Deleting temporary files on Windows 11 is a decent way to clear up some space, especially if your PC’s running slow or you’re running out of storage for no real reason. The process sounds straightforward — head into Settings, go to Storage, pick the temp files, and click Remove Files. But sometimes it doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d like. Maybe Windows doesn’t show all the files, or it gets stuck partway through. It’s a bit frustrating, but there are ways around that, and knowing how to do it properly can save you a headache. Plus, it helps keep your system quick as a whip, especially if you’re tight on disk space but don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of heavy cleanup tools or dodgy third-party software.
How to Delete Temp Files in Windows 11
Method 1: Use Settings — the built-in way (the easiest)
This is what most Aussies try first, and it does the job most of the time. Basically, you’re telling Windows to tidy up those pesky temp files that pile up over time. Sometimes it doesn’t find everything, or it might hang, but it’s still pretty handy for a quick clean-up and less risk of messing things up.
- Open Settings — just click the Start button or press Windows + I.
- Head to System > Storage.
- Scroll down and click on Temporary Files. On some setups, you might see options like ‘System & Reserved’ or ‘Previous Windows versions’ — just focus on the stuff you want gone.
- Here’s the fun part: tick the boxes next to the junk you want to delete, like Temporary Files, Downloaded Program Files, or even Recycle Bin if you’ve emptied it recently.
- Finally, hit Remove Files. Windows will start tidying up — it might take a minute or two. Sometimes it doesn’t delete everything in one go, especially if you’ve got a lot, but it usually does the trick.
Why bother? Clearing these temp files frees up space that might be gobbling up your storage, and old junk can sometimes cause your system to slow down or mess with updates. After a clearout, your PC should feel a bit snappier. Sometimes you’ll need to restart your PC to see the full effect, so don’t fret if the space report doesn’t change straight away.
Method 2: Use Disk Cleanup — the more thorough option
If the Settings method doesn’t do the trick or if you want to be a bit more thorough, Disk Cleanup is still a good tool, even in Windows 11. It’s a bit tucked away now because Microsoft’s pushing their new interface, but it’s still there.
- Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu or run
cleanmgr.exefrom the Run box (Windows + R). - Select the drive you want to clean — usually C: — and click OK.
- The tool will scan the drive and show what’s hogging space. Once finished, check the boxes next to Temporary Files and any other stuff you want gone.
- Hit OK, and confirm. It’ll do a deep cleanup — like giving your drive a good scrub.
This method digs a lot deeper than just the temp files in Settings. It’s handy if you’ve tried the first option and still need more space, or if your PC’s acting up.
Option 3: Clean temp files via Command Prompt or PowerShell
Because Windows tends to make things a bit tricky sometimes, some tech heads swear by the command line. If you’re feeling gutsy or troubleshooting stubborn files, give this a go:
- Open Command Prompt as admin — just search for “cmd,” right-click, then choose Run as Administrator.
- Type:
del /q /f /s %temp%\*and hit Enter. This deletes everything in your temporary folder. - For system temp files, run:
del /q /f /s C:\Windows\Temp\*.
These commands wipe out temp files directly, which can be handy if the UI seems to hang or misses some files. Just remember: you might need to close other programs or restart your PC after running them. And not all files will be delete-able — some might be in use by Windows or apps.
In a nutshell
Manually deleting temp files via Command Prompt or using Disk Cleanup can sidestep the UI hiccups and get rid of that stubborn junk. Just keep in mind, it might take a few minutes or require a reboot before you see the full savings in space.
Tips for Better Temp File Management
- Check your storage regularly — don’t leave it till your drive’s chockers.
- Be careful what you delete. Don’t go deleting files from Downloads unless you’re sure.
- If you want a quick, thorough tidy-up, consider third-party tools like CCleaner — just make sure to grab them from reputable sources.
- After deleting files, remember to empty the Recycle Bin to free up space.
FAQs
Why bother deleting temp files at all?
It frees up space, stops your PC from getting cluttered, and can even make things run a bit faster if old temp files are piling up.
Will deleting temp files cause any issues?
Not usually. Temp files are meant to be temporary anyway, but it’s best to check before deleting system or app temp folders. Sometimes, temp files are needed temporarily, especially during updates or installs.
How often should I do this?
Once a month is a good rule of thumb. If your storage fills up quick, do it more often.
Can I get these files back after deleting?
Generally no — unless you used recovery software. But temp files aren’t usually vital, so no worries.
Should I use third-party cleaning tools?
If you don’t want to mess with Windows’ built-in options or want it done automatically, reputable tools like CCleaner are pretty handy. Just be cautious and only approve what you’re comfortable with deleting.
To sum up
- Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files and choose what to delete.
- Use Disk Cleanup for a deeper clean-up.
- Command-line tricks can tackle stubborn temp files — not always necessary but good to know.
- Always double-check what you’re deleting, and empty the Recycle Bin afterward.
Final thoughts
Clearing out temp files in Windows 11 isn’t exactly magic, but it’s one of those little jobs that add up over time. It keeps your PC running smoother and stops storage from filling up unnecessarily. Sometimes, files refuse to delete or the process takes a bit longer, but with a couple of different approaches, most issues can be sorted out. It’s good basic upkeep — much better than letting your machine turn into a cluttered mess. Hope this helps save you some trouble down the line.