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How to Clear Cache on Windows 11
Clearing the cache in Windows 11 can help improve system performance and free up storage space. Here’s how to clear various types of cache on your Windows 11 computer:
1. Clear Temporary Files Cache
Windows stores temporary files that can accumulate and slow down your system. You can clear them using the Settings app:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to System and click on Storage.
- Under Storage management, click Temporary files.
- Windows will scan for temporary files. Once scanned, select the file types you want to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin).
- Click Remove files to clear the selected cache.
2. Clear DNS Cache
Clearing the DNS cache can fix internet connectivity problems caused by outdated or corrupted entries:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
- You’ll receive a message saying the DNS cache was successfully flushed.
3. Clear Windows Store Cache
If you experience issues with the Microsoft Store, clearing its cache might resolve the problem:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter.
- A blank Command Prompt window will appear, and after a few seconds, the Microsoft Store will open, indicating the cache has been cleared.
4. Clear Location Cache
Windows 11 stores location history, which you can clear to protect your privacy:
- Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and click Location.
- Under Location history, click Clear to delete the stored location data.
5. Clear Browser Cache
To clear cached data in Microsoft Edge (or another browser):
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Privacy, Search, and Services.
- Under the Clear browsing data section, click Choose what to clear.
- Select the types of data (like cached images and files) and click Clear now.
6. Clear System Cache Using Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility to remove unnecessary files:
- Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup in the search bar. Open the app.
- Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
- Disk Cleanup will scan and present a list of file types to delete, such as Temporary files and Thumbnails.
- Select the file types you wish to remove and click OK.
- Click Delete Files to confirm.
7. Clear Prefetch Cache
Windows uses prefetch files to load programs faster, but these files can become cluttered:
- Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
- Type prefetch and hit Enter.
- Select all the files in the folder (press Ctrl + A) and delete them.
8. Clear Software Distribution Folder
This folder stores Windows Update files and can grow large over time:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. - Select all the files and folders and delete them.
Why You Should Clear Cache on Windows 11:
- Improved Performance: Cached files can slow down your system over time.
- Free Up Storage Space: Cache files can accumulate and take up significant disk space.
- Fix Glitches: Corrupted cache can cause apps or system functions to misbehave.
- Enhanced Privacy: Clearing cached data ensures sensitive information doesn’t linger on your system.
Clearing cache regularly can keep your Windows 11 system running smoothly and efficiently.
