Most temporary files are stored in the WindowsTempfolder, the location of which differs from computer to computer.
How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows
pop pop the Run dialog box.
In Windows 11, 10, and 8, right-poke the Start button and selectRun.
In earlier versions of Windows, chooseStartto bring up the search box or find Run.
Another way to initiate the Run dialog box is to enter theWIN+Rkeyboard shortcut.
Select all the files and folders within theTempfolder that you want to delete.
Unless you have a reason to otherwise, select them all.
If you’re on a touch-only interface, chooseSelect allfrom theHomemenu at the top of the folder.
Windows won’t let you delete any files or folders that are still in use.
More on that in a bit.
You may even have to selectYeson a specialConfirm Multiple File Deletewindow that appears.
Handle any messages about hidden files in this folder the same wayit’s fine to delete those, too.
ChooseSkipif you’re presented with aFile In Useor aFolder In Usewarning during the temporary file deletion process.
Skipping these allows the deleting to continue with the remaining data.
Rarely will you see a message likeError Deleting File or Folderthat will stop the temp file deleting process completely.
If this happens,cycle your computerand take another crack.
If even that doesn’t work, trystarting Windows in Safe Modeand repeating the steps above.
You won’t be prompted when the process is complete.
Feel free to close this window.
Finally, locateRecycle Binon your Desktop, right-click or tap-and-hold the icon, and then chooseEmpty Recycle Bin.
Can’t find Recycle Bin?
It might have been hidden.
it’s possible for you to stillopen a hidden Recycle Bin in File Explorer.
You now, in the short term, have an empty temporary files section.
The next time you delete temporary files in Windows, feel free to hold downShiftas you delete the files.
Feel free to open thatTempfolder and delete anything you find in there.
The tweaks app in Windows 11 and Windows 10 has an entire section dedicated to deleting temporary files.
Get there throughSettings>System>Storage>Temporary files.
Choose what to remove, and then selectRemove files.
you’ve got the option to open that in a Run dialog box (WIN+R) via thecleanmgrcommand.
Manyfree computer cleaner programsexist to choose from, too, includingWise Disk Cleaner.
Older versions of Android used to let youclear a rig’s cacheall at once.
Now, you should probably scrub the cache of individual apps.
The default location for temporary Excel files in Windows 11 and 10 isC:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles.
Firefox calls temp files the “cache”.
it’s possible for you to get information about it by typingabout:cachein the location bar.
Typically, Firefox places temporary cache files in theC:\Users[username]\AppData\Local\Templocation.
