Clearing the cache in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it’s one of those little tasks that can make your PC run a lot smoother if you do it right. Over time, temp files, browser caches, and app data can pile up and slow things down—especially if your machine’s feeling sluggish, acting a bit weird, or just not as snappy as it used to be. The good news? It’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, and it can free up some valuable space without messing with your personal files.
Here’s the thing: desktop cleanup tools might miss some caches or temporary files, so sometimes you need to do a bit of manual tidying. Think of it like cleaning out that messy cupboard—your first go helps, but diving into specific boxes can uncover stuff that’s been collecting dust. So, in this guide, you’ll find some simple ways to give your system a quick refresh, from using Windows’ built-in tools to manually clearing browser caches and resetting the Windows Store cache.
How to Clear Cache in Windows 11
Clearing cache isn’t just about freeing up space; it can fix weird bugs, speed things up, and give you a fresh start. Sometimes, cached data gets corrupted or out-of-date, making apps or websites act up. The trick is targeting the right spots—your Temp folders, web browsers, and the Windows Store cache are usually the main culprits. On some setups, you might need to repeat or combine these steps, but generally, you’ll notice a nice boost once you’ve gone through them.
Open Disk Cleanup Tool — Your First Port of Call
- Head over to Start menu, type in
Disk Cleanup. It should come up as a suggested app—give it a click. - This tool scans your main drive (usually C:) for junk files, temp data, and thumbnails. It’s a handy way to clear out the rubbish without risking any important stuff.
When you open Disk Cleanup, pick your main drive, then click OK. You’ll see a list of file types it can delete. Hover over each to see what they are—Temporary Files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, and so on. Check what you’re comfortable removing and hit Delete Files.
Select the Correct Drive — Usually C:
- If you’ve got multiple drives, make sure you pick the right one—most likely, that’s C:. The system defaults to that, so it’s usually the safe bet.
- On some setups, you might need to run Disk Cleanup as an administrator for full access. Right-click the app and choose Run as administrator.
Note: This process doesn’t delete your personal files, just system junk. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check what you’re deleting before you confirm.
Pick What Files to Delete — Your Digital Spring Clean
- By default, it checks a bunch of boxes—Temporary Files, Thumbnails, Old Windows installations (if you just upgraded), etc. If you’re unsure, leave the defaults checked.
- If you see options like “System error memory dump files” and you’re not troubleshooting, you can safely clean those out too.
- Click OK and confirm to start the cleanup. It might take a minute, especially if your drive’s cluttered.
Clear Browser Cache — Don’t forget your internet browsers
- Open your preferred browser—here’s a quick rundown for the main ones:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Clear browsing data now.
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
- Choose “Cached images and files,” and optionally cookies too. Set the time range to “All time” for a thorough clean.
- Hit the button and wait—it’ll help sites load faster next time. Just watch out — if you don’t untick the login info, you might be signed out of some sites.
Reset Windows Store Cache — Fix Store issues with wsreset.exe
- Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type
wsreset.exeand hit Enter. - The screen will flicker, and the Store will reopen after a few seconds. This clears the cache, fixing download or update hiccups without touching other apps.
Side note: If the Store still acts up after a restart, check for Windows updates or try repairing the Store with PowerShell commands.
Tips & Tricks for Better Cache Management
- Make it a habit—run Disk Cleanup once a month if you’re a heavy browser or app user. Keeps things tidy.
- Use Windows’ built-in tools rather than third-party cleaners unless you really need specialised features—it’s safer that way.
- Keep your browsers up-to-date; newer versions handle cache and security better.
- Be cautious about deleting system files or options you’re unsure of—Google it if you’re in doubt.
- Set reminders to do regular cache clears—less clutter means less slowdown.
FAQs
How often should I clear the cache?
Depends on how much you use your PC, but every few months is a good go. Do it sooner if things start acting funny or slow.
Will this delete my personal files?
Nope. Clearing cache only gets rid of temporary files; your personal docs and programs stay safe.
Is regular cache clearing risky?
Not really—just avoid deleting anything other than cache-related files. Stick to Disk Cleanup’s options, and you’ll be sound.
Does clearing cache actually speed things up?
Usually, yeah. Clearing out the rubbish can free up space and make apps and Windows run a bit quicker.
Will I lose my app settings if I clear cache?
Generally not. It’s mostly temporary data, but some apps might ask you to log back in or tweak a few settings afterwards.
Summary
- Run Disk Cleanup and select your drive
- Pick what unnecessary files to delete
- Clear browser caches manually in each browser
- Reset the Windows Store cache with wsreset.exe
- Set a routine—regular cache clearing keeps things running smoothly
Wrap-up
Honestly, giving your PC a quick cache clear now and then is like giving it a breath of fresh air. No idea why it helps, maybe just making Windows happier, but it’s one of those simple fixes that can save heaps of hassle. Just a bit of routine maintenance that adds up to a smoother, happier machine. Hope this helps — it worked for me, anyway!