How to Clear Cache on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 14, 2025

Is your Windows 10 PC running slower than usual? Or maybe you’re running out of disk space for no obvious reason? The culprit might be cache files piling up behind the scenes.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to clear cache on Windows 10 safely and effectively — boosting your PC’s speed, freeing up space, and resolving many performance issues along the way.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what cache is, why it matters, and how to clean every type of cache Windows 10 stores.

🔍 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Task Method Tool/Location Benefit
Clear Temporary Files Settings App Storage > Temporary files Frees disk space
Clear System Cache Disk Cleanup Built-in tool Removes system junk
Clear Microsoft Store Cache Run Command wsreset.exe Fixes app download issues
Clear Browser Cache Chrome/Edge/Firefox Settings > Privacy Faster browsing
Clear DNS Cache Command Prompt ipconfig /flushdns Fixes internet errors
Clear File Explorer Cache File Options View tab Resolves folder lag
Clear Thumbnail Cache Disk Cleanup Clean up thumbnails Fixes image previews
Clear Prefetch & Temp Folders Run Command %temp% Removes hidden temp files

What Is Cache in Windows 10?

Cache files are temporary data your computer stores to make programs and processes run faster.

For example:

  • Your browser stores website data so pages load quicker next time.

  • Windows stores system cache to reopen apps and folders faster.

  • Applications like Microsoft Office store temporary files for recovery.

But over time, these caches can grow too large, slowing down performance and consuming valuable disk space — that’s when clearing them becomes essential.

Why Should You Clear Cache on Windows 10?

Here are the main benefits of clearing cache regularly:

  • 🚀 Improve system speed and performance

  • 🧹 Free up valuable storage space

  • 🔄 Fix corrupted cache issues (e.g., Windows updates or app glitches)

  • 🌐 Solve browser and network connection problems

  • 🔒 Protect your privacy by deleting stored temporary data

In short, clearing cache is like giving your PC a quick tune-up — without losing any important files.

Different Types of Cache in Windows 10

Windows 10 stores multiple types of cache. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type of Cache Description Common Problems
System Cache Stored by Windows for performance Slows startup
Temporary Files Created by apps and updates Disk space hog
Browser Cache Saved website data Outdated pages
DNS Cache Network data Connection issues
Thumbnail Cache Image previews Missing thumbnails
File Explorer Cache Folder view settings Slow navigation
Microsoft Store Cache App data Store not loading
Temp Folder Cache Miscellaneous app data Unnecessary buildup

Let’s go step by step through each type — and how to safely remove them.

🧩 1. Clear Temporary Files via Windows Settings

Windows 10 offers a built-in feature to delete unnecessary temporary files easily.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System → Storage.

  3. Click Temporary files.

  4. Select the file types you want to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails).

  5. Click Remove files.

✅ Tip: You can also turn on Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files.

⚙️ 2. Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is one of the oldest and most effective tools in Windows for system maintenance.

Steps:

  1. Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and open it.

  2. Select your C: drive and click OK.

  3. Check the boxes next to:

    • Temporary Internet Files

    • Delivery Optimization Files

    • Thumbnails

    • Temporary files

  4. Click Clean up system files for more options.

  5. Press OK → Delete Files.

This will remove unnecessary system caches safely.

🛍️ 3. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

If the Microsoft Store isn’t downloading or updating apps, its cache might be the issue.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter.

  3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear — wait a few seconds.

  4. The Microsoft Store will reopen automatically.

Your Microsoft Store cache is now reset!

🌐 4. Clear Browser Cache (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Browser caches can become bloated over time, causing slow loading or outdated website issues.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome → Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.

  2. Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.

  3. Choose Cached images and files.

  4. Click Clear data.

For Microsoft Edge:

  1. Click the three dots (…) → Settings → Privacy, search, and services.

  2. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

  3. Select Cached images and files, then Clear now.

For Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Click the menu (☰) → Settings → Privacy & Security.

  2. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.

  3. Check Cached Web Content → Clear.

🌐 5. Clear DNS Cache

If you’re having internet connectivity issues or pages not loading correctly, clearing DNS cache often helps.

Steps:

  1. Type cmd in the search bar.

  2. Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.

  3. Type the command:

    ipconfig /flushdns

  4. Press Enter.
    You’ll see a confirmation message:

“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

📂 6. Clear File Explorer Cache

If folders take too long to open or File Explorer behaves strangely, clear its cache.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click the View tab → Options → Change folder and search options.

  3. In the General tab, click Clear under Privacy.

  4. Click OK to confirm.

This clears history and cache stored by File Explorer.

