Cache files play a crucial role in system performance, but corrupted and outdated cache files can slow down your Windows PC and cause annoying operational quirks. Accumulated temporary files consume precious storage space and cause operational issues like sluggish boot times and system crashes. Cache files silently eat up several gigabytes of drive space. That’s why you must clear the computer cache and regularly clean the junk files on your Windows PC to speed up the system.

Removing cache files and temp data keeps your PC running at peak performance. Good cache hygiene fixes slow device issues. Browser cache holds your browsing history and personal data. Regular clearing protects privacy, especially on shared PCs. A clean cache loads the latest website versions instead of stale cached content. Windows uses lazy writing for cache management at set intervals. While this helps resource management, manual cleanup maintains optimal storage.

This guide covers expert tips for cleaning various cache types on Windows, helping you reclaim storage space and optimize system performance. You’ll learn practical techniques for managing system cache, browser data, and network cache using Windows’ built-in utilities and commands.

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Table of Content

Understanding Windows Cache System

Cache memory works as a high-speed data storage layer between your CPU and main storage. The cache system processes data 10-100 times faster than RAM, taking just nanoseconds to respond to CPU requests.

Windows Cache Types

Windows uses different cache types to boost system performance:

System File Cache: Windows automatically caches data read from and written to your drives. The Cache Manager handles this process while Windows runs, using a write-back cache to store file data temporarily before writing to disk.

Browser Cache: Your web browser saves website elements like images, fonts, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files locally. This speeds up website loading, though sometimes an outdated cache causes problems with updated sites.

CPU Cache Levels: Modern CPUs pack multiple cache layers:

  • L1 Cache: Built into CPU, smallest but fastest
  • L2 Cache: Larger than L1, sits on CPU or separate chip
  • L3 Cache: Boosts L1/L2 performance, runs twice as fast as RAM

When to Clear Your Cache

Watch for these signs indicating cache cleanup time:

Performance Problems: Daily PC use creates corrupted and outdated cache files, causing boot delays and system quirks.

App Issues: A corrupted cache makes apps crash or fail to start properly.

Storage Problems: Cache files hog memory, which slows down your system and boot time.

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Clearing System Cache on Windows

Windows includes multiple tools for clearing the system cache. The built-in utilities help remove temporary files and free up valuable storage space on your PC.

1. Clear Temp, %Temp%, and Prefetch Cache

The cache data on Windows include temporary files that may clog your system storage unless cleaned manually. They keep building up over time, hog GBs of space, and slow down the computer. Try the methods below to get rid of the temporary and prefetch cache on your Windows PC.

  1. Press the Windows +R keyboard shortcut, type “temp” in the Run dialog box, and click OK or press Enter.open temp folder in windows via run dialog box
  2. Alternatively, you can navigate to C: > Windows > Temp to access temporary cache files.delete cache files in temp folder windows
  3. Press Ctrl + A to select all files in the Temp folder and delete them.
  4. Press Windows + R again, type “%Temp%‘ in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
  5. Select all the files in the folder and delete them.
  6. Now, open the ‘Prefetch‘ folder in the Windows directory in your C Drive. Select all the files in the folder and delete the prefetch cache.delete prefetch cache in windows

2. Clean a PC with Windows Storage Sense

If enabled, Storage Sense works automatically to free up disk space. The tool targets temporary files and Recycle Bin items on your Windows PC. This tool can come in handy if you want to keep your computer clean.

  1. Click the Windows icon in the Taskbar and click Settings.
  2. Select System from the left-hand pane and click Storage.select storage settings windows
  3. Click the toggle next to Storage Sense to enable it. Now open Storage Sense.Open storage sense from windows system settings
  4. Set up your preferences in Storage Sense to schedule regular clean up and click the Run Storage Sense Now button.windows storage sense settings

You can use the Cleanup Recommendations feature to delete unused files on your Windows PC. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup Recommendations, select unused files, and delete them. Windows will scan your drive and show different cache types that are ready for removal.

windows cleanup recommendations

3. Using Windows Disk Cleanup Utility

Disk Cleanup stands out as Windows’ most powerful cache-cleaning tool. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Type ‘Disk Cleanup‘ in the Windows search box.
  2. Pick your Windows drive (usually C:).
  3. Click Clean up system files for extra options.windows disk cleanup utility
  4. Choose the file types to remove.

The tool finds temporary Internet files, setup logs, and cache files safe for deletion.

