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

Ever noticed your Windows 11 laptop slowing down, lagging, or taking forever to boot up? Don’t panic — your device might just be weighed down by cached files.

Cache files help your computer run faster — until they pile up. Over time, they can eat up storage space and slow performance. The good news? You can easily fix that.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clear cache on a laptop running Windows 11, using multiple safe and effective methods. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech enthusiast, you’ll learn every way to clear system, app, and browser cache — step by step.

What Is Cache in Windows 11?

The cache is a collection of temporary files that Windows and apps create to make your system run faster.

For example, when you open a program, Windows might store images, scripts, or data temporarily to speed things up the next time.

However, as these cache files accumulate, they start taking up valuable disk space — sometimes several gigabytes!

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Why You Should Clear Cache Regularly

Clearing the cache helps reclaim disk space, improve performance, and fix glitches like freezing, slow startup, or apps not loading properly.

Benefits of clearing cache:

• 🚀 Boosts system performance

• 💾 Frees up storage space

• 🧹 Fixes corrupted temporary files

• 🔄 Improves app and browser responsiveness

• 🧠 Reduces memory usage and lag

Think of it like decluttering your desk — once you clear away the old files, your PC can focus on the work that matters.

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Types of Cache in Windows 11

Windows 11 stores several kinds of cache files:

We’ll show you how to clear all of them safely.

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How to Clear Cache on Laptop Windows 11 (Quick Overview)

Now, let’s go step by step.

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Method 1: Clear Temporary Files Cache via Settings

This is the easiest way to remove cached files using the built-in Settings app.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → Storage.

3. Click Temporary files.

4. Wait while Windows scans your system.

5. Check the boxes for:

   • Temporary files

   • Delivery Optimization files

   • Recycle Bin

   • Thumbnails

6. Click Remove files.

✅ This can instantly free up several gigabytes of space.

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Method 2: Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Disk Cleanup is a classic Windows utility designed to remove system cache safely.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and hit Enter.

2. Choose your system drive (usually C:).

3. Select:

   • Temporary files

   • System created Windows error reports

   • Temporary Internet files

   • Recycle Bin

4. Click OK → Delete Files.

💡 Tip: Click Clean up system files for a deeper cleanup, including Windows Update cache.

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Method 3: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

If Microsoft Store apps are loading slowly or showing errors, clear their cache.

Steps:

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

2. Type:

   wsreset.exe


3. Press Enter.

A blank Command Prompt window appears for a few seconds, then closes automatically.
Microsoft Store will reopen, with the cache cleared.

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Method 4: Clear Browser Cache (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)

🟦 Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge → Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

2. Choose All time as time range.

3. Check:

   • Cached images and files

   • Cookies and other site data

4. Click Clear now.

🔴 Google Chrome:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

2. Select All time.

3. Check Cached images and files.

4. Click Clear data.

🟠 Mozilla Firefox:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

2. Choose Everything as the time range.

3. Check Cache.

4. Click OK.

✅ Regularly clearing your browser cache improves loading speed and frees memory.

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Method 5: Flush DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores records of websites you’ve visited. Flushing it can fix connection or loading errors.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

2. Type:

   ipconfig /flushdns


3. Press Enter.

You’ll see the message:

“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

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Method 6: Clear File Explorer History

File Explorer remembers every folder and file you access — which can slow searches.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the three dots (•••) at the top → choose Options.

3. Under Privacy, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.

4. Click OK.

Now your quick access and recent files list will reset.

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Method 7: Clear Location Cache

Windows stores your location data for apps and services that use GPS.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Location.

2. Scroll down and click Clear under Location history.

This removes all saved location data from your laptop.

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Method 8: Clear System Restore Cache (Advanced Users)

System Restore uses storage space to save restore points. You can delete older ones to free space.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type System Protection, and open it.

2. Under Protection Settings, select your system drive → Configure.

3. Click Delete under Delete all restore points.

4. Click Continue → OK.

⚠️ Warning: This removes all restore points. Keep at least one recent backup before deleting.

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Method 9: Use Storage Sense to Automate Cache Cleaning

Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Storage Sense that automatically clears temporary files.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

2. Toggle Storage Sense On.

3. Click Storage Sense settings.

4. Enable:

   • Automatically clean up temporary system files

   • Delete files in my recycle bin after X days

   • Delete files in my Downloads folder after X days

✅ This keeps your cache under control without manual work.

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Bonus Tip: Use Command Prompt to Clear Cache Fast

You can quickly clear cache with a few simple commands.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

2. Type and run these commands one by one:

   del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*
cleanmgr /sagerun:1
ipconfig /flushdns


These commands delete temporary files, launch Disk Cleanup, and flush DNS — giving your system an instant refresh.

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How Often Should You Clear Cache?

It depends on your usage, but here’s a quick guide:

You can also enable Storage Sense to handle this automatically.

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Benefits of Clearing Cache Regularly

Regular cache cleanup leads to:

• ⚡ Faster boot and load times

• 💾 More free disk space

• 🧰 Fewer system errors or crashes

• 🔄 Smooth app and browser performance

• 🧼 Reduced background clutter

Think of it as digital maintenance — quick, easy, and incredibly effective.

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Conclusion

Learning how to clear cache on a laptop with Windows 11 is one of the simplest ways to boost performance, free up space, and fix common issues.

You can do it manually using:

• Settings → Storage → Temporary Files,

• Disk Cleanup,

• Or automate it using Storage Sense.

Clearing browser, DNS, and system restore cache further improves speed and stability.

Make cache cleaning part of your monthly routine — your laptop will thank you for it.

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FAQs

1. Does clearing cache delete my personal files?

No. Clearing cache only removes temporary system files, not your personal documents, photos, or apps.

2. Will clearing cache make my laptop faster?

Yes. Removing cached data can free memory and storage, improving responsiveness and speed.

3. Can I use third-party tools to clear cache?

Yes, tools like CCleaner or BleachBit work — but Windows’ built-in options are safer and recommended.

4. Is it safe to clear the system cache regularly?

Absolutely. It’s part of regular maintenance and helps keep your system running smoothly.

5. Why does cache build up so fast?

Because apps, browsers, and Windows constantly create temporary files to speed up tasks — but they often forget to delete them.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

✅ In short:
To clear cache on a Windows 11 laptop, go to Settings → System → Storage → Temporary Files → Remove Files.
Repeat this monthly or use Storage Sense for automatic cleanups — it keeps your system fast, stable, and clutter-free.

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