🖼️ 7. Clear Thumbnail Cache

Windows generates thumbnail previews of your files and images for quick access — but over time, they pile up.

Steps:

  1. Open Disk Cleanup again.

  2. Select C: drive → OK.

  3. Check Thumbnails.

  4. Click OK → Delete Files.

Windows will rebuild fresh thumbnails when you reopen folders.

⚡ 8. Clear Windows Update Cache

If updates fail repeatedly or take too long, clearing the update cache can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find and right-click Windows Update → Stop.

  3. Navigate to:

    C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore

  4. Delete all files inside this folder.

  5. Go back to Services and start Windows Update again.

🧾 9. Clear Prefetch and Temp Folder Cache

Temporary app files can accumulate in these folders, eating up gigabytes of space.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type %temp% → Press Enter.

  3. Select all files (Ctrl + A) → Press Shift + Delete.

  4. Repeat with the following commands:

    • temp

    • prefetch

✅ Tip: Some files may be in use and can’t be deleted — just skip them.

🪄 10. Clear Cache Automatically with Storage Sense

Windows 10 can automatically remove temporary files with a feature called Storage Sense.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.

  2. Toggle Storage Sense to On.

  3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

  4. Choose:

    • How often to run cleanup

    • Whether to delete Recycle Bin and Downloads folder files

  5. Click Clean now to start manually.

🧠 11. Clear Cache via Command Prompt (Advanced)

You can clear temporary system caches manually using Command Prompt.

Steps:

  1. Run Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Enter these commands one by one:

    del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*
    del /s /q C:\Windows\Temp\*
    cleanmgr /sagerun:1

This will remove multiple cache types in one go.

🧰 12. Clear Windows Store Delivery Optimization Cache

Windows stores downloaded updates for other PCs on your network. You can clear that too.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Delivery Optimization.

  2. Click Advanced options → Clear.

  3. Confirm to delete cached delivery files.

🔒 13. Clear Cache for Specific Apps (Like Spotify, Photos, etc.)

Some Windows Store apps store their own cache.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & features.

  2. Select the app (e.g., Microsoft Photos).

  3. Click Advanced options → Reset.

This clears the app cache and resets its data.

🧹 14. Clear Clipboard Cache

Windows stores your recent copied text or images in the clipboard.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + V.

  2. Click Clear all at the top.
    Or, disable it from saving history:

  • Go to Settings → System → Clipboard → Clear.

🖥️ 15. Clear System Restore Cache

System Restore uses cache for snapshots, which can take up large amounts of disk space.

Steps:

  1. Right-click This PC → Properties.

  2. Click System Protection → Configure.

  3. Select your drive → Click Delete under Delete all restore points.

  4. Confirm and click OK.

Bonus: Use Third-Party Tools for Complete Cache Cleaning

If you prefer automation, use trusted software like:

  • CCleaner

  • BleachBit

  • Wise Disk Cleaner

These tools can safely remove hidden caches and logs, but always review what’s selected before cleaning.

🧭 Best Practices for Cache Cleaning

  • Clean caches once or twice a month.

  • Don’t delete cache folders completely — only their contents.

  • Always close open apps before cleaning.

  • Restart your PC afterward for smoother performance.

Conclusion: Keep Your Windows 10 Clean and Fast

Clearing cache is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to optimize your Windows 10 PC.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to:

  • Delete temporary and system caches

  • Fix browser and app performance issues

  • Free up valuable disk space

  • Speed up your PC instantly

Do it regularly, and your computer will stay fast, clean, and reliable — just like new.

FAQs About Clearing Cache on Windows 10

1. Does clearing cache delete important files?

No — cache files are temporary and safe to remove. Your personal files, documents, and apps remain unaffected.

2. How often should I clear the cache?

Once every 2–4 weeks is ideal for most users, depending on your PC usage.

3. Why can’t I delete some cache files?

Some files may be in use by active programs. Try again after restarting your computer.

4. Will clearing cache speed up my computer?

Yes — removing old or corrupted cache files can improve speed, responsiveness, and overall system health.

5. Can I automate cache cleaning in Windows 10?

Absolutely! Enable Storage Sense to clean temporary files automatically on a set schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 stores multiple types of cache — clearing them regularly improves performance.

  • Use Settings, Disk Cleanup, and Storage Sense for safe cleaning.

  • Delete temporary, browser, and system caches to free up space.

  • Clearing cache fixes slowdowns, app errors, and update failures.

  • Automate the process for long-term performance maintenance.

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