How to Clear Temp Files Windows 11 – Honestly, when my Windows 11 slowed down, I felt so frustrated because everything took forever to load. So, after searching for solutions, I finally realized that temporary files were the culprit. Therefore, I decided to clear them up, and luckily, the process was easier than expected.
Why Clearing Temp Files in Windows 11 is a Game-Changer 🔥
Since I started clearing temp files, my PC has felt so much smoother. Because temporary files pile up over time, removing them makes a noticeable difference.
- Since it frees up disk space, my PC no longer struggles with storage issues.
- Because it boosts performance, everything loads faster than before.
- Since it prevents errors and crashes, I no longer deal with annoying freezes.
- Because it protects privacy, personal data no longer lingers in temporary folders.
So, I highly recommend doing this regularly because the benefits are totally worth it.
How to Delete Temporary Files via Windows Settings
Since this method requires no technical skills, anyone can do it without worries.
- Because Windows has a built-in tool, press
Win + I
to open Settings. - Since temp files hide in storage, go to System > Storage.
- Because Windows lists temp files, click Temporary files.
- Since unnecessary files take up space, select them all.
- Because deleting them is safe, click Remove files and free up space instantly! 🎉
✔ Since it’s built-in, this method is 100% safe.
✔ Because it’s simple, anyone can follow the steps easily.
❌ Since some files remain, this method doesn’t remove everything.
So, if you want to clear more junk, let’s move on to a deeper cleanup!
The Classic “Run Command” Trick (Old but Gold)
Honestly, when my PC slowed down, I tried this trick out of desperation. Since it works so well, I’ve been using it ever since!
- Since Windows has a hidden temp folder, press
Win + R
to open Run. - Because temp files hide in a specific path, type
%temp%
and hit Enter. - Since these files are useless, select everything (
Ctrl + A
) and delete (Shift + Del
). - Because Windows stores more temp files, repeat for
temp
and%windir%\temp
.
✔ Since it’s quick, this method works instantly.
âś” Because it removes hidden files, it cleans more than Settings.
❌ Since some files remain in use, a few might not delete.
So, for stubborn files, restarting in Safe Mode helps!
Disk Cleanup – The Built-in Cleanup Wizard 🧙
Because I needed a deeper clean, I decided to try Disk Cleanup. Since it’s built into Windows, I knew it was safe.
- Since Windows includes a cleaning tool, open Start and search for Disk Cleanup.
- Because temp files are stored on the main drive, select C:.
- Since Windows offers an advanced option, click Clean up system files.
- Because unnecessary files take up space, check Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and others.
- Since Windows automates the cleanup, click OK and let it run. ✨
âś” Since it clears Windows Update leftovers, it frees up a lot of space.
✔ Because it’s built-in, no extra software is needed.
❌ Since it takes time, the process isn’t instant.
So, if you want to automate everything, let’s set up Storage Sense next!
Enable Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup 🛠️
Since I always forgot to clean my PC, I enabled Storage Sense. Because it runs automatically, I no longer worry about temp files piling up.
- Because Storage Sense is hidden in Settings, open Settings (
Win + I
). - Since it’s under storage settings, go to System > Storage.
- Because it needs to be activated, toggle Storage Sense ON.
- Since it allows scheduling, click Configure Storage Sense and set it to run daily, weekly, or monthly.
âś” Since it works automatically, I no longer clean files manually.
âś” Because it prevents junk buildup, my storage stays optimized.
❌ Since it lacks customization, some files I want to keep get deleted.
So, for more control, let’s dive into advanced methods next!
Go Pro: Use Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell ⚡
Since I love complete control, I use CMD and PowerShell for deep cleaning.
Using CMD:
- Because admin rights are required, open Command Prompt (Admin mode).
- Since temp files exist in multiple locations, type:
del /s /q %temp%\* del /s /q C:\Windows\Temp\*
Using PowerShell:
- Since PowerShell offers advanced commands, open PowerShell as Admin.
- Because it allows forced deletion, run this:
Remove-Item -Path "$env:TEMP\*" -Recurse -Force Remove-Item -Path "C:\Windows\Temp\*" -Recurse -Force
âś” Since it cleans deeply, no temp files remain.
✔ Because it’s efficient, cleanup happens instantly.
❌ Since it’s risky, typing the wrong command can cause issues.
So, if you prefer a user-friendly method, stick to Settings or Disk Cleanup!
Best Practices to Keep Windows 11 Clean 🚀
Since temp files always pile up, I follow these golden rules:
- âś… Because Storage Sense is automatic, I enable it.
- âś… Since Disk Cleanup removes old updates, I run it monthly.
- âś… Because manual cleanup removes stubborn files, I do it weekly.
- âś… Since CCleaner cleans even deeper, I use it when needed.
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FAQs: How to Clear Temp Files Windows 11 🔥
1. Will deleting temp files harm my PC?
Because temp files are unnecessary, deleting them won’t cause any harm.
2. Why can’t I delete some temp files?
Since some files are in use, they won’t delete unless the app using them is closed.
3. How often should I clear temp files?
Because temp files accumulate daily, weekly cleanup is recommended.
4. What if my storage is still full after deleting temp files?
Since large files take up space, check Downloads, Videos, and System Restore points.