How to Delete Temporary Internet Files on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your Windows 11 computer feels slow, web pages load sluggishly, or storage space is running low, the culprit could be temporary internet files. These hidden files pile up over time, taking up valuable disk space and even causing browsers or apps to misbehave.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to delete temporary internet files on Windows 11 — step by step. You’ll learn what these files are, why they exist, how to remove them safely, and the best tools and methods to keep your system clean and fast.

Let’s dive in!

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🧭 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

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💡 What Are Temporary Internet Files?

Temporary Internet Files are cached copies of web content (like images, videos, scripts, and pages) stored by your browser or Windows system to speed up loading times.

When you revisit a website, instead of downloading everything again, your browser uses the saved cache files — making things faster.

However, over time, these files:

• Accumulate and take up gigabytes of storage

• Contain outdated or corrupted data

• Potentially store personal information (like form data or cookies)

That’s why deleting them regularly keeps your PC and browsing experience clean, private, and smooth.

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⚙️ Why You Should Delete Temporary Internet Files

Wondering if it’s worth the effort? Here are the key reasons:

🧹 1. Free Up Storage Space

Cached internet files can grow into gigabytes if you use browsers like Chrome or Edge daily.

⚡ 2. Improve System and Browser Speed

Clearing the cache ensures your browser loads fresh, updated content instead of relying on old data.

🔒 3. Protect Your Privacy

Temporary internet files may contain saved login sessions, cookies, and personal data — deleting them keeps your information safe.

🧰 4. Fix Website or Browser Errors

If a website doesn’t load correctly or looks broken, clearing the cache often solves the issue.

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🧭 How to Delete Temporary Internet Files on Windows 11 (All Methods)

There are several ways to remove these files — both manually and automatically. Below are the most effective and safe methods.

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🪟 Method 1: Delete Temporary Internet Files Using Windows Settings

Windows 11 includes built-in storage management tools to clean up temporary internet files easily.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System → Storage.

3. Click on Temporary files.

4. Windows will scan your system and display a list of removable items.

5. Check the boxes next to:

   • Temporary Internet Files

   • Temporary files

   • Delivery Optimization Files

   • Recycle Bin (optional)

6. Click Remove files.

✅ That’s it — Windows deletes all selected files automatically.

💡 Tip:

You can also enable Storage Sense to remove temporary internet files automatically in the future.

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⚙️ Method 2: Delete Temporary Internet Files via File Explorer (Manual Method)

If you want more control, you can manually delete cached internet files from the system folders.

🪜 Steps:

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

2. Type the following and press Enter:

   %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache


3. This opens the Temporary Internet Files folder.

4. Press Ctrl + A to select all files.

5. Hit Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.

⚠️ Note:

Don’t delete folders you don’t recognize if they belong to system components — focus on the cache and temp files only.

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🧹 Method 3: Use Disk Cleanup Utility

The Disk Cleanup tool is a classic Windows feature that safely removes temporary and internet cache files.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup, and select it.

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

3. Check these options:

   • Temporary Internet Files

   • Temporary Files

   • Downloaded Program Files

   • Thumbnails

4. Click OK → Delete Files.

Windows will automatically clear all unnecessary temporary internet files and other clutter.

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

Most temporary internet files are stored by web browsers. Clearing each browser’s cache is crucial.

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🧭 Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. Select:

   • Cached images and files

   • Cookies and other site data

4. Choose a time range (e.g., All time) and click Clear now.

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🌐 Clear Cache in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. Choose All time as the time range.

4. Select Cached images and files.

5. Click Clear data.

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🦊 Clear Cache in Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. Choose Everything under time range.

4. Check Cache and Cookies.

5. Click OK.

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💡 Tip:

If you use multiple browsers, clear caches for all of them to maximize space recovery and privacy.

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🧠 Method 5: Use Storage Sense to Automate Cleanup

Windows 11’s Storage Sense can automatically delete temporary and internet files on a schedule.

🪜 Steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Turn on Storage Sense.

