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To clear temporary files in Windows 11, open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, review the listed categories, select only what you want removed, and choose Remove files. Windows does not have one setting called “temporary download cache”: temporary system data and files in your personal Downloads folder are separate, and Downloads is not cleared by default.
Remove temporary files with Storage settings
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Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
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Select Temporary files. Wait while Windows calculates which categories are available and how much space they may use.
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Review each category and its size. Select only categories whose contents you are comfortable deleting, then choose Remove files. The available categories and the amount of space shown depend on the files on your device. Microsoft’s Storage Sense and storage guidance explains the Storage page and temporary-file cleanup.
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Review other cleanup suggestions
For additional options, return to Settings > System > Storage and open Cleanup recommendations. Windows may suggest temporary files, large or unused files, cloud files, or unused apps, along with estimated savings. Review the items in each section and use that section’s cleanup control only for files or apps you intend to remove. Suggestions and estimates vary by device. Microsoft’s guide to freeing drive space describes these recommendations.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Downloads are personal files, not a temporary cache
The Downloads folder may contain documents, installers, photos, and other files you saved. It is not the same as Windows’ Temporary files category. To clear it manually, open File Explorer, inspect the Downloads folder, and delete only files you recognize and no longer need. Deleted files may remain in the Recycle Bin; empty it if you want to reclaim that space immediately.
You can also configure Storage Sense to manage Downloads, but it does not do so unless you choose that setting. Check the folder and its contents before enabling any automatic deletion rule.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Storage Sense for automatic cleanup
Storage Sense is optional automatic maintenance, rather than a one-time review of temporary files. Microsoft says it is off by default. When enabled with its default settings, it runs when the device is low on disk space and works on the system drive, usually C:. Downloads and cloud-provider files are left alone unless you configure Storage Sense to manage them.
In Settings > System > Storage, open Storage Sense to choose how often it runs and, if desired, set an age threshold for files in Downloads. Those preferences apply to the signed-in user. Review the available choices carefully: enabling Storage Sense does not mean Windows will automatically delete every file in Downloads. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense instructions for the current controls.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check rollback consequences before deleting an old Windows installation
If Previous Windows installation(s) appears among the temporary-file categories, removing it can take away the ability to go back to the previous Windows version. Microsoft warns that this deletion cannot be undone for rollback purposes, and administrator privileges may be required. Leave it selected only if you are sure you no longer need that recovery option. Microsoft explains what deleting the previous Windows installation means.
Troubleshoot a Temp folder that quickly refills
If Microsoft Store application package files rapidly refill the Temp folder and low-space errors continue, treat that as a targeted Store or update problem—not a reason to repeatedly delete files without checking the cause. Microsoft’s documented path is to run wsreset.exe to reset the Store and clear its cache, then troubleshoot Windows Update and restart the PC. Follow Microsoft’s guidance for Store apps and low-disk-space errors if this specific symptom applies.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Free space without deleting files
If reviewed cleanup options are not enough, you can move personal files you want to keep to another location, such as external storage. This is optional and separate from clearing temporary files; an external drive is not required for the Storage settings cleanup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
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