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# How to Clear Cache in Windows 11/10? 7 Ways Tested

Published/Updated on Friday, September 4, 2026

![M3 Software author Serena Wang](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/authors/25-Serena-Wang.jpg)

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## How to clear caches in Windows 11 or 10?

**Quick Answer:**

![summary to clear cache in Windows 10 or 11](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/disk-cleanup-to-clear-cache.jpg)

**Why clear cache in Windows?**Caches help Windows, apps, and browsers load data faster, so they generally don't need to be cleared regularly. However, clearing specific caches can be useful when cached files become outdated, corrupted, or take up too much space.

Clearing the right cache can help[free up disk space](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/howto/free-up-disk-space-windows-10.html), fix certain app or system errors, refresh outdated data, and remove locally stored browsing information. The key is to clear cache when there is a specific need rather than treating all cached files as unnecessary.

To delete removable cache, refer to the table below to identify your specific case and choose the most appropriate solution. This will save you time and effort by avoiding the need to try every available method.

| **Method** | **What kind of cache to be cleared** |
| --- | --- |
| Disk Cleanup | System cache; temporary files; thumbnail cache |
| iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows | System cache; temporary files; thumbnail cache; web browser cache; Microsoft Store cache; System Update cache; installation cache; system runtime cache; app cache… |
| App Built\-in Settings | Web browser cache |
| 3 methods \(WSReset command; File Explorer; Windows settings\) | Microsoft Store cache |
| 3 methods \(Run Dialog; File Explorer; Windows 11 settings\) | Thumbnail cache |
| cmd \(Command Lines\) | Temporary files; DNS cache; Microsoft Store cache; Windows update cache; thumbnail cache; Windows search cache |
| Storage Sense \(Windows 10\) | Temporary files |

**How I cleared cache:**I removed clearable cache on an x64\-based Intel\(R\) Xeon\(R\) CPU E5\-2673 v4 @2.30 GHz 2.30 GHz \(2 processors\) Windows 11 PC with 4GB RAM.

## How to Clear Cache in Windows 11/10 Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a built\-in utility in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that helps you free up space on your hard drive by[deleting junk files](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/howto/how-to-delete-junk-files-in-windows-11.html), temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary files. Here's how you can use Disk Cleanup to clear cache in both versions of Windows:

1. Press the **Windows key** on your keyboard /the Windows icon in the bottom\-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
2. Type " **Disk Cleanup** " and press **Enter** .
3. Select the drive you want to clean up \(usually the C: drive\) and click **OK** .
4. Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free up. Once it's done, check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete \(e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.\). You can also choose to delete the **Thumbnail** cache here.
5. Click **OK** , and then click **Delete Files** to confirm.

![Use Disk Cleanup to clear cache](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/disk-cleanup-to-clear-cache.jpg)

## How to Clear All Types of Caches Using iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows

Windows provides several ways to clear caches, but different types of cached data are scattered across different locations. You may need to use Disk Cleanup for some caches, File Explorer for others, or run specific cmd in Command Prompt.

If you want a more straightforward way to clean up all types of caches without locating and deleting them one by one,[iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/diskgeeker/)offers a more centralized workflow. You can scan, review, and clean unnecessary cache or files \(e.g., update cache, app cache, web browser cache, Microsoft Store/thumbnail cache, system components, logs, temp files…\) from one interface.

When you want to find removable files more efficiently,[see what is taking up your disk space](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/news/how-to-see-what-takes-up-space-on-pc.html), or perform a more comprehensive cleanup with fewer manual steps,**iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows**can be your practical option.

Here's how to remove all kinds of caches in Windows 11/10 with iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows:

Step 1. Download, install and open iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows \(latest version 2.0\) on your PC.

![iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows latest version 2.0](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/how-to-clear-cache-on-windows-10-11/diskgeeker-version-2-0.jpg)

Step 2. Go to the**AI Disk Space Optimization**section and click the blue**Clean**button next to**Local Disk \(C:\)**. The tool will automatically open the C: drive cleanup interface and scan the drive for files that can be removed to free up space.

![iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows home screen](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/how-to-clear-cache-on-windows-10-11/diskgeeker-home-screen.jpg)

Beyond that, it also offers a range of practical utilities, including downloading Windows and macOS system images, creating bootable Windows and macOS installers, cloning disks and migrating data, and managing BitLocker encryption.

Step 3. Once the scan is complete, all detected cleanup items are displayed by category. As you can see, iBoysoft DiskGeeker found about 14 GB of removable files on my Windows 11 PC, including 2 GB of system cache, 6.7 GB of system component files, 893 MB of app cache, 1.5 GB of personal files, and 706 MB of[large files](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/howto/find-big-files-on-windows-10.html).

![Clear system caches, logs, components, large files](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/how-to-clear-cache-on-windows-10-11/diskgeeker-system-cleanup.jpg)

If your goal is simply to clear cache, you can select that category alone. Alternatively, you can review and remove other[unnecessary files](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/wiki/unnecessary-files-on-windows-10.html)to free up more disk space as needed. The scan also identified 5.4 GB of unused apps and 1.4 GB of leftover app files, which you can choose to remove if you no longer need them.

