Clear Cache in Windows 11: Safe Built-In Tools to Free Space

If your Windows 11 PC feels sluggish, there’s a good chance a growing pile of cached and temporary files is the culprit — and Windows already gives you simple, safe tools to clean them up without resorting to risky third‑party “optimizers.”

Background / Overview​

Every day Windows and the apps you run create temporary data: thumbnails and preview caches for File Explorer, delivery and update caches for Windows Update and Delivery Optimization, browser caches, DNS resolver entries, Microsoft Store artifacts, and other app‑level temp files. These caches are designed to speed repeated tasks, but over time they can grow large, become corrupted, or simply contain stale entries that hinder performance or block updates. Built‑in Windows 11 tools — Cleanup recommendations, Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, and a handful of safe commands — let you remove these files while minimizing risk.
This article explains what to clear, why it helps, how to do each task step‑by‑step, and what to watch out for. All procedures use native Windows tools and documented commands (no registry hacks or third‑party cleaners). Key claims and commands are verified against Microsoft documentation and independent Windows how‑to guides. (support.microsoft.com, lifewire.com)

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Why clearing cache matters (and what you’ll actually gain)​

Clearing cache is not a magic bullet, but it’s a proven first‑step for many common problems:

• Reclaim disk space — Temporary and cache files can add up to hundreds of megabytes or multiple gigabytes, especially after major updates. Freeing that space is critical on smaller SSDs.
• Resolve update and app install issues — Corrupt Delivery Optimization or Store cache files can break updates or installs; clearing them forces fresh downloads.
• Fix UI glitches and thumbnail problems — Removing the thumbnail cache often resolves broken or blank previews in File Explorer.
• Improve browsing and name‑resolution reliability — Flushing the DNS resolver cache fixes stale name resolutions without changing your network configuration.
• Eliminate transient performance slowdowns — Removing bloated temp files and unused packages can reduce boot time and improve app responsiveness on older machines. User and editorial tests commonly report measurable storage recoveries and snappier behavior after cleanups.

Caveat: How much faster your PC feels depends on hardware, workload, and what’s filling your drive. On modern systems with ample SSD capacity and plenty of RAM the effect may be modest; on older systems or those with nearly full drives, the difference can be significant. Where possible the article references Microsoft’s guidance and independent tests. (support.microsoft.com, lifewire.com)

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Quick checklist: safe things to clear now​

• Temporary files (via Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files)
• Recycle Bin contents (empty after confirming nothing is needed)
• Downloads folder (review manually before deleting)
• Delivery Optimization files and Windows Update leftovers (Disk Cleanup or Settings)
• Microsoft Store cache (wsreset.exe)
• DNS resolver cache (ipconfig /flushdns)
• Thumbnail cache (thumbcache_*.db)
• Browser caches and site data (use the browser’s built‑in options)

Each of these is covered in detail below with step‑by‑step instructions and verification notes.

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Deep dive: built‑in Windows 11 tools and exactly how to use them​

1. Cleanup recommendations (the user‑friendly starting point)​

Cleanup recommendations is the recommended first stop: it’s integrated, explains what’s being removed, and groups things by category.
How to run it:

• Click Start → Settings.
• Select System → Storage.
• Click Cleanup recommendations (or look for Temporary files).

What you’ll see:

• Temporary files, with checkboxes for things like Thumbnails and Temp files.
• Large or unused files detected by Windows.
• Files synced to the cloud (OneDrive Files On‑Demand placeholders).
• Unused apps the OS thinks you haven’t launched.

Why this is safe:

• Windows flags system files like Windows.old separately and warns you before deletion.
• The interface shows estimated space savings so you can confirm before committing.

Warning:

• Manually review the Downloads section — it often contains things you still need.

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2. Storage Sense: automate routine cleanups​

Storage Sense can run automatically and is configurable for retention windows.
How to enable/configure:

• Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense → toggle on.
• Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to set cadence (daily, weekly, monthly, or only when low) and policies for Recycle Bin and Downloads retention.

Why use it:

• Good for set‑and‑forget maintenance on machines where you want automatic cleanup.
• IT admins can manage Storage Sense centrally in enterprise environments.

