Clearing your Excel cache in Windows 10 can solve many issues, like speeding up performance or fixing unexpected behaviors. To do this, you’ll need to delete temporary files and clear the cache using simple steps. This article walks you through the process to ensure a smoother Excel experience on your Windows 10 computer.
How to Clear Excel Cache in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps required to clear the Excel cache on your Windows 10 system. Doing this will help improve the performance of Excel and resolve some common issues.
Step 1: Close Excel
Before you start, make sure to close Excel completely.
It’s important to shut down Excel to prevent any conflicts or data loss while you clear the cache.
Step 2: Open the Run Dialog Box
Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog box.
The Run dialog is a versatile tool that allows you to quickly access different parts of your system.
Step 3: Enter the Command
Type %temp% in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
This command will take you to the folder where temporary files are stored on your computer.
Step 4: Select and Delete Files
Press Ctrl+A to select all files, then press Delete.
Deleting these temporary files will help clear out the cache, freeing up space and resolving potential issues.
Step 5: Confirm the Deletion
Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete the files.
Clearing the Recycle Bin ensures that the files are completely removed from your system.
Step 6: Open Excel Options
Open Excel again and go to File > Options.
Accessing Excel Options allows you to manage various settings, including those related to cache.
Step 7: Clear Office Document Cache
Navigate to Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Cache Settings and click Delete cache files.
This step ensures that all cached data specific to Office documents is cleared out.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your Excel cache will be cleared. You might notice an improvement in performance and fewer issues with Excel documents.
Tips for Clearing Excel Cache in Windows 10
- Regular Maintenance: Clear your Excel cache regularly to keep things running smoothly.
- Backup Files: Before deleting any files, ensure you’ve backed up important documents.
- Close All Office Apps: Make sure all Office applications are closed to avoid any conflicts.
- Check Disk Space: Clearing the cache can free up valuable disk space on your computer.
- Update Excel: Keeping Excel updated can also help minimize cache-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I clear my Excel cache?
Clearing the Excel cache can help resolve performance issues and fix unexpected behaviors, making your application run more smoothly.
Can I clear the cache without deleting temporary files?
No, clearing the cache typically involves deleting temporary files. These files are generally safe to delete as they are recreated by the system when needed.
How often should I clear my Excel cache?
It’s a good practice to clear your cache every few months or whenever you notice performance issues.
Will clearing the cache delete my Excel files?
No, clearing the cache will not delete your Excel files. It only removes temporary files and cache data.
Do I need any special software to clear the cache?
No special software is needed. The built-in tools in Windows 10 are sufficient to clear the Excel cache.
Summary
- Close Excel
- Open the Run Dialog Box
- Enter the Command
- Select and Delete Files
- Confirm the Deletion
- Open Excel Options
- Clear Office Document Cache
Conclusion
Clearing the Excel cache in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to improve performance and fix minor glitches. By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure that your Excel runs smoothly. Make it a habit to clear your cache regularly as part of your system maintenance routine. If you have any further questions or run into issues, don’t hesitate to consult Microsoft’s support resources or community forums. Remember, keeping your system clean and updated is crucial for optimal performance. So, go ahead, clear that cache, and enjoy a faster, more reliable Excel experience!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.