How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10 Easy Method.
Windows 10 creates all sorts of temporary files when you use your computer. This can be anything from the cached system and application data, error reports, update files, to browsing data. Not only temporary files help speed up the process, but some of them also play a role in troubleshooting system-related problems.
However, most types of temporary files are stored for a long time and can end up eating up a fair amount of storage. If you are constantly running out of free space, you should regularly delete these files.
You can delete temporary files on your Windows 10 computer using the Settings app, Disk Cleanup tool, or File Explorer. Alternatively, you can use the built-in Storage Sense feature to automate the procedure.
Use Settings App to Delete Temporary Files
The Storage Management screen in Windows 10 Settings lets you view and delete most types of temporary files on your computer. If your disk space is starting to run out, a quick visit to this screen should help you quickly free up disk space.
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Select “System”.
3. Click on the “Storage” side tab.
4. Select temporary files. Wait for the Settings app to finish downloading the list of temporary file types to your computer.
5. Check the boxes next to each type of temporary file that you want to delete. You can see the amount of potential space savings listed next to each one. You should read the description of each file type to avoid deleting anything important.
For example, Windows 10 lists your Downloads folder as a temporary location. If you have any important files, it’s best not to check the box next to it.
Also, do not check the “Previous version of Windows” box if you want to be able to revert to a previous version of Windows 10 without changes. However, you will only see it if you have updated Windows 10 in the last ten days.
Note. The list of temporary Internet files includes browsing data related to Microsoft Edge. In third-party browsers, you need to clear browser caches separately.
6. Click the Delete Files button at the top of the screen. Windows 10 should immediately start deleting the file types you’ve selected.
Use Disk Cleanup Tool to Delete Temporary Files
In addition to the Settings app storage management screen, Windows 10 also has a Disk Cleanup tool. This looks a bit dated. But usually, it lists the types of temporary files that you can’t find listed in the Settings app.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Enter cleanmgr.exe and click OK.
3. The default view in Disk Cleanup lists all types of temporary files (except Downloads) that can usually be found in the Settings application. To display additional file types, click the Cleanup system files button.
4. After Disk Cleanup is updated, check the boxes next to each type of temporary files that you want to delete.
You can see the description whenever you select a specific data type. Read it to make sure you aren’t deleting anything important.
For example, device driver packages contain the data needed to roll back hardware drivers — select them only if you don’t have a problem with your computer.
5. Click “OK” and then select “Delete Files” to delete the selected files.
Alternatively, you can run the enhanced version of Disk Cleanup (which shows even more forms of temporary file types). To get to it, open the Command Prompt Console (press Windows + S and look for Command Prompt) and run the following command:
cmd.exe / c Cleanmgr / sageset: 65535 and Cleanmgr / sagerun: 65535
The Advanced Disk Cleanup Tool contains file types such as old program installation files and Chkdsk files (corrupted chunks of data from the Check Disk utility) that you can remove to free up additional disk space.
Use File Explorer to Delete Temporary Files
The Settings app and Disk Cleanup tool usually do not remove all temporary files used by the operating system and the applications that run on it. If you want to be careful, you can visit the two main places where these files are located and delete them directly. However, these folders fill up quickly again, so continue if you only want to free up additional space temporarily.
1. Save your work and exit all open applications.
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
3. Enter% temp% in it and click OK.
4. Press Ctrl + A to select all files in the directory. Then right-click and select “Delete.”
Note. If the operating system reports that it cannot delete certain files, select Skip.
5. Open the Run window again. Then enter temp and click OK.
6. Delete all files and folders in the directory. Again, skip any files that cannot be deleted.
7. Right-click the trash can icon on the desktop and select Empty Trash.
Use Storage Sense to Delete Temporary Files
You can configure Windows 10 to automatically delete temporary files by activating Storage Sense. Instead of just enabling it, you should also set this feature to work automatically on your computer.
1. Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings”.
2. Select “System”.
3. Click on the “Storage” side tab.
4. Select Configure Vault Control or start it now.
5. Turn on the switch in the Storage Sense section and choose how often you want it to run. You can leave the default “When there is not enough free disk space†or change it to “Every dayâ€, “Every week†or “Every monthâ€.
6. Scroll down and select how often Storage Sense should empty the Trash and Downloads folder. If you don’t want it to delete downloaded files, select “Never”.
If you are using cloud storage with file-on-demand capabilities (such as OneDrive or iCloud Drive), you can also specify how often Storage Sense should clear all files cached locally.
Storage Sense will automatically delete temporary files on your Windows 10 computer, depending on how you configured it. You can also launch it at any time by selecting the Clear Now option located on the same screen.
Storage Not a Concern? You Should Still Delete Temporary Files
Even if you don’t have storage problems, it’s a good idea to periodically delete temporary files in Windows 10. This should prevent problems with obsolete files in the future. However, you don’t need to overdo it all; just set your Storage Sense to clean once a month and you’re good to go.
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How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10 Easy Method
How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10 Easy Method