Step 4. Click the Cleanup button in the top menu to clear all the auto\-selected removable files. Or click the "Clean selected" button in the lower right corner of the interface to delete your manually selected caches.

Optional: On top of the cleanup feature, you can use the**Optimize tools**option to visually analyze your disk usage through its directory structure and manually select files or folders to delete. It also includes AI\-powered analysis to help you determine whether a file or folder is safe to remove, reducing the risk of accidentally deleting important data.

![Visually analyze and optimize your folders](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/how-to-clear-cache-on-windows-10-11/diskgeeker-user-folder-analysis-result.jpg)

Go ahead, share, and comment to enhance your know\-how about PC cache clearing.

## How to Delete Browser Cache Using the Application Settings

Some applications, especially web browsers and productivity software, store cache files locally. You can often clear this cache within the application settings or preferences menu. If you're experiencing issues with a specific browser, clearing its cache might help. Each browser has its own process for doing this.

### How to clear cache and cookies on Windows Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the **three\-dot** menu \(top\-right corner\).
3. Hover over " **More tools** " and select " **Clear browsing data** ...". Alternatively, you can press **Ctrl \+ Shift \+ Delete** .
4. In the dialog box, choose the time range. To clear everything, select " **All time** ".
5. Check the " **Cached images and files** " box. You can also select other types of data you want to clear.
6. Click " **Clear data** ".

![clear Chrome cache](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/how-to-clear-chrome-cache.jpg)

### How to clear cache on Windows Firefox:

1. Open Firefox
2. Click the **three\-line** menu \(top\-right corner\) and select " **Settings** ". Alternatively, press **Alt \+ T** and select " **Options** ".
3. Go to the " **Privacy & Security** " panel.
4. In the " **Cookies and Site Data** " section, click " **Clear Data** ...".
5. Check the " **Cached Web Content** " box.
6. Click " **Clear** ".

### How to clear cache on Windows Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three\-dot menu \(top\-right corner\).
3. Select "Settings".
4. Go to " **Privacy, search, and services** ".
5. Under " **Clear browsing data** ", click " **Choose what to clear** ". Alternatively, press **Ctrl \+ Shift \+ Delete** .
6. Choose the time range. Select " **All time** " to clear everything.
7. Check the " **Cached images and files** " box.
8. Click " **Clear now** ".

## 3 Methods to Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Clearing the Microsoft Store cache can help resolve issues with downloading or updating apps.

### Method 1. Use WSReset command

1. Press Windows \+ R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type **wsreset.exe** and press **Enter** or click " **OK** ".
3. Wait for the Process to complete, a blank Command Prompt window will open, and after a few moments, it will close automatically. The Microsoft Store will then open. This indicates that the cache has been cleared.

![use WSreset command to clear cache](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/wsreset-command-to-clear-cache.jpg)

### Method 2. Manually Delete Cache Files in File Explorer

If the WSReset method doesn't work, you can manually delete the cache files.

1. Open [File Explorer](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/wiki/windows-file-explorer.html) .
2. Click the " **View** " tab.
3. Check the " **Hidden items** " box to show hidden files.
4. Go to **C:\\Users\\<YourUsername\>\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.WindowsStore\_8wekyb3d8bbwe\\LocalCache** .
5. Select all files and folders in the **LocalCache** directory and delete them.

### Method 3. Use Windows Settings

1. Press **Windows \+ I** to open the **Settings** app.
2. Click on " **Apps** ".
3. Scroll down and find " **Microsoft Store** " in the list of installed apps.
4. Click on " **Microsoft Store** " and then click on " **Advanced options** ".
5. Scroll down and click the " **Reset** " button. Confirm the action. This will reset the Microsoft Store app and clear its cache.

![use Settings to clear cache](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/settings-to-clear-store-cache.jpg)

Share this with those who are confronted with PC problems.

## 3 Methods to Clear Thumbnail Cache

The thumbnail cache stores miniature previews of your images, videos, and documents to speed up the loading process in File Explorer. You may find the method is the same thing of a kind with slight differences in options, just explore more by yourself if you are tired of the guidance. To clear it:

### Method 1. Use Run Dialog

Press the**Windows key \+ R**to open the Run dialog. Then type "**cleanmgr**" and press**Enter**. Select the drive where your Windows installation is located \(usually**C:**\) and click**OK**. Check the box next to "**Thumbnails**" and any other types of files you want to delete, then click**OK**and**confirm**.

### Method 2. Manually Delete Thumbnail Cache in File Explorer

Manually delete the thumbnail cache by opening**File Explorer**. Then click the "**View**" tab and check the "**Hidden items**" box to show hidden files.

Then go to**C:\\Users<YourUsername\>\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Explorer**. Select all files that start with**thumbcache\_**and delete them. \(These files include thumbcache\_16.db, thumbcache\_32.db, thumbcache\_96.db, thumbcache\_256.db, thumbcache\_1024.db, and thumbcache\_idx.db.\)

Note:Similarly, you can[delete temporary files](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/wiki/what-are-windows-temporary-files.html)manually from the following directories: **C:\\Windows\\Temp** **C:\\Users<YourUsername\>\\AppData\\Local\\Temp**

### Method 3. Use Settings \(Windows 11\)

Press**Windows \+ I**to open the Settings app. Then go to "**System**" and then "**Storage**". And click on "**Temporary files**". Check the box for "**Thumbnails**". Lastly click "**Remove files**" to delete the thumbnail cache.

