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

By / October 10, 2025

Is your Windows 11 laptop running slower than usual, or are web pages not loading properly? One of the easiest ways to fix these problems is by clearing the cache. Cache files are temporary files created by Windows and applications to speed up operations, but over time, they can pile up and cause performance issues.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear cache on laptop Windows 11 safely and efficiently — including browser cache, system cache, Microsoft Store cache, and more. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, tips, and common troubleshooting tricks.

What Is Cache and Why Clear It?

Cache is a storage of temporary files that applications or the operating system use to load faster. Examples include:

  • Browser files for faster website loading

  • System thumbnails for faster image previews

  • Update files for smoother Windows updates

While cache speeds up certain operations, old or corrupted cache can slow down your laptop, cause crashes, or display outdated content. That’s why clearing cache is an essential maintenance step.

2. Types of Cache on Windows 11

Type of Cache Purpose
Temporary Files Cache Stores app-generated temp files
Browser Cache Stores web page data for faster loading
Windows Update Cache Keeps downloaded updates before installation
DNS Cache Stores IP addresses of websites visited
Microsoft Store Cache Speeds up app downloads and updates
Icon Cache Displays icons faster in File Explorer
System Memory Cache Stores frequently used data in RAM

Each type of cache has its own location and method of removal.

3. Benefits of Clearing Cache

  • Frees up disk space

  • Fixes slow performance and app errors

  • Resolves display issues in apps and browsers

  • Forces the system to load fresh data

  • Helps protect privacy by removing stored data

4. How to Clear Temporary Files Cache

Windows 11 allows you to remove temporary files using Settings:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System → Storage → Temporary files.

  3. Check the boxes for:

    • Temporary files

    • Recycle Bin

    • Thumbnails

  4. Click Remove files.

  5. Wait until cleanup completes.

✅ This removes unnecessary temporary files and clears up space instantly.

5. How to Clear Microsoft Store Cache

If Microsoft Store apps misbehave, clearing its cache often helps:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R.

  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

  3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear and close automatically after reset.

  4. Microsoft Store will launch automatically.

6. How to Clear Browser Cache

Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Edge → click Settings → Privacy, search, and services.

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

  3. Select Cached images and files and click Clear now.

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome → Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.

  2. Select Cached images and files, choose a time range, then click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.

  2. Select Cached Web Content, then click Clear.

7. How to Clear Windows Update Cache

Sometimes Windows updates fail due to cached files. Clearing the cache can help:

Steps:

  1. Stop the Windows Update service:

    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.

    • Find Windows Update, right-click → Stop.

  2. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.

  3. Delete all files in this folder.

  4. Start the Windows Update service again (right-click → Start).

8. How to Clear DNS Cache

DNS cache stores IP addresses to load websites faster. Corrupt DNS can cause connection issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Type the command:

    ipconfig /flushdns

  3. Press Enter.

  4. You’ll see: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

9. How to Clear Icon Cache

Corrupted icon cache can show wrong icons in File Explorer:

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Execute:

    ie4uinit.exe -ClearIconCache
    taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
    DEL /A /Q "%localappdata%\IconCache.db"
    start explorer

  3. File Explorer will restart, and icons will refresh.

10. How to Clear System Memory Cache

While Windows manages memory cache automatically, you can free unused RAM:

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Run:

    echo off | clip

  3. Close unnecessary applications.

  4. Optional: Use third-party apps like RAMMap or CleanMem to manually clear memory cache safely.

11. How to Clear File Explorer History Cache

Clearing File Explorer history removes recent folders and search history:

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer → View → Options.

  2. Under Privacy, click Clear.

  3. Click OK to save.

12. Using Disk Cleanup Tool

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility that clears cache and junk files:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, open the app.

  2. Select C: drive, click OK.

  3. Check categories like Temporary files, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails, etc.

  4. Click OK → Delete Files.

13. Using Storage Sense to Clear Cache Automatically

Windows 11 can automate cache cleanup:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense.

  2. Turn On.

  3. Click Storage Sense settings to configure frequency and items to clean.

  4. Choose Temporary files, Downloads, Recycle Bin cleanup preferences.

14. Tips to Prevent Cache Buildup

  • Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup.

  • Clear browser cache regularly.

  • Uninstall unused apps.

  • Avoid heavy temporary file creation (like repeated large downloads).

  • Use disk cleaning tools monthly.

15. Troubleshooting: Common Cache Issues

Issue Solution
Laptop still slow Check for large temporary files or old update files
Browser shows old content Clear browser cache and cookies
Windows Update fails Clear Windows Update cache folder
Cannot delete cache files Ensure admin rights and close apps using cache

16. Summary of Key Steps

Cache Type Quick Method
Temporary Files Settings → System → Storage → Temporary Files
Microsoft Store Run wsreset.exe
Browser Browser settings → Clear cache
Windows Update Delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
DNS ipconfig /flushdns
Icon ie4uinit.exe -ClearIconCache & restart Explorer
File Explorer File Explorer → Options → Clear

17. FAQs

Q1 — Does clearing cache delete personal files?
No. Cache only contains temporary files; your documents and media remain safe.

Q2 — How often should I clear cache on Windows 11?
Once a month is good. Browser cache can be cleared weekly if needed.

Q3 — Does clearing DNS cache improve browsing speed?
It mainly fixes connectivity issues or loads updated website content. It may not speed up every site.

Q4 — Can cache buildup cause Windows to crash?
Corrupted cache may cause errors or slowdowns but rarely causes crashes.

Q5 — Is using third-party tools safe to clear cache?
Yes, if you use reputable tools like CCleaner or Wise Disk Cleaner, but built-in methods are safest.

Clearing cache on Windows 11 not only frees space but also fixes performance and connectivity issues. Combining manual cleanup with automatic tools like Storage Sense ensures your laptop stays fast and clutter-free.

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