Windows 10 temp files delete

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Over time, temporary files in Windows 10 can accumulate and take up valuable disk space, potentially slowing down your system. These files are usually created by various applications for short-term use, but they can linger long after they’re needed. Knowing how to delete temporary files in Windows 10 is a quick and effective way to free up space and improve your computer’s performance. In this article, we’ll show you several methods to clear temp files safely and efficiently.

Are Temporary Files the Same as Junk Files?

Temporary files are created by programs to store information temporarily. Temporary files speed up tasks by storing data temporarily. For example, while working on a document, a temporary file may be created to save the changes made, reducing the time it takes for processes to complete.

However, not all temporary files become junk. Junk files are unnecessary, or unused files that gather over time, and they may include temporary files. Therefore, while some temporary files may become junk, not all temporary files are considered junk.

Why Should You Delete Temporary Files From Your PC?

Deleting temporary files from your PC is important for several reasons. First, it frees up space on your computer systems, helping your computer run faster. It also maintains your online privacy by removing traces of your activities. Deleting temporary files can improve system performance and prevent potential errors. Moreover, it reduces the risk of malware hiding in these files. In short, advantages include increased storage, enhanced privacy, improved speed, error prevention, and better protection against malware.

How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10?

Deleting temporary files ensures that your system doesn’t hang due to unnecessary space occupied by temporary files in your system. So delete these temp files and keep your system cool. Here we have segregated the methods of deleting temp files into automated and manual methods. So go ahead and try these methods and improve your PC’s performance now.

Automated Methods

These methods involve system configuration changes that remove temp files from your Windows regularly. Once you make these changes, your system will delete these temp files periodically when accumulated over time.

Method 1: Delete Temporary Files in Windows Using System Settings

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Go to System > Storage.

Step 3: Now click on “Temporary files”, under the “Local Disk (C:)” section.

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Step 4: Check the boxes for the types of files you want to remove.

Step 5: Click “Remove files” to clear the cache.

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Step 6: Click on “Continue”

Method 2: Delete Temporary Files in Windows Using Disk Cleanup Tool

Microsoft has included disk cleanup as a part of your Windows 10 that will enable you to get rid of temporary and cached files from your PC.

Step 1: Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar.

Step 2: Now select the drive you want to clean up and click “OK.”

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Step 3: Check the box next to file you want to delete, Click “OK” at the bottom.

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Step 4: A Dialogue box to confirmation will appear claiming to permanently delete files from your PC. Click “Delete Files”

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Alternatively, you can perform Disk Cleanup Using Powershell Scripts  to delete temp files or recycle bin data

Manual Methods

Unlike automated methods these methods don’t remove temp files on regular basis. Manual methods are performed explicitly. Here we have provided four different methods to delete temp files from your Windows PC.

Method 1: Delete Temporary Files in Windows Using CMD

To delete the temporary files from the command prompt:

• Open Command Prompt.
• Run the following command

del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*

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Method 2: Delete All Temp Files Using Run Command

To delete all the temporary files follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command. Then type “temp” in the search field and press OK. 

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type in “temp” and press ok

Step 2: Now, select all temp files using ctrl + A and then press delete.

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Select all and press delete

Method 3: Delete local Temp Files Using Run Command

There are some local temporary files into your system, you can delete these specific files using following steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R  to open the Run command. Then type “%temp%” in the search field and press OK. 

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Type %temp% and press OK

Step 2: Now, select all local temp files using Ctrl + A and then press delete.

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Select all files and press delete

Method 4: Delete Local Temp Files Using Prefetch

To delete the local temporary files using Prefetch follow the below steps:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R  to open the Run command. Then type “Prefetch” in the search field and press OK.

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Type “prefetch” and press ok

Step 2: Now, select all prefetch files using ctrl + A and then press delete.

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Select all prefetch files and press delete

Finally, delete all the files from recycle bin too. All temporary files are deleted, and now you are good to go!!