## How to Clear Cache on Windows with cmd \(Command Prompt\)

Using Command Prompt for this task can be more efficient and quicker, especially for advanced users who are comfortable with command\-line operations.

1. Press **Windows \+ X** and select " **Windows Terminal \(Admin\)** " or " **Command Prompt \(Admin\)** ". Alternatively, press Windows \+ S, type "cmd", right\-click "Command Prompt" from the search results, and select "Run as administrator".
2. Type the following command and press **Enter.**
3. To clear temporary files, use following command and press **Enter** : del /q/f/s %TEMP%\\\*
4. To clear DNS cache, use following command and press **Enter** : ipconfig /flushdns
5. To clear the Microsoft Store cache, use following command and press **Enter** : wsreset.exe
6. To prefetch cache, use following command and press **Enter** : del /q/f/s %SystemRoot%\\Prefetch\\\*

Note:DNS \(Domain Name System\) cache is a temporary storage of information about previous DNS lookups by a computer or network device

### To Clear the Windows Update Cache with cmd

It is a little bit different to clear the Windows update cache with the step to stop the Windows update service first:

1. Press **Windows \+ X** and select " **Command Prompt \(Admin\)** ".
2. Type the following command and press **Enter** to stop Windows update service: net stop wuauserv
3. Type the following command and press **Enter** to delete the update cache: del /q/f/s %windir%\\SoftwareDistribution\\Download\\\*
4. Type the following command and press **Enter** to start the Windows update service: net start wuauserv

### To Clear the Thumbnail Cache with cmd:

1. Press **Windows \+ X** and select " **Command Prompt \(Admin\)** ".
2. Type the following command and press **Enter** to stop File Explorer: taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
3. Type the following command and press **Enter** to delete thumbnail cache: del /f /s /q /a %LocalAppData%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Explorer\\thumbcache\_\*.db
4. Type the following command and press **Enter** to restart File Explorer: start explorer.exe

### To Clear the Windows Search Cache with cmd

Windows Search maintains a cache of indexed files to speed up search results. You can clear this cache using Command Prompt:

1. Press **Windows key \+ X** and select " **Command Prompt \(Admin\)** ".
2. Type the following command and press **Enter** . This command will stop the Windows Search service: net stop Windows Search
3. Navigate to the directory containing the search cache files: cd %programdata%\\Microsoft\\Search\\Data\\Applications\\Windows
4. Delete all files and folders in the directory: rmdir /s /q.
5. Restart the Windows Search service by typing: net start wsearch

## Use Storage Sense to Delete Cache

Windows 10 includes a feature called Storage Sense that automatically frees up disk space by deleting unnecessary files, including temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin. Here you can choose how often Storage Sense runs and which types of files it deletes.

1. Press **Win \+ I** to open the Settings app.
2. Click on " **System** " and then " **Storage** " from the left sidebar.
3. Toggle on " **Storage Sense** " to enable it.
4. Click on **Configure Storage Sense or run it now** .
5. Choose how often Storage Sense runs and select what types of temporary files to delete.
6. Scroll down to the **Free up space now** section.
7. Click on **Clean now** . ![use Storage Sense to clear cache](https://www.m3datarecovery.com/images/en-howto/storage-sense-to-clear-cache.jpg)

## What's the Difference Between Windows 11 and Windows 10 Cache Clear?

Windows 11 brings some refinements to**Storage Sense**, with a more streamlined interface and additional options for managing disk space. You can configure Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary files and other unnecessary data, making routine storage cleanup easier with less manual effort.

**Windows Update**has also been refined in Windows 11 to provide a smoother and more efficient update experience. However, the basic process for clearing the Windows Update cache remains largely similar to Windows 10, although the interface and specific steps may vary slightly between the two versions.

## Final thought

Still have a problem with stuck or error issues on certain pages in Windows, use**iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows**, this software can analyze your disk or drive space, and display the large or trivial space\-occupied files for your convenient trash cache clearing. The download button is as follows:

Go ahead, share, and comment to enhance your know\-how about PC cache clearing.

## FAQs

A1. Click the Start menu, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator. 2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

AYou will not lose personal files, photos, account passwords, or important documents when you clear your cache. However, keep in mind that not all caches need to be cleared. Some are best left intact to help your system and apps run smoothly.

AYes. Pressing Ctrl \+ F5 performs a hard refresh, bypassing the cached files for the current webpage and forcing the browser to reload the latest resources from the server.

AThe main downside of clearing the cache is that your device may need to re\-download or rebuild temporary files afterward. This can temporarily slow down apps, increase data usage, and consume more battery power.

Serena is a technical writer at iBoysoft and has extensive experience in computer\-related fields. She is adept at writing tutorials and troubleshooting tips concerning macOS, Windows, and software.