4. Clear Cache Using Microsoft PC Manager

Before coming across Microsoft PC Manager, I used utilities like WizTree, CCleaner, and WinDirStat to clear the cache and clean up my PC. PC Manager is compatible with Windows 10 and 11. It lets you manage your computer from a single interface.

microsoft pc manager

Download and install PC Manager from the Microsoft Store. Launch the utility, select the Storage option, and click Scan next to Deep Scan.

perform a deep scan using microsoft pc manager

PC Manager will scan your PC for all accumulated caches, unused files, and even app caches. Click the Proceed button to clean up your Windows PC.

clean up computer cache with microsoft pc manager

5. Clearing Cache Using Commands

Power users can clear the computer cache faster using command line tools. Launch Command Prompt as admin. To do so, press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin) from the menu. Then, execute the commands below, and don’t forget to restart the PC afterward.

Please close all apps before clearing the cache. Active apps might break when trying to access deleted cache data. Windows rebuilds necessary cache files automatically after cleanup. For best results, run basic cleanups monthly and system file cleanups quarterly. You’ll notice faster boot times, quicker app launches, and smoother system performance.

Clear Temp Files:

del /q/f/s %TEMP%*

Flush DNS Cache:

ipconfig /flushdns

flush dns cache via windows command prompt

Clear Store Cache:

wsreset.exe

Clear Prefetch Cache:

del /q/f/s %SystemRoot%\Prefetch\*

Clearing the Browser Cache

If your web browser is slow, it doesn’t load fresh web content, or your browsing experience is marred by unresponsive behavior, it must be dies to corrupt cache. Web browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Opera pile up cache files on your PC. Clearing the browser cache and cookies will make your browser perform faster.

Edge and Chrome browsers store everything from browsing history to downloaded files. Here’s how to clear the browser cache:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open browsing data settings
  2. Pick your time range
  3. Select items to remove:
    • Browser history
    • Download history
    • Cookies and site data
    • Cached files
    • Saved passwords
    • Form data

clear cache and browsing data in google chrome

Alternatively, type or paste the following URLs in the URL bar of the respective web browser and press the Enter key to access the Delete browsing data menu.

  • Google Chrome: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
  • Microsoft Edge: edge://settings/clearBrowserData
  • Opera: opera://settings/clearBrowserData
  • Firefox: about:preferences#privacy

Websites load fresh content after cache clearing. First visits might feel slower while browsers build a new cache.

Fix DNS and Network Cache Issues

DNS and network cache problems break your internet connection, causing slow speeds or complete disconnects. Let’s check out the fastest ways to clear these caches and restore your network performance.

Clear DNS Cache

DNS cache saves website IP addresses for quick access. However, outdated or corrupted records may cause the following problems.

  • Website access fails
  • Network security alerts
  • Slow browsing
  • DNS update delays

Clear DNS cache using these steps:

  1. Hit Windows + R.
  2. Type cmd in Run box.
  3. Enter ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  4. Check the success message.

Regular DNS cache clearing stops DNS poisoning attacks. Hackers use these attacks to inject fake DNS records, sending you to malicious sites. Besides, there are 5 other ways to flush the DNS cache in Windows 10 and 11.

Reset Network Settings

Network reset fixes stubborn connection problems by removing and reinstalling network adapters. Try this when facing:

  • Windows update breaks internet
  • Shared drives won’t connect
  • Network adapters stop working
  • IP addresses conflict

Before you proceed with the reset, do not forget to write down network settings and save Wi-Fi passwords.

To reset network settings on Windows 11, do the following:

  1. Open Settings and select Network and Internet.
  2. Pick Advanced network settings.
  3. Select Network Reset.reset network settings in windows 11 via settings
  4. Hit Reset Now.

On Windows 10, launch Settings and navigate to Network & Internet > Status and select Network reset.

A network reset changes these components:

  • Winsock: Handles internet I/O
  • TCP/IP: Controls device communication
  • Network adapters: Physical/virtual interfaces

You’ll need to set up these again:

  • Wi-Fi connections
  • VPN profiles
  • Custom IP settings
  • Network drives

Use network reset as your last option after basic fixes fail. When done right, it solves complex network issues.

Setting Up Automatic Cache Cleanup

Windows cache settings need proper tuning for peak performance. Smart cache configuration prevents system slowdowns and keeps your PC running smoothly. Storage Sense handles automatic cache cleaning in Windows. The tool watches system resources and removes unneeded files based on your rules. Set up auto cleanup:

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Turn on Storage Sense.
  4. Pick cleanup times:
    • Temp files removal
    • Old downloads cleanup
    • Recycle bin emptying

Windows checks drive space and clears the cache automatically to maintain size limits. This stops cache problems without manual work.

Different cache types need different cleaning approaches. System cache, browser data, and DNS records affect your PC’s performance. Storage Sense and PC Manager handle automatic cleaning while manual cleanup tackles stubborn issues. I’ve been testing various cache-cleaning schedules on my Windows PC, and monthly basic cleanup with quarterly deep cleaning works best. This keeps performance high while preserving quick access to frequent files.

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