Windows 10 computer stores temporary files, commonly known as cache data, to make apps and other services load faster. While this data is intended to speed up your computer, these cache files can take up significant storage space which can be difficult if you are using a small SSD. Therefore, it is considered good practice to periodically remove temporary and unwanted cache files from Windows.
Clearing cache files can also help fix performance issues, free up disk space, and improve your computer’s overall performance. Rest assured, clearing cache data in Windows 10 is completely safe and will not affect your files or settings.
In this guide, we will cover how to remove all kinds of cache files stored on your Windows 10 PC. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Clear Temporary File Cache on PC
Windows 10 comes with a built-in Disk Cleanup tool. This can find and delete temporary files that are clogging up storage space. Here’s how to use the Disk Cleanup tool
Stage 1: Click start, type Disk Cleanup In Windows Search and press Enter to open the Disk Cleanup application.
Step 2: In the Disk Cleanup window that appears, under ‘Files to remove’, select the appropriate file you want to remove. After that, click on the ‘Clean up system files’ button.
Stage 3: Now the application will calculate how much space will be freed after deleting the selected files. Once done, the same window will appear.
Step 4: Make the appropriate selection again and press OK. Then click the ‘Delete Files’ button when prompted.
Note: This process may take some time, so try not to use anything else on your computer.
Wait for the process to finish, it will delete all the selected files.
2. Clear Windows Store Cache
The Windows Store on your PC also creates cache files when you download or update apps. Over time this can take up space on your computer. Fortunately, you can clear this cache to free up storage space.
To clear the Windows Store cache, press Ctrl+R to open the Run dialog. write now WSReset.exe and press Enter. An empty window will appear. Wait for the process to finish and the Windows Store will launch automatically.
If you’re having trouble downloading apps and games, clearing the Windows Store cache will also help.
3. Clear Location Cache
You can clear the location cache stored on your Windows 10 PC directly from the settings menu. Here’s how.
Stage 1: Use the Ctrl+I shortcut to open the settings. Then tap on Privacy.
Step 2: In the Privacy section, go to Location under ‘App permission’ on your left. Now on your right, scroll down to find ‘Location history’ and tap on the Clear button.
In this way, all location cache data stored on your PC will be deleted.
4. Clear DNS Cache
The DNS cache contains information about previous DNS lookups on your PC or web browser. These files can accumulate over time and consume valuable storage in the form of a DNS cache. You can clear the DNS cache in a few simple steps outlined below.
Stage 1: Open the start menu and type cmd. SSelect ‘Run as administrator’ to open command prompt with administrator rights.
Step 2: Type the command mentioned below and press Enter.
ipconfig/flushDNS
When the process is finished, you will see a message that says ‘DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully cleared’.
Fly: If you’re having problems with your web browser, emptying the DNS cache can help.
5. Clear Browser Cache
While surfing the Internet, your browser creates cache files to speed up your favorite sites. While this data is meant to be helpful, it can slow down your browser or make you vulnerable to data breaches over time. Therefore, all popular browsers have the option to clear the cache in their settings.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome
Stage 1: Launch Google Chrome and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to quickly open the ‘Clear browsing data’ panel in the Settings tab.
Step 2: Select ‘All time’ in the time range option and check the box that says ‘Cached images and files’. Finally, tap the ‘Clear data’ button at the bottom.
How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge
Stage 1: Launch Microsoft Edge. Click on the three-dot icon on the far right and select Settings from the list.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Privacy, search and services’ tab on your left and tap on the ‘Choose what to clear’ button on your right.
Stage 3: Select ‘All time’ in the time range option and tap the ‘Clear now’ button.
Clean up the Clutter
Deleting cache files can free up significant storage space. Removing them from time to time can help your computer run smoother and faster. You can also try using cleanup tools to find and clean up unwanted data on your computer.
