How to Clear Cache in Windows 10 & 11

Over time, your Windows computer can accumulate unnecessary files, slowing down performance and eating up valuable storage space. Clearing cache and temporary files is a quick and easy way to optimize your PC. Follow this step-by-step guide to clear system cache, browser cache, and more on Windows 10 and 11.


Step 1: Clear System Cache

  1. Open Settings:
    • Right-click on the Windows icon and select “Settings”.
  2. Navigate to Storage:
    • Click “System” on the left menu and then scroll down to find “Storage”.
  3. Analyze Storage:
    • Wait for the system to calculate space usage. It will categorize files into “Temporary Files,” “Apps,” and more.
  4. Remove Temporary Files:
    • Select “Temporary Files” and review the categories.
    • Uncheck “Downloads” if you want to keep those files.
    • Click “Remove Files”, confirm, and let the system clean up.

Step 2: Clear Location Cache

  1. Go to “Privacy & Security” in Settings.
  2. Scroll down to “Location” and click it.
  3. Look for “Location History” and press “Clear”.

Step 3: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

  1. Open the Windows search bar and type WSreset.
  2. Run the command.
    • A command prompt will briefly appear, and the Microsoft Store will launch with a cleared cache.

Step 4: Clear Browser Cache

  1. Open Your Browser:
    • Example: Google Chrome.
  2. Access Settings:
    • Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and go to “Settings”.
  3. Clear Browsing Data:
    • Navigate to “Privacy & Security”“Clear Browsing Data”.
    • Choose a time range (select “All Time”).
    • Check options like “Browsing History,” “Cookies,” and “Cached Files.”
    • Leave “Passwords” unchecked to retain saved login credentials.
    • Click “Clear Data” and wait for the process to finish.

Step 5: Manually Delete Temporary Files

  1. Use Run Command:
    • Press Win + R and type %temp%. Press Enter.
  2. Delete Files:
    • Select all files (Ctrl + A), then press Shift + Delete.
    • Confirm the deletion and skip files that cannot be deleted.
  3. Repeat with the “Temp” Folder:
    • Open Run again, type temp, and repeat the steps above.

Step 6: Clear DNS Cache

  1. Open the Command Prompt:
    • Search for CMD, right-click, and select “Run as Administrator”.
  2. Type the command: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Press Enter. You’ll see a confirmation message: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

Final Step: Restart Your Computer

Restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect. You’ll notice improved speed, freed-up storage, and a smoother experience.


Conclusion

Clearing cache regularly is a great habit to maintain your PC’s performance. These simple steps can make a significant difference in speed and storage. Take a few minutes today and give your Windows computer a fresh start!