To clear temporary files on a Windows PC, open Start > Settings > System > Storage, review Temporary files or Cleanup recommendations, and remove only categories you understand. For repeat cleanup, configure Storage Sense. These tools do not clear every app’s cache, and deleting a previous Windows installation can remove your option to roll back.
Check what is using space before deleting anything
Open File Explorer, select This PC, and check the free space shown for your system drive, usually C:. Then open Start > Settings > System > Storage to see how Windows groups storage use, including apps, temporary files, and system or reserved storage. The labels and options can vary between Windows 10 and Windows 11 releases. Microsoft’s Storage settings guide describes this overview.
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“Cache” and “junk files” are broad, informal terms, not one Windows cleanup category. Temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, Microsoft Store cache, data managed by individual apps, and your personal documents are different things. Windows’ cleanup screens let you review specific categories; avoid deleting folders manually just because their names look unfamiliar.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse Storage settings for a one-time cleanup
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Open Temporary files or, where available, Cleanup recommendations.
- Review the listed categories, their sizes, and any files Windows proposes to remove. In Windows 11, recommendations can include temporary files, large or unused files, cloud files, and unused apps.
- Select only items you are prepared to remove, then choose the on-screen cleanup or removal action.
Do not treat every suggested item as disposable. In particular, read the warning below before selecting Previous Windows installation(s). Windows can identify files to clean, but the recoverable amount depends on what is on your PC and which items you choose; there is no guaranteed space figure. See Microsoft’s guide to freeing up drive space.
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Before removing a previous Windows installation
Deleting Previous Windows installation(s) removes files required to return to the earlier Windows version. Microsoft warns that this cannot be undone for rollback purposes. Microsoft says the previous version is automatically deleted ten days after an upgrade; if you may need to go back, do not remove it early. Read Microsoft’s explanation of deleting the previous version before proceeding.
Set up Storage Sense for routine cleanup
Storage Sense can automatically remove selected temporary files and manage Recycle Bin contents. It works on the system drive only, usually C:. Its default behavior is limited: Downloads and cloud content are left alone unless you opt into managing those settings. Before enabling automatic cleanup, inspect the options and set how often Storage Sense runs and how long items remain in the Recycle Bin.
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- Open Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense.
- Open Storage Sense settings and choose the run frequency and deletion preferences you want.
- Check the controls for the Recycle Bin, Downloads, and cloud files; do not enable deletion or cloud-file management unless the behavior suits you.
Microsoft says Storage Sense runs only when you are signed in and online for more than ten minutes. In Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft documents a default under which OneDrive cloud files not opened for more than 30 days can become online-only. That makes them unavailable offline until they are downloaded again; it does not permanently delete them. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense settings and behavior.
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Clear the Microsoft Store cache only when relevant
If you are troubleshooting a Microsoft Store problem, use the Store-specific reset rather than assuming it clears caches for other apps:
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- Press the Windows logo key + R to open Run.
- Type
wsreset.exeand select OK. - A blank Command Prompt window appears. Microsoft says it closes after about ten seconds, after which the Store opens automatically.
This procedure targets the Microsoft Store cache; it is not a general cache-clearing command for Windows, browsers, or other applications. Microsoft includes it in its Windows drive-space guidance.
Use Disk Cleanup for manual file selection
- Search the Start menu for Disk Cleanup and open it.
- Select the drive to clean, usually C:, and review the file categories and their descriptions.
- Choose only categories whose contents you understand, then select the cleanup action.
- To see additional system-file categories, choose Clean up system files, select the drive if prompted, and review the choices again.
Disk Cleanup is another built-in way to review removable files. Its options depend on the PC, and not every checkbox is appropriate for every situation. If you see previous Windows installation files, use the rollback warning above before removing them. Steps and available categories are described in Microsoft’s drive-space guide.
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If space is still low, review personal files and apps
Cleanup utilities cannot decide which personal files you still want. In folders such as Videos, Music, Pictures, and Downloads, sort by size and decide whether large files should be deleted or kept elsewhere. Review installed apps and remove ones you no longer use only if you are comfortable doing so.
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If you want to keep large personal files but need more room on the PC, you can move them to an external USB drive or SD card. External storage is optional and serves a different purpose from clearing temporary files. Microsoft also lists moving personal files as an option in its drive-space guidance.
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Check the result and investigate recurring problems
Return to File Explorer > This PC and check the system drive’s free space. If a Temp folder rapidly fills again or Windows reports that an update needs more space, look for a cause specific to that problem instead of repeatedly deleting files. Microsoft’s drive-space guide includes targeted steps for a recurring Temp-folder issue, including a Store reset and the Windows Update troubleshooter. For update-specific storage guidance, see Microsoft’s page on freeing space for Windows updates.
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