If your Windows PC feels slower than usual, websites are loading incorrectly, apps are behaving strangely, or storage space is disappearing for no obvious reason, clearing your computer’s cache can often help. Cache files are designed to speed up processes by storing temporary data, but over time they can become outdated, corrupted, or unnecessarily large.

Regularly clearing cache files helps improve system performance, frees up storage space, fixes certain software issues, and ensures Windows works with the most up-to-date information available.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear cache in Windows 10 and Windows 11 using several built-in tools and settings.

Why Clearing Cache Matter

Windows stores different types of cache files to improve performance. These include temporary files, DNS records, Microsoft Store cache, location history, and other system-generated data.

While these files are useful, they can eventually:

• Consume valuable storage space
• Cause application errors
• Lead to outdated network information
• Slow down system performance
• Create conflicts after updates

Clearing cache periodically helps maintain a smoother and more responsive PC.

Clear Temporary Files in System Settings

Windows includes a built-in storage management feature that makes it easy to remove unnecessary files.

For Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Storage.
4. Choose Cleanup Recommendations.
5. Review the suggested files.
6. Select the items you want to remove.
7. Click Clean Up.

For Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Storage.
3. Click Temporary Files.
4. Select the file categories you want to delete.
5. Click Remove Files.

This method is one of the safest ways to clear cache because Windows identifies files that are generally safe to remove.

Use Windows Cleanup Recommendations

Windows 11 offers Cleanup Recommendations to help users identify large files, temporary data, unused applications, and content that can be safely removed.

Benefits of Cleanup Recommendations

• Frees storage quickly
• Identifies forgotten downloads
• Removes unnecessary temporary files
• Improves overall system responsiveness

To access it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Cleanup Recommendations.
4. Review the suggestions.
5. Remove unnecessary files.

Many users recover several gigabytes of storage using this feature alone.

Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup has been a reliable Windows maintenance tool for years and remains available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Use Disk Cleanup

1. Press Windows + S.
2. Search for Disk Cleanup.
3. Open the utility.
4. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
5. Click OK.
6. Check the boxes next to:
   • Temporary Internet Files
   • Temporary Files
   • Thumbnails
   • Delivery Optimization Files
   • Recycle Bin
7. Click OK.
8. Select Delete Files.

Advanced Cleanup

For even deeper cleaning:

1. Open Disk Cleanup.
2. Click Clean Up System Files.
3. Scan the drive again.
4. Remove old Windows update files and system-generated cache.

This can free a significant amount of disk space after major Windows updates.

Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes Microsoft Store downloads become stuck, apps refuse to update, or installation errors appear. Clearing the Store cache often resolves these issues.

Steps to Clear Microsoft Store Cache

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

wsreset.exe

3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the command to complete.
5. Microsoft Store will automatically reopen.

This process clears Store cache without affecting installed apps or account information.

Clear Your PC’s Location Cache

Windows stores location information to improve location-based services and app functionality.

If location-based apps are behaving unexpectedly, clearing the location cache may help.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security.
3. Click Location.
4. Scroll to Location History.
5. Click Clear.

Windows will immediately remove stored location history from the device.

Flush the DNS Cache

DNS cache stores website address information so frequently visited sites load faster.

However, outdated DNS records can cause:

• Website loading problems
• Connection errors
• DNS-related network issues

How to Flush DNS Cache

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Enter the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter.

You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.

Flushing DNS is particularly useful after changing DNS providers or troubleshooting internet connectivity problems.

Should You Clear Cache Regularly?

Yes, but moderation is important.

Cache exists to improve performance, so deleting it every day usually provides little benefit. Instead, consider clearing cache when:

• Storage space is running low
• Websites display outdated information
• Apps are malfunctioning
• Windows feels sluggish
• Network issues appear

For most users, performing a cache cleanup once every few weeks is sufficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deleting Important Personal Files

Always review selected items before deleting them, especially the Downloads folder.

Using Unverified Cleanup Tools

Third-party cleaners can sometimes remove files that Windows still needs. Built-in Windows tools are generally the safest option.

Expecting Instant Performance Miracles

Cache cleanup helps maintain performance, but it will not transform an aging PC into a new one. Additional optimization may be necessary if hardware limitations are the main issue.

Additional Ways to Keep Windows Running Smoothly

Besides clearing cache, consider:

• Keeping Windows updated
• Removing unused software
• Managing startup applications
• Running malware scans
• Maintaining adequate free storage space
• Updating drivers regularly

Combining these maintenance habits can significantly improve long-term system performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clear cache in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is an essential maintenance skill. Whether you’re removing temporary files, cleaning the Microsoft Store cache, clearing location history, or flushing DNS records, these simple steps can help resolve common issues and free up valuable storage.

Regular cache management keeps your system organized, reduces software conflicts, and helps Windows perform at its best without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

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