Caveat:

• Configure the retention days carefully for Downloads if you often keep installers or offline files.

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3. Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr): deeper system file removals​

Disk Cleanup still exists in Windows 11 and is useful for system files that Settings might not remove.
How to run:

• Press Start, type Disk Cleanup, and open the app.
• Choose drive C: (or your Windows drive).
• Click Clean up system files to include Windows Update cleanup and previous Windows installations.
• Check categories like Delivery Optimization Files, Temporary Windows installation files, Thumbnails, etc., then click OK.

Why it’s helpful:

• Disk Cleanup targets system caches and Windows.old which can occupy tens of GB after upgrades.
• Safe for most users when you follow the prompts; Windows warns when deletions are irreversible.

Risk:

• Deleting Windows.old prevents rolling back to the previous Windows version. Microsoft’s guidance notes this explicitly.

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4. Microsoft Store cache — wsreset.exe​

If the Store acts up or the Temp folder is filling with Store package files, reset the Store cache.
Command:

• Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window appears; when it closes, the Store will open. This clears the Store’s local cache without affecting accounts or installed apps. (support.microsoft.com, answers.microsoft.com)

When to use:

• Store installs failing, or when Cleanup recommendations warn about a full Temp folder caused by Store packages.

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5. Flush the DNS resolver cache (ipconfig /flushdns)​

Flushing DNS clears locally cached domain-to-IP mappings and can resolve intermittent website loading failures.
Command:

• Open Command Prompt (recommended) or PowerShell as Administrator.
• Type: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
• You should see confirmation that the DNS Resolver Cache was cleared.

Notes:

• This is safe and the resolver cache is rebuilt automatically as you browse.
• Use it when websites are resolving to the wrong IP or after network/DNS configuration changes.

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6. Clear thumbnail cache (thumbcache_*.db)​

If File Explorer shows broken or missing thumbnails, clearing the thumbnail database often fixes it.
Methods:

• Use Disk Cleanup and check Thumbnails, or
• Manually delete thumbcache_*.db files: open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
• taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
• del /f /s /q /a %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\thumbcache_*.db
• start explorer.exe

MakeUseOf and other guides document these steps and note Explorer must be stopped to delete the files cleanly. (makeuseof.com, pureinfotech.com)
Caveats:

• Deleting thumbnail cache simply forces Windows to regenerate thumbnails; it does not delete original files.
• If you use cloud‑backed files (OneDrive), ensure files are available locally before removing cache if you rely on previews.

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7. Delivery Optimization and Windows Update caches​

Delivery Optimization caches update pieces to speed distribution. Over time, they can grow or become corrupted.
How to remove:

• Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files → check Delivery Optimization Files → Remove files; or
• To manually remove, stop the Delivery Optimization service and delete SoftwareDistribution\Download contents:
• Run PowerShell/CMD as Admin: net stop dosvc
• del /s /q "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download*"
• net start dosvc
• Restart PC.

Why this works:

• Removing stale Download cache forces Windows Update to re-download update packages and often fixes update errors. Microsoft explicitly documents cleaning update temp files as part of freeing drive space.

Risk:

• Avoid deleting other system folders unless directions are from Microsoft; deleting the wrong files can break updates. Always stop the service first.

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8. Browser cache and app reset options​

• Use each browser’s built‑in Clear Browsing Data (Ctrl+Shift+Del) to remove cached images, cookies, and site data. This will sign you out of sites and may increase load times briefly as content is refetched.
• For problematic UWP or Store apps, Settings → Apps → Installed apps → choose the app → Advanced options → Repair or Reset. Repair tries to fix without data loss; Reset reinstalls the app and usually removes app‑level cache.

