How to Clear Computer Cache on Windows 11 (6 Types)

“Clearing the cache” on a Windows 11 PC can mean several different things: temporary files, your web browser’s cache, the DNS cache, the Microsoft Store cache, or leftover Windows Update files. Each is cleared in a different place, and clearing the right one can free gigabytes of space or fix problems like pages not loading correctly or the Store refusing to download. This guide covers each cache, what it does, and how to clear it safely.

Quick Answer

For most people, the biggest win is Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files: check the items you don’t need and click Remove files. For browser problems, clear your browser cache with Ctrl + Shift + Delete. For network or website errors, run ipconfig /flushdns in Terminal.

Which Cache Should You Clear?

Cache	Clear it when	Where
Temporary files	Low disk space, general cleanup	Settings > System > Storage
Browser cache	Websites look outdated or broken	Your browser’s settings
DNS cache	A site won’t load or points to the wrong place	ipconfig /flushdns
Microsoft Store cache	Store won’t open or download apps	wsreset
Windows Update cache	Updates keep failing	SoftwareDistribution folder
File Explorer history	Privacy, cluttered Recent files	Folder Options

1. Clear Temporary Files

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click Temporary files and wait for Windows to scan.
3. Check items such as Temporary files, Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, and Thumbnails. Leave Downloads unchecked unless you’re sure you don’t need those files.
4. Click Remove files.

For a deeper clean, press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter, select all (Ctrl + A), and delete. Skip any files Windows says are in use.

Turn on Storage Sense on the Storage page to do this automatically.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache

1. In Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Choose a time range (All time for a full clear).
3. Check Cached images and files. Uncheck cookies and passwords if you want to stay signed in to websites.
4. Click Clear now (or Clear data).

3. Flush the DNS Cache

1. Right-click Start and choose Terminal.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. You’ll see “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

4. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

1. Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
2. A blank window opens for a few seconds, then the Store opens with its cache cleared.

5. Clear the Windows Update Cache

1. Open Terminal as administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin)).
2. Stop the update services:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits

3. Open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download in File Explorer and delete its contents.
4. Restart the services:

   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

5. Run Windows Update again.

6. Clear File Explorer History

1. Open File Explorer, click ⋯ > Options.
2. Under Privacy, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.

What Not to Clear

• Prefetch folder: Windows manages it automatically; deleting it can make apps start slower for a while.
• Random folders in AppData or Windows: only delete caches you know are safe.
• Avoid “registry cleaner” and “PC optimizer” apps; they rarely help and can cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to clear cache on Windows 11?

Yes. Caches rebuild automatically. The only side effects are slightly slower first loads and, for browsers, possibly being signed out if you also clear cookies.

Will clearing cache speed up my PC?

It frees disk space and can fix glitches, but it rarely makes a fast PC faster. It helps most when your drive is nearly full.

How is cache different from RAM?

These caches are files on your drive. RAM is cleared every time you restart.

Summary

1. Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files > Remove files.
2. Ctrl + Shift + Delete in your browser.
3. ipconfig /flushdns for network issues.
4. wsreset for the Microsoft Store.