How to Clear Cache in Windows 11/10

By

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 19, 2024

First of all, let's figure out what cache files are. These are temporary files generated when you use your system and applications.

A cache is a buffer for data exchange. When hardware retrieves data, it typically looks in the cache first. If the data isn't found there, it retrieves it from memory. For instance, if you've searched for information using the Chrome browser, when you open it again to search for similar content, the search bar will auto-fill with data. This is the function of a cache – it enhances the speed and efficiency of data access.

But too many of them can impair a computer's performance.

So, what does clearing the cache mean? It can help speed up your computer and free up disk space. If your PC is freezing randomly, try these fixes now.

Swift Solution:

1. Use CleanGenius to Clear System Cache
2. Clear Browser Cache in Windows 10 (Chrome/Internet Explorer/Edge/Firefox)
3. Delete Temporary Files Set by Apps
4. How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 10 via CMD
5. Run Disk Cleanup to Remove Cache
6. Clear Cache of Microsoft Store
Bonus Tip: Optimize SSD Performance with 4K Alignment Software

< a id="1" name="1">1. Use the CleanGenius tool to clear system caches

How can you easily delete cache files? We'd like to introduce you to a user-friendly cleaning tool. Follow these steps to clear system cache with just one click.

Step 1: Download and install Partition Master Suite on your computer. Click on the “Download PC Cleaner” tab on the panel.

Step 2. Install the CleanGenius tool on your computer. First, go to the “Clean” option and then click on “Scan.”

Step 3: CleanGenius will immediately scan all unnecessary files. Select the system junk files and invalid entries, then click “Clean” to clean your whole PC.

Step 4: Once it's done, you'll see how many MBs or GBs it was able to clear. Tap on “Finish” to conclude the process.

2. Clear Browser Cache in Windows 11/10 (Chrome/Internet Explorer/Edge/Firefox)

Want to clear the cache files for Chrome, Internet Explorer, Edge, or Firefox? In this section, check which browser you're using and follow the steps to delete the unnecessary data.

1 - Clear Cache Files in Chrome

Step 1: Open the Chrome browser on your computer.

Step 2. Tap on the More button in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Click on "More tools" and then "Browse data."

Step 4: In the “Clear browsing data” window, choose a time range. To delete everything, select “All time.”

For Chrome: Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”

Step 6: Tap Clear Data.

2 - Clear the Internet Explorer Cache Files

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer.

Step 2. Click the menu icon in the top-right corner, shaped like a gear or a tool.

Step 3: Click on "Internet Options" in the drop-down menu.

4. Click the General tab.

Step Five: Click on “Browsing History” and then press the “Delete” button.

Step 6. In the Delete Browsing History window, check the boxes for Preserve Favorites website data (optional), Temporary Internet files and website files, Cookies and website data, and History. Then click Delete.

3 - Clear Microsoft Edge cache files in Windows 10

Step 1: Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.

Step 2. Click on “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on “Clear browsing data” under the “Privacy and security” section.

< strong > Step 4. A checkbox list will appear. Check the one you want to get rid of.

Step 5: Click the "Clear" button.

4 - Clear your Firefox Cache Files

Step one: Click on the menu button in the top right corner, and select “Options” from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Select “Privacy & Security” from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Scroll down and under “Cookies and site data,” check the box for “Cached web content.”

Step 4. Click the “Clear” button.

3. Clean Up Temp Files

Step 1: Open Settings > System > Storage > and select the drive you want to clear the cache from.

< strong > Step 2 : Click on "Temporary files" and select "temp files" (be sure to read the descriptions for each file type to avoid deleting important data)

Step 3: Click the "Remove Files" button.

Additionally, you can delete temporary files from the default file path. Go to C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Temp and press "Ctrl+A" to clear temporary files.

How to Flush DNS Cache in Windows 11/10 via CMD

Step 1: Search for “Command Prompt.” Right-click on CMD and select “Run as administrator.”

Step 2: Type the command ipconfig /flushdns in the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Press Enter, and you should see a message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver cache.”

5. Run Disk Cleanup to clear the cache

Step 1: Type “Disk Cleanup” into the search box and hit enter to launch it. (Alternatively, you can press Windows+R, type “cleanmgr.exe” and hit OK.)

Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean. Click on “Clean up system files.”

Step 3: Select the “Files to be deleted” and click “OK.”

6. Clear the cache for the Microsoft Store

You can perform a reset to clear the cache files of the Microsoft Store.

Go to Settings > System > Apps & features > Store > Advanced options > Reset.

Additional tip: Use 4K alignment software to optimize SSD performance

After clearing the cache files on your computer, we also recommend using a disk partition tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to maximize SSD performance and speed up your computer. Its "4K Alignment" feature allows the SSD to read and write data at the fastest speed.

Step 1: Click on "Toolbox" and then choose "4K Alignment".

Step 2: Select the disk that you want to align. Click the Start button.

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