Temporary files are generated in various segments of application programs. Even after deleting all visible temporary files, browser cache often remains unnoticed. Is it important to clear browser cache? The answer is yes! It’s essential to regularly clear these hidden files as they occupy significant space in your system. So don’t overlook the browser cache; cleaning it helps maintain system performance by freeing up storage space and ensuring a smoother experience. Regularly cleaning up browsers cache helps to speed up internet browsing speed.

There are different Browser Cache Stored in Your System like stored data from websites, like images, pages, your saved passwords and other browsing activities are stored to speed up future visits. These Cached data are stored in specific folders on your system.

Delete Browser Cache from Windows 10

Step 1: Open your browser and Go to Settings > Privacy and security

Step 2: Select “Clear Browsing Data”.

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Step 3: Check the box as per your preference and hit “Clear Data” to remove the cache.

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Regularly clearing browser cache helps maintain privacy and ensures updated content.

Alternatively, you can clear your Browser Cache using run command

Conclusion

Regularly deleting temporary files in Windows 10 is an important maintenance task that can help keep your system running smoothly. Whether you use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, manually delete files from the Temp folder, or automate the process with Storage Sense, these methods will ensure that your system remains clutter-free. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily clear temp files in Windows 10 and enjoy a more responsive computer.

Also Read

• How to Format a Hard Drive in Windows?
• How to clean temporary files from Ubuntu?
• How to Create Partitions of a Hard Drive in Windows 10?

Temporary files in Windows take up valuable disk space and can slow down your system over time. While these files serve important functions during active processes, they often remain long after you need them. To maintain optimal system performance and storage space, you need to know how to delete temporary files in Windows 10, including which files are safe to remove and how to automate the cleanup process.

What are temporary files in Windows 10?

Temporary files first appeared in early Windows versions to handle short-term data storage needs. When you open applications or browse websites, Windows creates temporary files to store information like partially completed downloads, session data, and cached images.

Windows 10 generates several types of temporary files during routine operations. These include:

• Installer files that remain after software updates.
• Browser cache files that store webpage data.
• System files that are created during Windows updates.
• Print spooler files accumulate when documents queue for printing.
• Crash dump files that appear after application errors.

The Windows operating system typically manages these files automatically, but the cleanup process doesn’t always work as expected. This leads to unnecessary storage consumption over time, especially on systems with limited disk space.

Where to find temporary files?

Locating temporary files across your Windows system requires understanding several key directories. You access most temp locations through File Explorer or specific system shortcuts.

Common temporary file locations

The primary locations for temporary files include:

• The Windows Temp folder stores system-level temporary data at “C:\Windows\Temp”, which contains installation files and system update remnants that persist after updates are complete.
• Your user account has a dedicated temp folder at “C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp” where applications store session data and temporary configuration files during runtime.

User-specific temp folders

To access hidden temp folders quickly:

Open the Run dialog box by pressing “Windows key + R.”

• Access your user temp folder:
  • Type “%temp%” in the Run dialog and press Enter.
  • This opens the temporary folder specific to your user account.
• Access the system-wide temporary directory:
  • Type “temp” in the Run dialog and press Enter.
  • This opens the folder containing temporary files used across the system.

Accessing these folders directly allows you to clear temporary files manually, freeing up space and resolving potential issues.

Windows system temp files

The Windows prefetch folder at “C:\Windows\Prefetch” maintains data that helps applications launch faster, though these files regenerate as needed. The Software Distribution folder at “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution” contains Windows Update files that remain after system updates.

Application cache directories

Application caches occupy significant space across different locations. Browser caches typically reside in the AppData folders, with each browser maintaining its own cache directory. Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox all store cached web content differently, impacting how you clear temporary files in Windows 10.

