---
title: "How to Clear the Cache on a Windows Computer"
description: "If an app won’t open, keeps crashing, or a website is displaying broken layouts, corrupted cache files are usually the culprit. Clearing them forces the app to load a fresh, working copy."
url: https://help.titlecapture.com/en/articles/38-how-to-clear-the-cache-on-a-windows-computer
collection: "FAQ & Troubleshooting"
updated: 2026-11-04
language: en
---

# How to Clear the Cache on a Windows Computer

If an app won’t open, keeps crashing, or a website is displaying broken layouts, corrupted cache files are usually the culprit. Clearing them forces the app to load a fresh, working copy.

Over time, Windows accumulates temporary files, system logs, and browser data. Clearing this cache can free up significant gigabytes of storage space, improve system performance, and fix software glitches.

Here are the most effective ways to clear the various caches on Windows.

## 1\. Use Storage Sense (The Quickest Method)

Windows has a built-in automated tool called Storage Sense that safely finds and deletes temporary system and app files.

1.  Open the **Start Menu** and click the **Settings** gear icon (or press `Win + I`).
    
2.  Go to **System** > **Storage**.
    
3.  Click on **Temporary files**.
    
4.  Windows will scan your drive. Check the boxes for the items you want to remove (such as **Temporary files**, **Thumbnails**, and **Delivery Optimization Files**).
    
    > **Note:** Be cautious with the _Downloads_ folder checkbox—checking it will delete everything inside your personal Downloads folder.
    
5.  Click **Remove files** at the top of the list.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/ARZDPW9LSdtBaTcGlwcjvLxml6SYdYpt0evro29ddfZZkc5QIccJ14s54m1tqLTFRIatyaFtj7k.png)

## 2\. Clear the Temporary Files Folders (Manual Method)

Windows stores temporary application data in two specific directories. Clearing these manually can resolve stubborn app issues.

1.  Press `Win + R` to open the **Run** dialog box.
    
2.  Type `%temp%` and press **Enter**. This opens the user temporary folder.
    
3.  Select everything in the folder (`Ctrl + A`) and press **Delete**.
    
4.  If a prompt appears saying a file is in use, check "Do this for all current items" and click **Skip**. (This just means an app you are currently running is using that file).
    
5.  Open the **Run** dialog box again (`Win + R`), type `temp` (without the percentage signs), and press **Enter**.
    
6.  Delete the contents of this folder as well.
    

## 3\. Clear the Windows Store Cache

If you are having trouble downloading, installing, or updating apps from the Microsoft Store, clearing its specific cache usually fixes the issue.

1.  Press `Win + R` to open the **Run** dialog box.
    
2.  Type `wsreset.exe` and press **Enter**.
    
3.  A blank Command Prompt window will pop up. Do not close it; it will close automatically after a few seconds once the cache is reset, and the Microsoft Store will launch on its own.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/SsiMIaPT4HEXGHba0TWFEEt2ChkcZwvhuPkU8dkEWhcCK9zAPdBx87YNQtii56muSa1k3A5yLcc.png)

## 4\. Clear the Browser Cache

Web browsers on Windows store a massive amount of cached images and files. Here is how to clear them:

### Microsoft Edge

1.  Open Edge and press `Ctrl + Shift + Delete`.
    
2.  Set the Time Range to **All time**.
    
3.  Check **Cached images and files** (uncheck History or Cookies if you want to keep them).
    
4.  Click **Clear now**.
    

### Google Chrome

1.  Open Chrome and press `Ctrl + Shift + Delete`.
    
2.  Set the Time Range to **All time**.
    
3.  Select **Cached images and files**.
    
4.  Click **Clear data**.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/WU6VloyUmdzbWUC3tE4zosu1GM9zqY16WlwpsTvxAG8RXnqV0ndOJmJOaVXLfCkFgoLiW8Nia1v.png)

## ⚠ Important Precautions

-   **Don't empty the Recycle Bin prematurely:** If you manually delete files, they go to the Recycle Bin first. Keep them there for a day or two to ensure your applications run normally before permanently emptying it.
    
-   **Skip "In Use" files:** Never force-delete a file that Windows says is currently in use by another program. Doing so can crash active software.
    

* * *

For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [support@titlecapture.com](mailto:support@titlecapture.com).