How To Clear The Cache In Windows 11

Clearing the cache in Windows 11 is an important maintenance task that can help improve system performance, free up storage space, and resolve potential issues caused by outdated or corrupt data. Cache files are temporary files stored by various apps, programs, and Windows itself to speed up repetitive tasks. Over time, these files can accumulate and cause your system to slow down. In this guide, we will explore the different types of caches in Windows 11 and how to clear them to ensure your system stays fast and efficient.

1. Understanding Cache in Windows 11

Before we delve into the methods of clearing the cache, it’s essential to understand the different types of cache files present in Windows 11:

1.Temporary Files Cache: Temporary files are created by Windows and various applications to store data temporarily while they are being used.

2.System Cache: This includes various system-level caches like Windows Update, DNS resolver, and more.

3.Web Browser Cache: Browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox store cached versions of web pages, cookies, and other data to speed up browsing.

4.Microsoft Store Cache: When you download or update apps through the Microsoft Store, cache files are generated.

5.Location Cache: Stores data related to location services, which can be cleared to resolve location-based issues.

6.DNS Cache: The DNS cache stores the IP addresses of websites you have visited to speed up future visits.

Now that we understand the different cache types, let’s explore how to clear them in Windows 11.

2. Clearing Temporary Files Cache

Temporary files take up a significant amount of disk space, especially when left unattended for a long period. Here’s how to clear them:

Using Storage Settings:

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open the Settings menu.

2. Navigate to Storage: In the left-hand pane, click on System and then select Storage from the right panel.

3. Enable Storage Sense: Toggle on Storage Sense to let Windows automatically delete temporary files and other unnecessary data. You can configure this to run on a schedule.

4. Temporary Files: Under Storage, you will see a section labeled **Temporary files**. Click on this, and a list of temporary files categories will appear.

5. Select and Delete: Select the categories you wish to clear (such as Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Previous Windows installations) and click Remove files to clear them.

Using Disk Cleanup:

1. Open Disk Cleanup: Press `Windows + S` and search for Disk Cleanup, then select it from the results.

2. Choose the Drive: Select the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive) and click OK.

3. Select Files to Delete: Disk Cleanup will scan your drive for files that can be deleted, including Temporary files, Thumbnails, and Downloaded Program Files. Select the files you want to remove and click OK.

4. Clean System Files: If you want to remove more system-level cache files, click on Clean up system files, which will scan for system-generated caches such as Windows Update cache.

3.Clearing the System Cache

Windows 11 stores various system caches, such as the Windows Update cache, which can accumulate over time. Clearing these can resolve update issues and free up space.

Clearing Windows Update Cache:

1. Stop Windows Update Service:

•    Press `Windows + R`, type services.msc, and press Enter.
•   In the Services window, scroll down to Windows Update.
•   Right-click on it and select Stop.

2. Delete Update Cache Files:

•  Press `Windows + R`, type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, and press Enter.
•   In the folder that opens, select all files and delete them. These are the cached update files.

3. Restart Windows Update Service:

•   Go back to the Services window, right-click on Windows Update, and select Start.

Clearing DNS Cache:

The DNS cache can sometimes contain outdated information, leading to issues with internet connectivity.

1. Open Command Prompt:

•   Press `Windows + S`, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

2. Flush DNS Cache:

•  In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

     ```

     ipconfig /flushdns

     ```

•   This command will clear the DNS resolver cache and refresh it with updated information.

 

4. Clearing Browser Cache

Each web browser stores a cache of web pages, images, and other data to speed up future visits to the same site. However, this cache can become outdated and lead to performance issues or incorrect page loads. Here’s how to clear the cache in popular browsers on Windows 11:

Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge: Launch Microsoft Edge.

2. Access Settings: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.

3. Clear Browsing Data: Navigate to Privacy, search, and services. Under the Clear browsing data section, click on Choose what to clear.

4. Select Cache: Choose Cached images and files along with any other data you want to clear, such as cookies and browsing history.

5. Clear Data: Click on Clear now.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome: Launch Google Chrome.

2. Open Settings: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner and select Settings.

3. Clear Browsing Data: Under privacy and security, click Clear browsing data.

4. Select Cache: Choose the Cached images and files option and click Clear data.

 Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox: Launch Mozilla Firefox.

2. Access Settings: Click the three lines in the upper-right corner and go to Settings.

3. Clear Data: In the Privacy & Security section, scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data.

4. Select Cache: Choose Cached Web Content and click Clear.

5. Clearing Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store also stores cached data, which can sometimes become corrupt and cause issues when downloading or updating apps.

Reset Microsoft Store Cache:

1. Open Run Dialog: Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog box.

2. Run the Reset Command: Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

3. Wait for the Process: A blank Command Prompt window will appear while the cache is being cleared. Once complete, the Microsoft Store will open automatically.

 6.Clearing Location Cache

Windows 11 uses location services to provide location-based information and services to apps. Over time, this data accumulates, and clearing it can help if you encounter issues with location-based services.

Steps to Clear Location Cache:

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings.

2. Go to Privacy & Security: In the left-hand menu, click on Privacy & Security.

3. Clear Location Data: Scroll down to App permissions and select Location. Under Location history, click Clear.

7. Clearing the Thumbnail Cache

Windows 11 generates thumbnail cache files to display previews of images, videos, and documents in File Explorer. This cache can become corrupted, leading to display issues.

Steps to Clear Thumbnail Cache:

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

2. Select Drive: Choose the drive you want to clean (typically the C: drive) and click OK.

3. Select Thumbnails: In the Disk Cleanup window, check the box next to Thumbnails.

4. Clean Thumbnails: Click OK to delete the thumbnail cache.

8. Clearing Cache with Third-Party Tools

If you prefer to automate the process of clearing caches, you can use third-party cleanup tools like CCleaner or Advanced SystemCare. These tools offer comprehensive cleaning features, including the removal of cache files, temporary files, browser data, and more.

Using CCleaner:

1. Download and Install CCleaner: Visit the official CCleaner website, download, and install the application.

2. Run CCleaner: Open CCleaner, and on the Cleaner tab, you can select various types of cache files to clear (e.g., Windows cache, browser cache, etc.).

3. Clean: After selecting the files, click on Run Cleaner to clear the cache.

9. Automate Cache Clearing with Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows 11 tool that automatically clears temporary files and cache on a schedule.

 Steps to Enable Storage Sense:

 

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings.

2. Go to Storage: Select System and click on Storage.

3. Configure Storage Sense: Toggle Storage Sense on and click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

4. Set Preferences: Choose how frequently you want Storage Sense to run (e.g., daily, weekly, or when low on disk space) and what types of files it should delete.

Conclusion

Clearing the cache in Windows 11 is an essential part of system maintenance that can help improve performance, free up valuable disk space, and resolve various issues caused by outdated or corrupted data. With different types of cache such as temporary files, system cache, browser cache, and more, Windows 11 offers several built-in tools like Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and manual settings to efficiently manage and delete these caches. Additionally, using third-party applications can further simplify the process.

By regularly clearing cache files—whether for your system, applications, or browsers—you can ensure your computer runs smoothly and stays optimized. Automating this process using tools like Storage Sense can also save time while keeping your system clean. With these steps in place, you’ll enjoy a faster, more responsive Windows 11 experience while minimizing issues related to system performance and storage clutter.