Step-by-step guide: How to delete temporary files in Windows 10

Windows 10 provides multiple methods to remove temporary files from your system. From built-in utilities to manual processes, each approach offers different benefits depending on your needs. Let’s explore the most effective ways to delete temporary files and reclaim valuable disk space.

Use the Disk Cleanup utility

The built-in Disk Cleanup utility offers the quickest way to delete temporary files in Windows 10. Right-click any drive, select “Properties” and click “Disk Cleanup.” Select “Clean up system files” for a comprehensive scan. Check boxes for “Temporary files,” “Windows update cleanup” and “Windows upgrade log files” to free up the most space.

Manual deletion process

While automated tools handle most cleanup tasks, manual deletion gives you precise control. Open File Explorer and navigate to these key locations:

• Type “%temp%” in the Run dialog (Windows key + R) to access user temporary files.
• Navigate to “C:\Windows\Temp” for system-wide temporary files.
• Check “C:\Windows\Prefetch” for application launch data.

Select files, right-click and choose “Delete.” Some files may be in use, so skip these to avoid system issues.

Third-party cleanup tools

CCleaner and BleachBit offer advanced features for managing temporary files. These tools scan additional locations and provide detailed control over cleanup operations. However, built-in Windows tools are enough for most users who want to clear temporary files in Windows 10.

Setting up automatic temporary file management

Learning how to delete temporary files in Windows 10 isn’t complete without setting up automatic maintenance. Windows 10 includes a built-in utility called Storage Sense, alongside other tools, to help manage disk space automatically. This comprehensive system provides multiple ways to keep your temporary files under control.

Schedule cleanup tasks

Create a scheduled task through Task Scheduler to run Disk Cleanup automatically:

• Open Task Scheduler by typing “taskschd.msc” in the Run dialog.
• Select “Create Basic Task” and choose your preferred schedule.
• Set the action to run “cleanmgr.exe” with the “/sagerun:1” parameter.

Storage Sense settings

Built directly into Windows 10, Storage Sense automatically manages disk space:

• Navigate to “Settings > System > Storage.”
• Toggle “Storage Sense” to “On.”
• Click “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” for additional options.
• Choose how often Windows should delete temporary files.
• Set rules for Downloads folder cleanup and emptying the Recycle Bin.

Custom cleanup rules

Windows Task Scheduler supports advanced rules for temporary file management:

• Create filters based on file age using “forfiles” commands.
• Exclude specific file types or folders from automatic deletion.
• Set size-based triggers to clear temp files when space runs low.

Monitoring space usage

Track storage trends through Windows built-in tools:

• Open Settings and select “System > Storage” to view usage by category.
• Check “Storage usage” for detailed breakdowns by file type.
• Review cleanup recommendations provided by Windows.

Deleting or reducing pagefile.sys? Watch this first!

Identifying safe-to-delete vs. critical temporary files

Understanding which temporary files to remove helps prevent system issues. While Windows creates many temporary files, some play essential roles in system stability and performance.

Safe temporary files to delete

These files can be safely removed to clear temporary files in Windows 10:

• Files in your user “%temp%” folder older than 24 hours.
• Browser cache files and downloaded installers.
• Windows Update delivery optimization files.
• Old Windows Defender scan results.
• Windows error reporting files.

Critical files to preserve

Exercise caution with these temporary file locations:

• Active “hiberfil.sys” and “pagefile.sys” in the root directory.
• Current Windows Update files in “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.”
• Files in use by running applications.
• System restore points unless explicitly clearing space.

Best practices

When managing temporary files:

• Use built-in Windows tools rather than manual deletion.
• Never delete files from “System32” directory.
• Wait 24 hours after major system updates before cleanup.
• Create a system restore point before bulk deletions.
• Check running processes before removing temp files.

Keeping your Windows system free of unnecessary temporary files helps maintain optimal performance and storage space. Whether you choose Windows’ built-in utilities like Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup or set up custom automated tasks, regular maintenance of temporary files ensures your system runs smoothly while preserving critical system operations.

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