top of page

How to Clear Computer's Cache in Windows 10 and 11

Updated: Sep 18

Laptop screen showing "Clear Cache in Windows" text with icons for cleaning and storage on a blue background with stars.
Clearing System Cache

Introduction


Clearing your computer's cache is an essential maintenance task that can help improve system performance, free up disk space, and resolve various software issues. In this guide, we will cover how to clear different types of cache in Windows 10 and 11 step by step.



Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these instructions will help you keep your system running smoothly.


What is Cache?


Cache is a collection of temporary files created by various programs and the operating system to speed up operations. These files store data that can be quickly accessed when needed, reducing the time required to perform tasks. However, over time, cache files can accumulate and consume significant disk space, potentially slowing down your computer.


How To Clear Cache In Windows 10 and 11 | Step-by-Step Guide


Types of Cache to Clear


  1. Temporary Files Cache

  2. System Cache

  3. Browser Cache

  4. DNS Cache

  5. Windows Store Cache



Clearing Temporary Files Cache

Temporary files are created by the operating system and various applications for temporary use. Here's how to clear them:

  1. Open Disk Cleanup:


  • Press "Windows + S" and type Disk Cleanup.

  • Select "Disk Cleanup" from the search results.


Windows search interface displaying "Disk Clean-up" and related apps, settings options, and actions like "Open" and "Pin to taskbar".


  1. Select Drive:


  • If prompted, select the drive you want to clean (usually "C:") and click "OK".


Dialog box titled "Disk Clean-up: Drive Selection" with a dropdown for drives and options "OK" and "Exit." White background.

  1. Choose Files to Delete:


  • Disk Cleanup will calculate the space you can free up.


  • In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, check the boxes next to "Temporary files" , "Temporary Internet files" , "Recycle Bin" , and other types of files you want to delete.


  • Click "OK", then click "Delete Files" to confirm.



Clearing System Cache

System cache includes various types of cached data used by the operating system.

  1. Open Settings:


  • Press "Windows + I" to open the Settings app.


Windows settings screen showing account, device info, and recommended settings like WiFi and personalization options. Mood is technical.

  1. Navigate to Storage:


  • Click on "System", then select "Storage".

System storage settings screen showing Local Disk (C:) usage. Temporary files highlighted, using 5.96 GB of 85.0 GB. Clean interface.

  1. Free Up Space:


  • Click on "Temporary files".


  • Check the boxes next to the types of temporary files you want to remove.


  • Click "Remove files".


Settings window showing temporary files management. Options to remove files like downloads and driver packages. Total selected: 2.59 GB.


Clearing Browser Cache

Browsers store cache to load websites faster. Here’s how to clear it:

  1. For Google Chrome | Open Chrome:


  • Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings.


Chrome settings page showing "Privacy and security" options, with "Delete browsing data" highlighted in red.

  • Clear Browsing Data:


  • Scroll down and click on "Privacy and security".


  • Click "Clear browsing data".


  • In the dialog box, select "All time" as the time range.

  • Check "Cached images and files".


  • Click "Clear data".


Chrome settings page showing "Delete browsing data" options for history, cookies, and cache. "Delete data" button highlighted.


  1. For Microsoft Edge | Open Edge:


  • Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select "Settings".

Web browser screenshot shows a sports news article with basketball players. A dropdown menu is open on the right, with "Settings" highlighted.

  • Clear Browsing Data:


  • Click on "Privacy, search, and services".


  • Under "Clear browsing data", click "Choose what to clear".


Microsoft Edge privacy settings window showing options for deleting browsing data and privacy controls. Steps 1 and 2 are highlighted.

  • Select "All time" as the time range.


  • Check "Cached images and files".


  • Click "Clear now".


Browser settings window showing a "Delete browsing data" dialog. Options to clear history, downloads, cookies, and cache are selected.

Clearing DNS Cache

DNS cache stores information about previous DNS lookups, which helps your computer quickly access websites. Clearing the DNS cache can resolve connectivity issues.

  1. Open Command Prompt:


    Press "Windows + R", type "cmd", and press "Enter".


Windows Run dialog box with text "Open: Cmd" and "OK" and "Cancel" buttons, white background, minimalistic design.

  1. Flush DNS Cache:


    In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press "Enter":

Command Prompt with text "ipconfig /flushdns" on a black background. The interface includes a "Copy code" button.

Copy code

ipconfig /flushdns

  • You should see a message saying the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed. (If the command doesn't works run CMD as Admin)


Clearing Windows Store Cache

The Windows Store cache can sometimes become corrupted, causing issues with downloading or updating apps.

  1. Open Run Dialog:


    Press "Windows + R" to open the Run dialog.


  2. Clear Cache:


    Type "wsreset.exe" and press "Enter".

Windows Run dialog box showing command wsreset.exe typed, with OK and Cancel buttons visible.

A blank Command Prompt window will appear, and the cache will be cleared. The Windows Store will open automatically once the process is complete.


Additional Tips For System Maintenance


  1. Regular Maintenance


    Make it a habit to clear your cache regularly to maintain optimal system performance.


  2. Use Cleanup Tools


    Consider using free or paid third-party cleanup tools like CCleaner for more comprehensive system cleaning.


  3. Backup Important Data


    Before clearing cache, ensure you have backups of important data to prevent accidental loss.



Futuristic server room with blue-lit monitors and servers. Large window shows snowy mountains under a starry night sky.
Clearing PC Cache

Conclusion | Clearing Computer's Cache


Clearing your computer's cache in Windows 10 and 11 is a simple yet effective way to keep your system running smoothly. By following the step-by-step methods outlined in this guide, you can easily free up disk space, improve performance, and resolve various issues caused by accumulated cache files. Regular maintenance of your system cache will ensure that your computer remains in optimal condition.


clearing cookies, how to clear cookies and cache, how do i remove cookies from computer, how do i delete cookies, how do i clear cookies on computer, clear cache 2025, clearing cookies, how to clear cookies and cache, how do i remove cookies from computer, how do i delete cookies, how do i clear cookies on computer, computer cache, how to clear cache in windows 10 using run, how to clear cache in windows 10 cmd, system cache, browser cache, dns cache, Windows Store Cache, how to clear cache in windows 10, fintech shield

Comments


Fintech Shield – Your Gateway to Digital Innovation

From tech tutorials and digital tools to SEO solutions and creative content - Fintech Shield is dedicated to empowering curious minds and future-ready businesses. Stay connected for insightful blogs, trusted recommendations, and the latest updates in the world of tech

© 2021–2025 Fintech Shield All Rights Reserved

Kalyan Bhattacharjee

bottom of page