The function of a “cache” on a Windows computer is to store frequently used/accessed data in a temporary storage location (RAM or in specialized CPU memory), so that it can be quickly accessed by apps, programs and processes on the computer.
While this feature does help in improving the overall speed and performance of the computer, it can also lead to slowing down of the computer; if the cache gets filled up with outdated files and performance issues; if files in the cache becomes damaged or corrupted.
Hence, it is important that you know the steps to clear various types of caches on your computer and get into the practice of periodically clearing the cache on your computer.
Clear Cache in Windows 11/10
There are multiple types of cached files and data stored on a Windows computer and you can find below the steps to clear various types of cache on a Windows computer.
1. Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup
The easiest way to clear cache on a Windows computer is by using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool as available in Windows.
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Search bar and click on Disk Cleanup App in the Search results.
2. On the Disk Cleanup screen, select all the boxes and click on OK.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, select Delete Files option to confirm.
All the types of files that you selected by using the check boxes will be removed from the computer.
2. Clear Cache Using Storage Sense
The built-in “Storage sense” tool as available in Windows can be used to manually clear the cache on your computer.
1. Press Win + I keys to open Settings.
2. On the Settings screen, select System in the left-pane and click on Storage in the right-pane.
2. On the “Storage” screen, click on the Temporary Files tab.
3. On the next screen, make sure All the File types are selected and click on Remove Files option.
Patiently wait for the selected type of files to be removed from your computer.
3. Clear DNS Cache
An outdated or corrupted DNS cache can lead to network connectivity problems and performance issues on the computer.
1. Type CMD in the Search bar > right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator option.
2. On the Command Prompt screen, type ipconfig /flushdns and press the Enter key.
3. Once the Command is processed, you will see ‘Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache’ message.
4. Clear Windows Store Cache
An outdated or corrupted Windows Store cache can lead to the issue of Microsoft Store not being available or not working and other issues,
1. Right-click on Start button and click on Run.
2. Type wsreset.exe and click on OK.
3. You will see a blank window appearing on the screen of your computer.
This confirms that the Windows Store cache has been cleared on your computer.
5. Clear Location Cache
Windows stores location details of the places that you carry your computer to and this information can be cleared by clearing your Location History.
1. Press Win + I keys to open Settings.
2. On the Settings screen, select Privacy & Security in the left-pane and click on the Location tab, user App Permissions section.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on the Clear button, located next to Location History.
6. Clear Windows Explorer Icon Cache
You may find the need to clear Windows Explorer Icon Cache, if you are unable to open a certain app or program on the computer.
1. Open the File Explorer on your computer.
2. From the File Explorer screen, navigate to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.
3. In the Explorer Folder, select all the Files that start with iconcache and delete them.
7. Clear System Restore Cache
If an option to automatically create System Restore Points, was enabled on your computer, it is likely to be filled up with multiple System Restore Points, taking up storage space on the computer.
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Search bar > right-click on Disk Cleanup App and click on Run as Administrator.
2. On the next screen, select the More options tab and click Clean up button under “System Restore & Shadow copies” section.
3. On the conformation pop-up, click on the Delete button to confirm.
Windows will now delete all the System Restore points on your computer and keep only the most recent System Restore point on your computer.