Your Windows system is full of temporary files that help the operating system do its job. Sometimes, these file caches can become corrupted, or get so large that they interfere with the performance of your computer. So, in this guide, you will how to clear the cache in Windows 10 in 6 different ways.
Meanwhile, Windows 10, stores massive amounts of cache to make the device faster and more sensitive compared to previous versions, this is also very effective if you have lots of free storage and free ram to work with, or a high-performance CPU. If you don’t have a large amount of free memory, you will inevitably run into problems that will slow down your computer, causing it to lag and maybe even hang.
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What is Cache?
The cache is a collection of temporary files used by an app or software running Windows 10 or the operating system itself. In certain instances, if your cache builds up over time, this may lead to the dreaded blue screen of Windows 10, or trigger other unexpected problems.
Benefits of Clearing Cache in Windows 10
For many reasons, the cache should be cleaned periodically. The cache will grow very large, and use a lot of disc space on your computer, depending on your settings. And that’s even though you’re not visiting those sites again. The more information you save in the cache, the slower your computer browses the site. Deleting the cache data helps with troubleshooting, helps improve the loading time of web pages, and improves your computer’s efficiency.
- Free UP Space
- Troubleshoot Issues
- Improve Performance
How to Clear Cache in Windows 10
Microsoft also recommends that you clear your Windows 10 cache to make your PC run faster and let you use more space for applications, games, and files on your hard drive.
So, here’s how to clear cache in Windows 10 in 6 ways:
1. Clear Temporary Files Cache using Disk Cleanup
The temporary files cache can be found in the Disk Cleanup program located in Windows using the File Explorer menu. Windows 10 uses temporary files to help the operating system run, as many of us already know from Windows Update. These temporary file caches may sometimes get corrupted or become too large to bog down your Windows 10 PC and slow down its performance.
Step 1. Search Disk Cleanup in the Windows search and then click Open when it appears in the search results.
Step 2. Make sure (C:) is selected and click OK. Disk Cleanup will start calculating how much space you can free upon the operating system drive (C:).
Step 3. Now, check or tick the box next to Temporary files. You can also choose to delete files from other locations, such as Recycle Bin or Downloads. Once you’ve selected Temporary files or Recycle Bin to clear, click Clean up system files.
Step 4. Click OK.
Step 5. Windows calculates the amount of storage space that will be freed up, you will be taken to the same page once again. This time, select the files and locations a second time that you’d like to delete and then click OK.
Step 6. Click Delete Files. The Disk Cleanup process could take several minutes and will clean up unnecessary files on your machine.
2. Clear Microsoft Store Cache
Step 1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Step 2. Type WSReset.exe and click OK or press enter.
This will clear the Microsoft store cache in the background and once it’s done, the Microsoft Store will reopen.
3. Flush and Reset the DNS Cache in Windows 10
Flushing the DNS resolver cache can help resolve DNS-related problems in Microsoft Windows 10. Issues would include website not found errors or not being able to view certain web pages that have changed.
Step 1. Type CMD in the search box and Run Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2. When the Command Prompt screen appears, type ipconfig/flushDNS and press enter. This will clear your DNS cache.
Also Read: How to Clean C Drive in Windows 10: 7 Best Ways
4. Clear Browser Cache (Chrome & Microsoft Edge Chromium-based)
Besides these important caches, you may also sometimes need to clear the cache in your web browser, particularly if you have trouble opening those web pages consistently.
Clear Google Chrome Cache
Step 1. Launch the Chrome browser, click the three dots icon, click More tool, and select Clear browsing data.
Step 2. In the popup menu, check the box next to Cached images and files. You also have the option to select Browsing history, cookies, and other site data. At last click Clear data.
Clear Microsoft Edge Chromium-based Cache
Step 1. Open the Edge browser. Click the three dots menu icon and select Settings.
Step 2. Click Privacy, search, and services.
Step 3. Click Choose what to clear.
Step 4. Check the box next to Cached images and file and then click Clear now.
5. Clear File Explorer Cache
Step 1. Click the File Explorer icon in the Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2. Click on the View tab on the screen.
Step 3. Click Options.
Step 4. Click Clear on the General tab in the Privacy section.
6. Clear Location Cache
Step 1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
Step 2. Select Privacy.
Step 3. From the left-hand side pane, select Location.
Step 4. Scroll down and click Clear under the Location history menu.
Wrapping Up
That’s it. This is how you can clear cache in Windows 10 in 6 different ways. It’s recommended to clear every now and then to make your PC run faster and let you use more space for applications, games, and files on your hard drive.