How to Clear Cache on Computer Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Clearing cache on your Windows 11 PC can improve system performance, free up storage space, and fix certain issues caused by corrupted or outdated temporary files. Cache files include temporary system files, browser cache, and app cache that accumulate over time. This guide will walk you through multiple methods to safely clear cache on Windows 11.

Why Clear Cache on Windows 11?

Clearing cache can help:

  • Improve system speed and responsiveness.
  • Free up disk space.
  • Resolve app or browser errors.
  • Prevent privacy issues by removing stored data.

💡 Tip: Regular cache clearing can help maintain your PC’s performance over time.

Method 1: Clear Temporary Files via Settings

Windows 11 allows you to delete temporary files directly from Settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System → Storage.
  3. Click Temporary files.
  4. Check the boxes for files you want to delete, such as:
    • Temporary files
    • Recycle Bin
    • Thumbnails
  5. Click Remove files.

This method safely clears system cache without affecting personal files.

Method 2: Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a classic tool for clearing system files and cache.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
  3. Check the boxes for items to delete, such as:
    • Temporary Internet Files
    • System created Windows error reports
    • Thumbnails
  4. Click OK → Delete Files.

💡 Tip: Click Clean up system files for more advanced options like previous Windows installations.

Method 3: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

If apps from Microsoft Store misbehave, clearing its cache can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear, then Microsoft Store will open automatically.

This clears the Store cache without deleting installed apps.

Method 4: Clear Browser Cache

Browser cache can take up significant space and cause loading issues.

For Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge → Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
  2. Click Choose what to clear under Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Cached images and files (and any other data to clear).
  4. Click Clear now.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome → Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear browsing data.
  2. Select Cached images and files.
  3. Click Clear data.

💡 Tip: Regularly clearing browser cache helps pages load fresh content.

Method 5: Clear DNS Cache

Clearing DNS cache can fix network or website loading issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. You’ll see a message: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.

Method 6: Clear Windows Store App Cache Manually

Some Windows apps store cache that can be cleared manually:

  1. Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps.
  2. Select the app → Advanced options.
  3. Click Reset to clear cache without uninstalling the app.

Useful for apps that crash or misbehave frequently.

Method 7: Clear Prefetch Files

Prefetch files help Windows load apps faster but can accumulate over time.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type prefetch, and press Enter.
  2. Select all files in the folder (Ctrl + A) and press Delete.
  3. Confirm deletion.

💡 Tip: Prefetch cache is rebuilt automatically by Windows, so deleting it is safe.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Cache

  • Use Storage Sense (Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense) to automatically clean temporary files.
  • Clear browser cache weekly for smooth browsing.
  • Avoid manually deleting system files outside the recommended methods.
  • Restart your PC after clearing cache to refresh system performance.

Conclusion

Clearing cache on Windows 11 is an effective way to free up space, enhance performance, and troubleshoot common system and app issues. Using built-in tools like Settings, Disk Cleanup, wsreset.exe, and browser cache clearing ensures a safe and efficient process. Regular maintenance helps keep your PC running smoothly and securely.

FAQs

Q1. Will clearing cache delete my personal files?
No. Clearing cache removes temporary and system files, not your personal documents or photos.

Q2. How often should I clear cache on Windows 11?
Once a month is sufficient for most users, but frequent browser users may benefit from weekly clearing.

Q3. Can clearing cache speed up my PC?
Yes. It frees up storage and removes unnecessary temporary files, improving performance.

Q4. Does clearing DNS cache affect internet settings?
No. It only clears stored domain name data, which helps resolve network issues.

Q5. Can I automate cache cleaning in Windows 11?
Yes, enable Storage Sense in Settings to automatically delete temporary files and manage storage.

Recommendation: Use Settings → Storage → Temporary files for a quick and safe way to clear cache, and combine it with browser and DNS cache cleaning for optimal system performance.

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