Why delete temp files?

Temporary files are created by Windows and applications to speed processes, cache data, and hold install logs. Over time they pile up and consume gigabytes of space—affecting performance and leaving less room for important files. Regular cleanup helps reclaim storage and can make your PC feel snappier.

Three safe ways to delete temp files (quick overview)

• Manual %temp% cleanup: Open the temporary folder and delete what you don’t need.
• Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense: Built-in Windows tools that safely remove temp and system files.
• Browser cache cleanup: Clear each browser’s cache to free more space.

Step-by-step: Manual delete (Fastest method)

1. Close running apps. Save work and close programs so files aren’t in use.
2. Press Windows + R to open Run, type %temp%, then press Enter. This opens your user temporary folder.
3. Press Ctrl + A to select all files, then press Delete. Skip files that say “in use.”
4. Repeat with the system temp folder: in Run type C:\Windows\Temp and delete safely (Admin rights may be required).

Tip: If some files can’t be deleted, reboot and try again, or delete them in Safe Mode.

Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense (recommended)

Windows includes Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense to remove temporary files, previous Windows installations, update files, and more. Disk Cleanup is a guided tool; Storage Sense can run automatically on a schedule so maintenance becomes hands-free.

1. Open Settings → System → Storage and click Temporary files.
2. Or search “Disk Cleanup” from the Start menu, choose the drive and select the categories to remove.
3. For automatic cleanup, enable Storage Sense and configure frequency and file types to delete.

Browser temp & cache cleanup (Chrome / Edge / Firefox)

Browsers store cache, cookies, and temporary files. Open browser settings → Privacy/Clear browsing data → choose cached images and files → Clear. This recovers extra space and often resolves page load issues.

When NOT to delete temp files

• During an ongoing software install or update (it may break the process).
• If system logs are needed for troubleshooting—keep them until issue resolved.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you see “access denied” errors in C:\Windows\Temp, try running File Explorer as Administrator, or boot into Safe Mode and delete. For persistent files, the built-in Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense usually handles system-level temp files safely.

FAQs (quick answers)