Deleting temporary files in Windows 11 is a handy way to free up space and keep your PC running smoothly. Sometimes those temp files build up without you noticing—old downloads, cache, leftover install files—and they can slow things down or just clutter your drive. Luckily, Windows has got built-in tools to tidy this up, so no need for third-party cleanup tools, which is pretty sweet. Just a few clicks, and your system gets rid of a bunch of junk that’s just taking up space.
How to Delete Temporary Files on Windows 11
Before you start, keep in mind that this process deletes things like cached data, old Windows update files, and temporary internet files. It’s usually safe, but if you see options for ‘Downloaded Program Files’ or ‘Delivery Optimization Files,’ it’s worth having a quick look to see if you really want to remove them. Doing this can free up heaps of disk space and might even give your PC a bit of a boost. Here’s how to do it, step by step, with a few handy tips along the way.
Open Settings from the Start menu
- Click on the Start button (bottom left, the Windows logo).
- Select Settings (the gear icon). Or hit Win + I for a quicker way.
This is where the magic begins. From here, you can manage your PC’s core controls. Windows keeps it pretty straightforward—most of the time. The Settings app is your go-to for system tweaks, including cleaning up storage.
Go to System and then Storage
- In the Settings window, click on System.
- From the menu on the left, choose Storage.
Now, Windows shows you how your space is used. You’ll see categories like Apps & Features, Documents, Pictures, and importantly, Temporary Files. On some setups, Storage Sense can handle cleanup automatically, but if you prefer doing it manually, this is the spot.
Find and open Temporary Files
- Scroll down in the Storage menu until you see Temporary Files, then click on it.
This brings up a list of files grouped into types like Temporary Internet Files, Delivery Optimization Files, and Old Windows Update Files. It’s sometimes helpful to check what you’re deleting, especially if some files seem to be in use or take longer to clear, but generally, Windows filters out the important stuff.
Select what to delete and hit Remove Files
- Tick the boxes for the types of files you want gone, such as ‘Temporary files,’ ‘Previous Windows installations,’ or ‘Thumbnails.’
- Click the Remove Files button.
After confirming, Windows will delete those files. On some machines, it might take a little longer or require a restart to finish up. I’ve seen some PCs tidy up in a flash, while others take a bit longer — probably depending on how much cached data there is. No worries, though.
Tips for Cleaning Up Temporary Files on Windows 11
- Do this cleanup every few weeks if you’re a downloader or streamer — keeps the clutter at bay.
- Turn on Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense) to let Windows tidy up automatically in the background — easy as.
- Just a heads up—double-check what’s in those folders to avoid deleting downloads or other stuff you might still need. Sometimes Windows sorts things oddly.
- Keep your Windows up to date; newer versions often improve how storage and cleanup work.
- If you want a more thorough clean, tools like CCleaner or similar can help, but be careful — they can sometimes delete stuff you want to keep.
FAQs
What are temporary files anyway?
They’re files created temporarily by Windows or apps to cache data, back up information, or quick tasks. Most of the time, once the job’s done, these files are no longer needed, so deleting them is safe and can free up space.
Does deleting temp files break anything?
Not really. They’re not critical system files. Still, it’s smart to have a quick look at what you’re deleting, especially if the list is massive or odd-looking, just in case.
How often should I tidy up temp files?
Every few weeks usually does the trick, particularly if your PC is feeling sluggish or running out of space. If you download a lot or browse heavily, do it more often.
Can I set it to do automatically?
Yeah, Windows has Storage Sense, which you’ll find under Settings > System > Storage. Turn it on, and Windows will handle the tidying up for you, including clearing temp files and managing saved content.
Is it safe to delete everything in the temp folder?
Mostly yes. Just watch out for ‘Old Windows Update files’ or ‘Previous Windows installations.’ Those can be pretty big and tempting to remove, but if you need to roll back or recover updates later, it’s best to leave them. Otherwise, go for it.
Summary
- Open Settings in Windows 11.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Click on Temporary Files.
- Pick what you want gone and hit Remove Files.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning out those temp files isn’t rocket science, but it can make a noticeable difference—especially on older machines or if you’re tight on SSD space. Sometimes, it’s the small things—like clearing temp files—that keep your PC feeling quick and responsive without needing a re-install or other big fixes. Just keep an eye on your storage, run this every now and then, and your PC should stay in good nick for longer.
Hopefully, this helps you dodge that annoying ‘disk full’ warning again. Good luck tidying up those caches!