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A recommended step‑by‑step cleanup routine (safe, repeatable)​

• Backup anything you’d hate to lose (quick external copy for critical files).
• Open Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations and review items. Remove obvious junk (Recycle Bin, Temporary files) after manual checks.
• Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator and choose Clean up system files for Windows Update leftovers and previous installs.
• Run wsreset.exe if Microsoft Store problems appear.
• If thumbnails are broken, clear thumbnail cache via Disk Cleanup or the command sequence shown above.
• Flush DNS if you see intermittent web resolution problems: ipconfig /flushdns.
• Enable Storage Sense and set a cadence appropriate for your usage (weekly/monthly).
• Empty Recycle Bin to finalize space reclamation.
• Reboot to ensure any held files or services are released.

Following this routine monthly or after major OS updates gives a good balance between maintenance and convenience.

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Troubleshooting and safety notes​

• Always double‑check the Downloads folder and Documents before mass deletion. Many cleanup tools include Downloads by default; users often lose installers or recently saved files this way.
• If Disk Cleanup doesn’t reduce a reported cache size, the files may be held by a running process or stored in a different folder (e.g., OneDrive placeholders or user profile temp locations). A reboot before cleanup can help.
• Third‑party “optimizers” can be useful for power users but carry risks (adware, past supply‑chain compromises). Stick with Windows’ built‑in tools unless you have a clear reason and trust the vendor.
• If Windows Update repeatedly fails after clearing caches, run the Windows Update troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update) before drastic measures. Microsoft documents this flow as part of solving low‑space and update errors.

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What’s verifiable and what’s not​

Verified claims:

• The exact locations and commands described here (wsreset.exe, ipconfig /flushdns, thumbcache_*.db paths, Storage Sense settings, Cleanup recommendations path) are documented by Microsoft and independent how‑to guides. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com, answers.microsoft.com, makeuseof.com)
• Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense can free significant disk space; Microsoft and multiple editorial tests confirm this. (support.microsoft.com, theverge.com)

Unverifiable / variable claims (flagged):

• Estimates of how many seconds you’ll shave off boot time or exact MB/GB reclaimed are highly system dependent. Any specific speed or recovery figure quoted without local measurement is only an estimate and should be treated as such. Performance gains vary with storage type (HDD vs SSD), free space remaining, memory, and system workload. Treat stated numbers as directional anecdote rather than guaranteed results.

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Advanced notes for power users and admins​

• Group policy and Intune controls exist to manage Storage Sense and cleanup cadence across fleets; see Microsoft Learn for the supported keys and configuration options. Storage Sense supports a cadence of daily, weekly, monthly, or only when disk space is low.
• You can script Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr /sageset and /sagerun) for automated, repeatable tasks; this is documented in Windows admin guidance and used by IT pros for scheduled maintenance.
• When removing Delivery Optimization cache manually, always stop the related service (dosvc) before deleting files to avoid service conflicts.

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Final assessment: strengths, risks, and practical recommendation​

Strengths of the built‑in approach:

• Uses native, documented tools that are safe for general users and supported by Microsoft.
• Offers both interactive (Cleanup recommendations, Disk Cleanup) and automated options (Storage Sense) to suit casual and power users.
• Targets the most common causes of performance drag and update failures without risking system integrity when used as directed. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)

Risks and limits:

• The biggest real risk is user error — accidentally deleting personal files from Downloads or Documents. Manual review is essential.
• Some cache clears (DNS, thumbnail) cause temporary re‑downloads or slower first launches until caches rebuild.
• Third‑party cleaners may promise more aggressive results but can introduce malware or remove required items; they should be avoided by typical users.

Practical recommendation (short):

• Start with Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations and remove obvious junk.
• Enable Storage Sense for routine maintenance and fine‑tune retention windows.
• Use Disk Cleanup for deep system files and Windows.old removal only if you’re certain you won’t roll back upgrades.
• Use wsreset.exe and ipconfig /flushdns as targeted fixes for Store and DNS issues.

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Cleaning your PC’s caches is a fast, low‑risk way to reclaim storage, remove stale or corrupted files, and often restore responsiveness — especially on older systems or machines with small SSDs. The native Windows 11 utilities described above are effective, documented, and safe when used carefully. Follow the step‑by‑step routine and scheduling tips in this article to keep your machine lean without guesswork or risky third‑party helpers.

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Source: bgr.com How To Clear Your Windows 11 PC's Cache (And Why You Should) - BGR