How To Clear The Cache On Windows Tutorial Guide

Clearing the cache on your Windows computer is essential for maintaining system performance, troubleshooting issues, and freeing up disk space. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clear various types of cache in Windows.

Clearing Temporary Files Cache

To clear the temporary files cache, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool, which is built into Windows.

1. Open Disk Cleanup:

   • Click the Start button and type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar.
   • Select "Disk Cleanup" from the search results.

2. Select the Drive:

   • Ensure that the operating system drive (usually "C:") is selected, and click "OK."

3. Select Files to Delete:

• In the Disk Cleanup window, scroll down and check the box next to "Temporary files."
• You can also select other types of files to delete, such as "Recycle Bin" or "Downloads."

4. Clean Up System Files:

   • Click "Clean Up System Files" and then select the files you want to delete again.
   • Click "OK" to proceed.

5. Confirm Deletion:

   • A warning will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the files. Select "Delete Files" to confirm.

Clearing File Explorer History

Clearing the File Explorer history can help resolve issues with slow-loading files or folders.

1. Open File Explorer:

   • Open any File Explorer window by clicking the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or opening a folder.

2. Access Options:

   • Click the "View" tab at the top of the window.
   • In the ribbon, click "Options."

3. Clear History:

• On the General tab in the Privacy section, click "Clear" to clear the File Explorer history.

Clearing Windows Store Cache

If you encounter issues with the Microsoft Store, clearing its cache can help.

1. Open Run Dialog:

   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, or right-click the Start menu and select "Run".

2. Run WSReset.exe:

   • Type WSReset.exe in the text box and click "OK."
   • A black window will briefly appear, and the cache will be cleared. The Windows Store will then launch with a blank screen.

Clearing DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache can resolve issues related to internet connectivity and website loading.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Click the Start button, type "Command Prompt" in the search bar, right-click it, and select "Run As Administrator".

2. Flush DNS Cache:

   • Run the command ipconfig /flushDNS and press Enter.
   • You will receive a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been successfully flushed.

Clearing Location Cache

Clearing the location cache can resolve issues related to location services.

1. Open Settings:

   • Click the Start button, select the "Gear" icon to open Windows Settings, or press Windows + I.

2. Access Location Settings:

   • Scroll down and select "Privacy" in the Settings window.
   • In the left-hand pane, select "Location" under the "App Permissions" section.

3. Clear Location History:

• Scroll down to find the "Location History On This Device" heading and select "Clear" to clear the location cache.

Clearing Browser Cache

Clearing the browser cache can help resolve issues with web browsing and free up space.

Google Chrome

1. Open Clear Browsing Data:

   • Click the three-dot menu at the upper right, scroll to the History tab, and click "History" in the menu that appears. Then click "Clear browsing data".

2. Select Data to Clear:

   • Choose the time range and select the types of data you want to clear, including cached images and files.
   • Click "Clear data" to proceed.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Clear Browsing Data:

   • Click the three-dot menu and then "Settings."
   • In the Clear browsing data section, click "Choose what to clear".

2. Select Data to Clear:

   • Choose the time range and select the types of data you want to clear, including cached images and files.
   • Click "Clear now" to proceed.

Firefox

1. Open Clear Recent History:

   • Click the three horizontal lines to open the menu, then choose "Options."
   • On the "Privacy & Security" page, click "Clear History…".

2. Select Data to Clear:

   • Choose the time range and select the types of data you want to clear.
   • Click "Clear Now" to proceed.

By following these steps, you can effectively clear various types of cache on your Windows computer, helping to improve performance, troubleshoot issues, and free up valuable disk space.