How to Clear Cache in Windows 11

Windows stores a lot of temporary data behind the scenes to make things run faster — but that cache can pile up over time, and there isn’t one button that clears all of it. Different problems call for clearing different caches, and knowing which one you actually need matters more than just deleting everything in sight.

Here’s a rundown of the safe ways to clear cache in Windows 11, matched to the problem each one actually solves.

Table of Contents

What Cache Actually Is

Cache is temporary data that Windows, your browser, and individual apps store so they don’t have to redo work every time — a browser saving website files locally instead of re-downloading them, for example.

Cache isn’t the enemy. It’s there to help performance. The reason to clear it is usually troubleshooting, reclaiming some space, or clearing out data that’s gone stale.

1. Clear Temporary Files From Settings

This is the best starting point for most people.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System → Storage → Temporary files.
Let Windows analyze your drive.

You’ll see categories like temporary files, thumbnails, Delivery Optimization files, Recycle Bin contents, and old update files — the exact list varies by PC.

Read what each category actually covers before checking it off, then hit Remove files. One thing to flag: if a Downloads category shows up here, be careful — that folder often has personal files you still need.

2. Use Storage Sense

Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense lets Windows manage temporary files and other unnecessary data on its own schedule. You can review what it touches — temp files, Recycle Bin, cloud content — before turning it on.

As before: don’t enable automatic Downloads cleanup without checking exactly what that means first.

3. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

If the Store’s acting up, resetting its cache can help.

Press Windows + R.
Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter.
A blank window appears briefly while Windows resets things — the Store should open on its own once it’s done.

4. Flush the DNS Cache

This is a different kind of cache — Windows stores DNS lookups locally so it doesn’t have to repeat them. Worth flushing if you’re dealing with network weirdness: a site that recently changed servers, some sites loading and others not, that sort of thing.

Right-click Start and open Terminal or Command Prompt.
Run ipconfig /flushdns.

This isn’t a general speed fix — it’s specifically for DNS-related hiccups.

5. Clear Your Browser Cache

If a specific website is misbehaving, clearing your browser’s cache is often the fix. Steps vary slightly by browser:

Chrome: three-dot menu → Delete browsing data → pick a time range → check Cached images and files → Delete data.

Edge: three-dot menu → Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data → check Cached images and files → clear.

Firefox: menu button → Settings → Privacy & Security → find the browsing data section → clear cached web content.

Worth noting: clearing cache is not the same as clearing everything. If you want to keep saved passwords, cookies, or history, make sure only the cache option is checked before confirming.

6. Clear Windows Update Cache

If Windows Update keeps failing or acting oddly, its temporary files can sometimes be part of the problem — but this is more advanced than a normal temp-file cleanup. Try the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter and a restart first. If you go further than that, follow Microsoft’s current troubleshooting steps rather than manually deleting folders inside the Windows directory just because they have “cache” in the name.

7. Clear the Thumbnail Cache

If File Explorer is showing wrong or missing previews, the thumbnail cache might be the culprit. You’ll find the relevant option under Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files. Windows rebuilds thumbnails automatically once you browse your files again.

8. Clear App Cache — Carefully

A lot of apps manage their own cache separately from Windows. Some have their own Clear cache, Reset, or Repair option built in — check the app’s own settings or documentation before poking around its files manually.

A safer route for a misbehaving app: Settings → Apps → Installed apps → [App] → Advanced options, where Windows sometimes offers Repair or Reset. Read what Reset actually does first — it can wipe local settings and data, not just cache.

Does Clearing Cache Actually Speed Things Up?

Sometimes, but don’t expect a dramatic difference. Cache exists to help performance, so clearing it isn’t a universal speed hack — it helps when temp files are eating storage, a cache has gone corrupt, an app’s showing stale info, or you’re troubleshooting something specific.

If your whole PC feels slow, cache probably isn’t the real issue — more likely candidates are low storage, too many startup apps, not enough RAM, an aging drive, or background processes. If startup apps are the suspect, see our guide on stopping apps from running at startup.

How Often Should You Do This?

There’s no fixed schedule — Windows, browsers, and apps are built to manage their own cache. Clear a specific one when you have an actual reason to:

Low on storage → check Temporary files and Storage settings.
A website’s misbehaving → clear the browser cache.
Network/DNS weirdness → flush DNS.
Store issues → reset the Store cache.

Targeted beats routine here.

What Not to Touch

Don’t go manually deleting unfamiliar files or folders from:

C:\Windows
C:\Program Files
C:\ProgramData

A lot of it is essential to Windows or to apps you use. If storage is the goal, lean on Windows’ built-in Storage, Temporary files, Storage Sense, and Cleanup recommendations tools first.

FAQ

Is it safe to clear cache in Windows 11?
Generally yes, as long as you stick to Windows’ built-in tools or an app’s own cache-clearing option. Just know what each type of cache actually does before clearing it.

Does clearing cache delete my personal files?
No — ordinary temp/cache cleanup shouldn’t touch your documents, photos, or videos. Still worth reviewing categories carefully, especially anything involving Downloads or app data.

Will clearing cache delete my saved passwords?
Not from Windows temp files. In your browser, just make sure you only select Cached images and files if you want to keep passwords, history, and other data intact.

Is there one button to clear all cache in Windows 11?
No — Windows, browsers, apps, and DNS all keep their own separate caches. Clearing the specific one tied to your problem is the better approach.

Does flushing DNS make the internet faster?
Not really — it mainly resolves specific DNS-related issues, not general speed.

Do I need a third-party cleaner app for this?
No, Windows’ built-in tools cover basic cache and temp-file cleanup fine.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to nuke every cache on your PC. Start with Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files, set up Storage Sense for ongoing maintenance, and when you’re troubleshooting something specific, reach for the matching tool — browser cache for site issues, DNS flush for network problems, Store reset for Store issues. And steer clear of manually deleting unfamiliar system files.