How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows?

When certain programs and applications are running on your Windows system, they create temporary files. As the name suggests, these files are temporary and don’t occupy your computer storage permanently.

However, sometimes you may have to delete them to free up some disk space or if you notice slow performance in your Windows device.

So, let us discuss how to delete temporary files in Windows.

What are Temporary Files?

The files that are created by active applications or programs are called temporary files. These files enable the smooth functioning of software by facilitating the access and transfer of data, ensuring recovery of data, and managing certain features like user preferences.

Even though they do not pose any threat to the Windows system, the cached data that they contain has served its purpose and is just occupying unnecessary space.

With daily usage of various applications and software on your Windows computer, the build-up of temporary files takes up a lot of storage space on your computer drive. As a result, less space is available for permanent files and programs to function smoothly.

Where are Temporary Files Stored?

The temporary files are generally stored in a folder named Windows Temp. The location of this Temp folder may vary depending on which version of Windows OS is installed on your computer.

In Windows 11, the Temp folder can be accessed from Settings > System > Storage > Local Disk section, or you can just copy and paste the following location path C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Temp in the file explorer address bar.

In Windows 10, 8, and 7, the Temp folder is located at %systemdrive%\Windows\Temp or %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Temp.

Why You Need to Delete Temporary Files

The easiest way to free up some storage space on your Windows computer is by deleting temporary files. It is a good practice to regularly delete Windows temp files to maintain the performance of your system and smooth internet browsing.

The purpose of temporary files is to help your Windows device and installed software run smoothly, but when the temp folders get crowded, it becomes a bit difficult for your PC to find the relevant temporary files. This can also slow down the functioning of your PC. Therefore, timely cleaning of junk files from your computer’s hard disk is important.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Temporary Files from Windows System

Deleting Temporary Files from Settings in Windows 11

1. Press the Windows key and search for “Storage”.
2. Now, open “Storage settings” from the search results.
3. Look for the “Temporary files” section under the storage option, and click to open it.
4. Your Windows 11 PC will now scan for all the temporary files and display the removable files. It is recommended to keep everything selected except for “Downloads”. If you don’t wish to roll back to Windows 10, you can also select the “Windows Update Cleanup” and “Previous Windows Installation” options.
5. Finally, click on “Remove files” to delete almost all the temporary files from your Windows 11 PC.

Deleting Temporary Files from Settings in Windows 10, 8, and 7

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
2. Now type “temp” and press Enter key (or click on OK) to open up the temp folder location and view the temp files.
3. Hold the Ctrl key and click on individual files to select them for cleanup. To delete all files, press the Ctrl + A keys together to select all the temp files. It is recommended first to close all other programs, except Windows, running on your computer.
4. Once you have selected the temp files you want to clean up, press the Ctrl + D keys together to delete them. Choose Skip if a “Folder in Use” notification prompts.
5. After cleaning up your Windows Temp folder, don’t forget to permanently wipe the deleted temporary files from your computer. Go to the Recycle Bin on your Desktop, right-click on it, and then select Empty Recycle Bin.

Tools to Delete Temporary Files

Usually, it takes less than a minute to delete temporary files from Windows systems manually. However, if there is a large collection of temp files in the temp folder, then it may take longer.

Therefore, some tools can automatically identify and delete temporary files from your Windows devices at regular intervals. These tools are Avast Cleanup, CCleaner, Microsoft PC Manager, Wise Disk Cleaner, and IObit Advanced SystemCare Free to name some.

Final Thoughts

Hope the above-discussed methods will help you in improving the performance of your Windows PC by deleting temporary files.

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