How to Clear Cache on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Cache files are temporary files that Windows creates to help your PC, apps, and system features load faster. While they’re useful, these files can build up over time or become outdated, which may lead to problems such as Windows Update errors, app glitches, incorrect thumbnails, or unnecessary storage usage. Clearing the right type of cache can often fix these issues, free up disk space, and allow Windows to create fresh temporary files. In most cases, it’s completely safe because Windows automatically recreates cache files when they’re needed, so your personal files, installed apps, and important settings won’t be affected.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely clear cache in Windows 11 and Windows 10, including temporary files, Windows Update cache, Microsoft Store cache, DNS cache, thumbnail cache, and browser cache. We’ll also explain when each method is useful, so you only clear the cache that applies to your situation.

Which Cache Should You Clear?

Cache is temporary data that Windows and apps save to help your computer perform everyday tasks more quickly. Instead of creating the same data every time, Windows reuses cached files to speed things up.

Not all cache files serve the same purpose. If you’re trying to fix a specific problem, clearing the right cache can save time and avoid unnecessary steps.

Now let’s look at each method step by step.

Method 1: Clear Temporary Files (Recommended)

Temporary files are created by Windows, apps, and installers while performing everyday tasks. Most of these files are no longer needed once they’re used, and removing them is one of the easiest ways to free up storage space and reduce unnecessary clutter on your PC.

Option 1: Use Storage Sense (Recommended)

Storage Sense is Windows’ built-in cleanup tool that safely removes temporary files and can automatically keep your storage tidy.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Temporary files.
4. Select the items you want to remove (leave Downloads unchecked unless you want to delete its contents).
5. Click Remove files.

You can also enable Storage Sense to let Windows automatically clean temporary files in the future.

Option 2: Delete Temporary Files Manually

If you need to remove additional temporary files, you can delete them manually.

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Press Ctrl + A to select all files.
3. Delete the selected files. Skip any files that are currently in use.
4. Repeat the process by opening Run again, typing temp, and deleting those files as well.

Note: Windows automatically recreates temporary files when they’re needed, so deleting them won’t harm your system.

Method 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

Windows stores downloaded update files in a cache before installing them. If an update gets stuck, repeatedly fails to install, or shows an error code, clearing the Windows Update cache forces Windows to download a fresh copy of the update files.

Use this method if: Windows Update is stuck, downloads won’t complete, or updates keep failing to install.

Steps to clear the Windows Update cache

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
• Open File Explorer and go to: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
• Delete all files and folders inside the Downloads folder.

• Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
• Restart your PC, then check for updates again from Settings > Windows Update.

Note: This only removes cached update files. It doesn’t uninstall previously installed Windows updates or delete your personal files.

Method 3: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store saves temporary cache files to speed up app downloads and updates. If the Store won’t open, apps won’t download, or updates are stuck, clearing its cache can often resolve the problem without affecting your installed apps.

Use this method if: Microsoft Store won’t open, app downloads fail, or Store updates are stuck.

Steps to clear the Microsoft Store cache

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A Command Prompt window will appear briefly. Wait for it to close automatically.
4. The Microsoft Store will open once the cache has been cleared.

Note: Running wsreset.exe clears only the Microsoft Store cache. It doesn’t uninstall Store apps, remove your Microsoft account, or delete app data.

Method 4: Clear DNS Cache

Windows stores the IP addresses of recently visited websites in a DNS cache so they load faster the next time you visit them. If a website has changed servers, or you’re getting errors like “This site can’t be reached” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN,” clearing the DNS cache forces Windows to look up the latest website address.

Use this method if: Websites won’t load, you’re seeing DNS-related errors, or a website has recently moved to a new server.

Steps to clear the DNS cache

1. Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
4. You should see the message:
   “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
5. Restart your web browser and try opening the website again.

Note: Flushing the DNS cache doesn’t affect your internet connection or delete browser history. Windows automatically creates new DNS cache entries as you browse the web.

Method 5: Clear Browser Cache

Web browsers store cached images, scripts, and other website data to help pages load faster. Over time, this cache can become outdated and cause websites to load incorrectly, display old content, or create sign-in and loading issues.

Use this method if: Websites don’t display correctly, changes on a website aren’t visible, or you’re experiencing browsing or sign-in issues.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Set the time range to All time.
4. Select Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear now.

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Choose All time.
4. Check Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Select Cache.
4. Click Clear Now.

Tip: Only clear Cookies if you’re comfortable signing back into websites. Clearing Cached images and files alone won’t log you out of most websites.

Method 6: Clear Thumbnail Cache

Windows stores thumbnail images to display file previews more quickly in File Explorer. If image or video thumbnails are missing, blank, or showing the wrong preview, clearing the thumbnail cache forces Windows to generate new ones.

Use this method if: File thumbnails are missing, appear blank, or display the wrong preview.

Steps to clear the thumbnail cache

1. Press Windows + S, search for Disk Cleanup, and open it.
2. Select your Windows drive (C:) and click OK.
3. Check Thumbnails in the list of files to delete.
4. Click OK, then select Delete Files.
5. Restart File Explorer or restart your PC if the thumbnails don’t refresh immediately.

Note: The first time you open folders after clearing the thumbnail cache, Windows may take a little longer to recreate thumbnail previews.

Method 7: Clear Delivery Optimization Cache

Windows uses Delivery Optimization to store copies of update files, allowing updates to be shared with other PCs on your local network or over the internet (depending on your settings). After updates are installed, these cached files are no longer needed and can take up several gigabytes of storage.

Use this method if: You recently installed a large Windows update or want to free up disk space.

Steps to clear the Delivery Optimization cache

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Temporary files.
4. Select Delivery Optimization Files.
5. Click Remove files.

Note: Deleting Delivery Optimization files doesn’t uninstall Windows updates. It only removes temporary copies of update files that Windows can download again if necessary.

What Happens After You Clear Cache?

After you clear the cache, Windows automatically creates new cache files as you continue using your PC. The first time you open an app, browse a website, or view folders in File Explorer, things may load slightly slower while the cache is rebuilt. This is normal and only temporary.

You don’t need to clear the cache regularly. For most users, doing it only when you’re troubleshooting a problem or running low on storage is enough. If you simply want to keep your PC optimized, enabling Storage Sense can automatically remove temporary files without doing any manual cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions