How To Clear Computer Cache

Learning how to clear computer cache is one of the simplest ways to boost your device’s speed and free up valuable storage space. Whether you’re dealing with a sluggish laptop or just want to maintain peak performance, clearing cached files regularly can make a noticeable difference. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Does Clearing the Cache Do?

Cache is like your computer’s short-term memory. It stores little pieces of information to help programs and websites load faster next time you use them. Think of it as your computer taking notes so it doesn’t have to relearn everything from scratch.

Over time, these temporary files pile up. They take up storage space and sometimes get outdated or corrupted. Clearing cache removes these old notes so your computer can start fresh. It’s like cleaning out a messy desk drawer.

You won’t lose anything important when you clear cache. Your photos, documents, saved passwords, and bookmarks stay exactly where they are. According to Microsoft’s official guidance, clearing temporary files is a safe way to improve computer performance.

Should You Clear the Cache on Your Computer?

Yes, clearing cache regularly is good computer hygiene. It helps in several ways. First, it frees up storage space, which is especially helpful if you get warnings about low disk space. Second, it can fix weird website problems where pages don’t load correctly. Third, it often speeds up a sluggish computer.

You should clear cache every two to three months as routine maintenance. You should also clear it when your computer feels slow, when websites look broken or outdated, or when you’re running low on storage space.

Don’t worry about doing it too often. You can’t hurt your computer by clearing cache. The worst that happens is websites take an extra second to load the first time you visit them after clearing.

How to Clear Computer Cache Windows 11

Windows 11 makes cache clearing straightforward. Here’s exactly what to do, step by step.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button (the Windows logo in your taskbar) and then click the gear icon for Settings. You can also press the Windows key and I key together as a shortcut.
2. Go to Storage: In the Settings window, look for “System” in the left sidebar. Click it, then click “Storage” on the right side. This shows you how much space you have left.
3. Open Temporary Files: Scroll down and click on “Temporary files.” Windows will take a moment to calculate how much space these files are using.
4. Choose What to Delete: You’ll see checkboxes next to different types of files. Check the boxes for “Temporary files,” “Downloads folder” (only if you’re sure you don’t need those files), and “Recycle Bin.” Don’t worry if you’re unsure — the descriptions explain what each item is.
5. Remove the Files: Click the blue “Remove files” button at the top. Windows will ask you to confirm. Click “Continue.” The process takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on how much is being cleared.

That’s it. You’ve just cleared your Windows cache. If you want to learn how to clear computer cache windows 11 shortcut key, you can press Windows Key + R, type “temp” and press Enter, then delete everything in the folder that opens.

How to Clear Computer Cache Windows 10

Windows 10 works almost the same way, with just slightly different wording.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and click the gear icon. Same as Windows 11.
2. Go to System: Click the “System” tile in Settings.
3. Click Storage: Find “Storage” in the left menu and click it.
4. Free Up Space Now: Under your main drive (usually C:), click “Temporary files.” Check the boxes for what you want to remove and click “Remove files.”

If you need help with this and your computer is still running slow afterward, our slow computer fix service can identify other issues that might be slowing you down.

How to Clear Computer Cache and Cookies in Your Web Browser

Your web browser stores its own cache separate from Windows. Clearing browser cache fixes website loading problems and removes tracking cookies. Here’s how to do it in the most common browsers.

Google Chrome

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard. This opens the “Clear browsing data” window. Choose “All time” from the time range dropdown. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Click “Clear data.” That’s it.

Microsoft Edge

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete just like Chrome. Select “All time” and check the same boxes. Click “Clear now.” Edge and Chrome work very similarly.

Firefox

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. Choose “Everything” for the time range. Check “Cookies” and “Cache.” Click “Clear Now.”

According to AARP’s tech help resources, clearing browser cache is one of the easiest ways to solve frustrating website problems.

How to Clear Computer Cache Mac

Mac users can clear cache too, though the steps are different from Windows.

For Safari browser cache, open Safari, click “Safari” in the top menu, choose “Settings,” click the “Advanced” tab, and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar.” Then click “Develop” in the menu bar and choose “Empty Caches.”

For system cache on Mac, open Finder, click “Go” in the menu bar while holding the Option key, click “Library,” open the “Caches” folder, and move old cache folders to the Trash. Be careful to only delete items you recognize as temporary.

How to Clear Computer Cache Windows 7

Windows 7 still works on many computers, though Microsoft no longer supports it. To clear cache, open Computer from the Start menu, right-click your C: drive, choose Properties, click “Disk Cleanup,” check the boxes for temporary files, and click OK. The older Disk Cleanup tool does the same job as the newer Storage settings.

How Do I Clear All Cache and Junk from Windows 11?

If you want a more thorough cleaning, Windows 11 has a helpful tool called Storage Sense. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage. Turn on “Storage Sense” at the top. This automatically clears temporary files and empties your Recycle Bin regularly without you having to remember.

You can also click “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” to customize when it runs. This is perfect if you want your computer to clean itself automatically.

For the most complete cleaning, use the method I described earlier for temporary files, then also clear your browser cache, and empty your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder if you don’t need those files.

How to Clear Computer Cache on Laptop

Laptops use the exact same steps as desktop computers. Whether you’re using how to clear computer cache windows 11 command prompt method or the Settings menu, the process is identical. The only difference is that freeing up space on a laptop often has a bigger impact since laptops typically have smaller hard drives than desktop computers.

How to Clear CPU Cache?

This is a different kind of cache than what we’ve been discussing. CPU cache is built into your processor chip and clears itself automatically every time you restart your computer. You don’t need to manually clear CPU cache. When people search for this, they usually mean clearing temporary files, which is what we covered above.

If your computer is truly struggling with performance issues, a simple restart clears the CPU cache and often solves the problem. Don’t worry about technical CPU management — your computer handles that automatically.

When Should You Ask for Help Instead of Fixing It Yourself?

Sometimes the problem goes deeper than cache. Consider getting professional help if clearing cache didn’t speed up your computer, if you’re getting error messages you don’t understand, if you’re worried you might delete something important, or if your computer has become so slow that even opening Settings takes forever.

The good news is that help is easy to get. The PC Buddy can connect to your computer remotely and fix issues while you watch. No need to unhook cables or drive anywhere. According to AARP’s 2025 Tech Trends research, 1 in 5 adults 50+ say getting setup and tech support is a barrier to using technology — but remote help removes that barrier completely.

We offer a slow computer fix service that finds and fixes the real cause of slowness, whether it’s cache, too many startup programs, or something else entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you clear the cache on your computer?

Yes, you should clear cache every few months. It frees up storage space, can fix website loading problems, and often speeds up your computer. It’s safe and won’t delete your important files or photos.

How to clear CPU cache?

CPU cache clears itself automatically when you restart your computer. You don’t need to manually clear it. If you’re having performance issues, the temporary files method described above is what you actually need.

How do I clear all cache and junk from Windows 11?

Go to Settings, then System, then Storage, then Temporary files. Check all the boxes for items you want to remove and click Remove files. Also clear your browser cache using Ctrl + Shift + Delete for the most complete cleaning.

What does clearing the cache do?

Clearing cache removes temporary files your computer stored to work faster. It frees up storage space and can fix glitches or slowness. Think of it as cleaning out old notes your computer doesn’t need anymore.

Will clearing cache delete my passwords or bookmarks?

No, clearing cache in Windows won’t delete passwords or bookmarks. If you clear browser cache and check the “cookies” box, you might need to log into websites again, but your saved passwords and bookmarks stay safe.

How often should I clear my computer cache?

Clear cache every two to three months as routine maintenance. Also clear it whenever your computer feels slow, websites aren’t loading correctly, or you’re running low on storage space. You can’t clear it too often.