3: Check the box as per your preference and hit “Clear Data” to remove the cache.

Delete-Browser-Cache_2

Regularly clearing browser cache helps maintain privacy and ensures updated content.

Alternatively, you can clear your Browser Cache using run command

Hence we covered all the methods to delete temp files from Windows 10. These methods are tried and tested and will definitely improve your system performance. Now, Let’s discuss some questions regarding cleaning up temporary files.

Also Read

Frequently Asked Questions to delete Temporary Files in Windows 10

Why should you delete temporary files?

Deleting temporary files frees up space, boosts computer speed, enhances privacy, prevents errors, and guards against potential malware threats.

What happens when the number of temporary files increases?

As the number of temporary files increases, it consumes more storage space, potentially slowing down your computer. It may lead to reduced performance, slower response times, and increased risk of errors.

Is it safe to delete temporary files?

Yes, it’s generally safe to delete temporary files. They are meant for temporary use, and removing temp files won’t harm your system.

Can deleted temporary files be restored?

No, once you clear temporary files, they usually cannot be easily restored. Deleting removes them permanently, and you would need specialized software or backups to recover them, if at all.

Why are some temporary files not deleting?

Some temporary files may not delete because they are actively in use by programs or the operating system. Closing relevant applications and restarting your computer can often resolve this issue.

How often should I delete temporary files?

It’s good to remove temporary files from windows regularly, like once a month, to keep your computer running smoothly. This helps free up space, maintain privacy, and prevent potential performance issues.



Last Updated : 20 Feb, 2024
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