3. Click Storage Sense settings.

4. Under Configure cleanup schedules, set how often files should be deleted (daily, weekly, monthly).

5. Enable:

   • Delete temporary files

   • Delete files in Recycle Bin

   • Delete downloads folder files (optional)

This ensures your system stays optimized without manual intervention.

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🧩 Method 6: Delete Temporary Files Using Command Prompt (CMD)

Advanced users can use the Command Prompt to clear temporary files quickly.

🪜 Steps:

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

2. Type the following commands one by one:

   del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*
del /q/f/s C:\Windows\Temp\*
del /q/f/s %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\*


3. Press Enter after each command.

These commands permanently delete temporary files, system temp files, and cached internet files.

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💻 Method 7: Use PowerShell for Quick Cleanup

PowerShell offers a one-liner cleanup command — perfect for automation.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open Windows PowerShell (as administrator).

2. Type:

   Get-ChildItem "C:\Users\$env:USERNAME\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache" -Recurse | Remove-Item -Force


3. Press Enter.

This deletes all cached internet files from your user profile safely.

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🧰 Method 8: Use Third-Party Cleanup Tools

If you prefer automation and advanced cleaning options, third-party tools can simplify the process.

🧼 Popular Tools:

💡 How to Use CCleaner (Example):

1. Download and install CCleaner from the official website.

2. Launch the app and click Custom Clean.

3. Select Internet Cache, History, Cookies, and Temporary Files.

4. Click Run Cleaner.

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🔒 Method 9: Clear Internet Explorer Cache (Legacy Users)

Though outdated, Internet Explorer settings still exist in some Windows 11 systems.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Under the General tab, click Delete under Browsing History.

3. Select:

   • Temporary Internet Files

   • Cookies

   • History

4. Click Delete, then OK.

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🧩 Method 10: Delete Temporary Internet Files via Task Scheduler (Automation)

Want to automate cleanup? Use the Task Scheduler.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.

2. Click Create Basic Task.

3. Name it “Delete Temporary Internet Files”.

4. Set a schedule (e.g., weekly).

5. Under Action, select Start a program.

6. Type:

   cmd.exe /c del /q/f/s %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\*


7. Click Finish.

Your PC will now automatically clear temp internet files at regular intervals.

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⚠️ What Not to Delete

Be careful not to remove essential system or configuration files. Always focus on:

• Temp folders

• INetCache

• Browser caches

Avoid deleting files from:

• Windows\System32

• ProgramData

• AppData\Roaming

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🧮 Comparison Table: Best Cleanup Methods

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🧠 Expert Tips to Keep Your PC Clean

• Enable Storage Sense for automatic maintenance.

• Regularly clear browser caches (every 2–4 weeks).

• Avoid installing too many cleanup utilities — stick to one trusted tool.

• Combine manual cleanup with scheduled maintenance.

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🧭 Conclusion

Deleting temporary internet files on Windows 11 is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your system running smoothly.

Whether you use the built-in Settings app, Disk Cleanup, or browser options, you can easily reclaim space, protect privacy, and enhance performance.

And for extra convenience, tools like Storage Sense or CCleaner can automate the entire process — so you never have to worry about clutter again.

✅ Final Tip: Make it a habit to clear temporary internet files monthly for optimal performance and privacy.

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❓ FAQs About Deleting Temporary Internet Files on Windows 11

1. Is it safe to delete temporary internet files?

Yes. These files are only cached web data — removing them won’t affect your personal files or system performance.

2. Will deleting temporary files speed up my PC?

Absolutely! It can improve performance, especially if your disk or browser storage is full.

3. Do I need to restart my PC after deleting temporary files?

Usually, no. But restarting ensures all file locks are released and memory is refreshed.

4. How often should I delete temporary internet files?

Once or twice a month is ideal for most users.

5. What happens if I don’t delete them?

They’ll keep accumulating, using up disk space, slowing browsers, and potentially storing outdated or sensitive data.

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✅ In Summary:
Deleting temporary internet files on Windows 11 is quick, safe, and essential. With the methods in this guide — from Settings to PowerShell — you can keep your computer optimized, private, and clutter-free.