How Can I find and delete temporary files in windows 11?

By default, the temp files are hidden from the file explorer and it is very hard to find them. In addition, the temp files are on different locations. I recommend using a dedicated PC cleaning software such as CleanMate to help you delete temporary files in a safe and easy.

One good example: https://www.weboftips.com/delete-temporary-files-in-windows

Using Command Prompt to free delete temporary files Windows 11 is a quick and effective method, especially if you prefer command-line tools or want to automate cleanup tasks.

Key Commands for Cleaning Temporary Files Windows 11

1. Delete Temporary Files in Windows Temp Folders
Commands:

del /q /f /s %TEMP%\*
del /q /f /s C:\Windows\Temp\*

Explanation:

- %TEMP% is an environment variable pointing to your current user’s temporary folder.
- C:\Windows\Temp is the system-wide temporary folder.
/q is quiet mode (no prompts).
/f forces deletion of read-only files.
/s deletes all files in subdirectories.

How:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Enter these commands to delete temporary files.

2. Clear the Recycle Bin via Command Prompt

Command:

rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin

3. Use cleanmgr for Disk Cleanup
You can run the built-in Disk Cleanup utility silently via command line:

cleanmgr /sagerun:1

Setup:

First, configure cleanup options with cleanmgr /sageset:1, selecting what to delete.
Then, run the above command to perform cleanup automatically.

Using BleachBit can be an effective way to delete temporary files Windows 11. As BleachBit is an open-source, free cleaning tool that helps remove unnecessary files from your system, including temporary files, cache, cookies, and more. It is similar to built-in tools but offers more granular control and additional cleaning options.

Pros of Using BleachBit
Deep Cleaning: It can clean more areas and types of files than Windows' default tools.
Customization: Allows you to select specific areas to clean, including browser caches, system logs, temporary files, and even free disk space.
Open Source & Safe: Widely used, with a transparent codebase and community support.

Best Practices When Using BleachBit
Use the Default Settings or Carefully Select Files: Stick to cleaning cache, temporary files, and recycle bin unless you know what you are doing.
Review Before deleting temporary files Windows 11: BleachBit typically shows what will be deleted; review this list carefully.
Avoid Critical System Files: Do not select options that delete system files or logs unless necessary and you're confident.

What NOT to Delete When Freeing Temporary Files in Windows 11:

❌ Anything in C:\Windows (unless using Disk Cleanup)

Why: The C:\Windows directory contains critical system files, drivers, and operating system components. Manually deleting files from this folder can corrupt Windows, cause system instability, or prevent Windows from booting.
Exception: Use Windows built-in tools or Reset your PC for safe removal of unnecessary system files.

❌ Program Files or Program Files (x86)

Why: These folders store installed applications. Deleting files here manually can break applications, result in missing features, or cause apps to malfunction.
Proper method: Use the Windows Add or Remove Programs feature or a trusted uninstaller to remove applications safely.

❌ AppData folder manually (use Settings)

Why: The AppData folder contains user-specific data, settings, and cached files for applications. Manually deleting files here could corrupt app settings, cause apps to lose data, or prevent them from functioning properly.
Proper method: Use the application’s built-in cleanup options or Windows Settings under Apps & Features.

❌ Files created today (some may be in use)

Why: Files created or modified today might be in use by running applications or system processes. Deleting them could cause applications to crash or lose unsaved work.
Tip: If you want to delete recent files, close all applications first, or do it during system maintenance windows when no apps are running.

Additional Tips for Safe delete temporary files Windows 11

When manually deleting files, always ensure:
They are in temporary folders like %Temp% or C:\Windows\Temp.
The files are not in use.
You understand what the files are for before deleting.

Setting up automatic cleanup for temporary files on Windows 11 is a smart way to keep your system running smoothly and free up disk space. 

How to Delete Temporary Files Windows 11:

1. Use Storage Settings:
Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Navigate to System > Storage.
Turn on "Storage Sense" if it's not already enabled.

2. Configure Storage Sense:
Click on "Configure Storage Sense or run it now."
Toggle on "Storage Sense" if it's not enabled.
Under "Run Storage Sense," choose how often you'd like it to run (e.g., every day, week, month).
Set preferences for deleting temporary files Windows 11, such as:
Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using.
Delete files in the Recycle Bin after a certain number of days.
Delete files in the Downloads folder that haven't been opened in a specified time.

3. Create Automation with Task Scheduler (Advanced):
Open Task Scheduler.
Create a new task to run the Disk Cleanup utility periodically.
Use the command: cleanmgr /sagerun:1 (after configuring cleanup options once with cleanmgr /sageset:1).

Using the Run command to delete temporary files Windows 11 is a quick and safe way to free up space. Here's how you can do it step-by-step:

1. Open Run:
        Press Windows + R.

2. Enter Temp Folder Path:
        Type %temp% and press Enter.
        This opens the temporary files folder for your user account.

3. Delete Files:
        Press Ctrl + A to select all files.
        Press Delete. Some files in use may not delete; that's normal.

4. Clear System Temp Files:
        Repeat with Run command: type temp and press Enter.
        Delete files in that folder as well.

Tips:

• Permissions: You might need administrator permissions to delete some files.
• Files in Use: Some files may be in use by the system or applications and cannot be deleted. That's normal; just skip those files.
• Regular Cleanup: Doing this regularly helps maintain free disk space.

Using %temp% and temp folders via Run command is a simple, built-in way to safely delete temporary files Windows 11 without third-party tools. It’s ideal for quick cleanup and safe to do frequently.

Hello,

You can delete temporary files using this guide, natively with Settings app:

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-remove-temporary-files-in-windows-11

Let us know if this helps!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP. 

To safely find and delete temporary files Windows 11 and free up space, you can follow these simple built-in methods:

 1. Open Settings:
        Click on the Start menu and select Settings or press Windows + I.

2. Navigate to Storage:
        In the Settings window, click on System > Storage.

3. Run Storage Cleanup:
        Under Storage Management, click on Temporary files.
        Windows will scan and list temporary files, including:
            Temporary files
            Recycle bin
            Downloads not used
            Previous Windows installations (if any)

4. Select Files to Delete:
        Check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete (usually "Temporary files" is safe).
        Click Remove files to delete selected files.

Deleting temporary files Windows 11 is generally safe and won't affect your system or personal data. Avoid deleting system files manually outside these methods to prevent issues. Make sure to close all applications before deleting temp files for easier cleanup.