How to Clear Your Cache on Windows 11

Over time, Windows 11 stores temporary files and cached data to help apps and the system load faster. While this improves performance in the short term, cache files can build up, take up storage space, and sometimes cause glitches, slowdowns, or outdated content to appear.

The good news is that Windows 11 allows you to clear different types of cache safely—without affecting your personal files.

Clear Your Cache on Windows 11

The steps below cover all major cache types in Windows 11, including temporary files, system cache, DNS cache, Microsoft Store cache, and browser cache. Follow them in order based on what you want to clear.

1. Clear Temporary Files Using Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest way to clear system cache.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Temporary files.
4. Select the items you want to remove (e.g., Temporary files, Thumbnails).
5. Click Remove files.

This deletes unnecessary cached system files without affecting your personal data.

2. Clear Temporary Files Using Run Command

You can manually clear temp folders.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type: temp
3. Press Enter.
4. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them.

Then repeat:

1. Press Windows + R again.
2. Type: %temp%
3. Delete all files in that folder as well.

Some files may be in use—skip those if prompted.

3. Clear DNS Cache

If websites aren’t loading properly or show outdated content, clearing the DNS cache helps.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
2. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
3. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
4. Press Enter.

You should see a confirmation message that the DNS cache was successfully flushed.

4. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

If Microsoft Store apps aren’t downloading or updating properly:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type: wsreset.exe
3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the Store to reset and reopen.

This clears the Store cache without deleting apps.

5. Clear File Explorer Cache

If Quick Access or recent files behave oddly:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the three-dot menu > Options.
3. Under Privacy, click Clear.
4. Click OK.

This resets File Explorer history.

6. Clear Browser Cache

If web pages load incorrectly, clear your browser cache.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Select Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear data.

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Select Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear now.

7. Use Disk Cleanup Tool

Windows still includes the classic Disk Cleanup utility.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Disk Cleanup.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:).
3. Check the files you want to remove.
4. Click OK and confirm.

This removes old system cache files.

8. Enable Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup

You can automate cache cleanup.

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn Storage Sense On.
3. Configure how often it runs.

Windows will automatically clear temporary files.

Wrapping Up

Clearing cache on Windows 11 helps free up storage space, fix loading issues, and improve system responsiveness. Whether you’re clearing temporary files, DNS cache, Microsoft Store cache, or browser data, Windows provides built-in tools to handle it safely.

By regularly clearing unnecessary cache files on Microsoft Windows, you can keep your PC running smoother and more efficiently without deleting important data.