How to clear all cache and junk files from my Windows 11/10 computer?

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You can use a PC cleaning software to clear all caches and junk files in Windows 11/10.

PC Cleaner software can be a convenient option for users who want an automated, all-in-one solution to remove junk files. These programs scan your system for temporary files, browser caches, outdated logs, and other unnecessary data, often presenting results in a simple interface where you can delete items with one click. Many reputable cleaners can save time and reduce the risk of accidentally deleting important system files, since they target known safe-to-remove items.

For most users, Windows 11/10’s built-in tools, like Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and the "Free up space" option in Settings, are the safest and most reliable choices. They’re designed by Microsoft specifically for your system, carry no risk of malware, and effectively clear cache and junk files without compromising stability. If you choose a third-party PC cleaner, use it cautiously and supplement it with periodic manual checks to ensure nothing critical is removed.

Temporary files are created by Windows, applications, and system processes for short-term use. While designed to be automatically deleted, many accumulate over time, consuming gigabytes of storage and potentially slowing down your system. This targeted cleanup is one of the most effective ways to clear all cache files and junk from Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. %temp% (User-Specific Temp Files)

What it is: Current user's temporary files folder

Location: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp

Purpose: Stores temporary files for applications you run under your user account

2. temp (System-Wide Temp Files)

What it is: System temporary files directory

Location: C:\Windows\Temp

Purpose: Stores temporary files for system processes and applications running under system account

3. prefetch (Application Preload Data)

What it is: Windows performance optimization cache

Location: C:\Windows\Prefetch

Purpose: Stores information about frequently used programs to load them faster

Manual temporary file cleanup is a highly effective maintenance task that can clear caches & junk files and this will significant storage space (often 5-20GB on older systems) and potentially improve performance by reducing disk clutter

While general cleanup tools are effective for broad system maintenance, targeted cache clearing addresses specific performance issues and privacy concerns that general cleaners might miss. Each type of cache serves a different purpose—from speeding up website loading to storing application data—but over time, these files can accumulate, consuming significant disk space and potentially causing application conflicts, login issues, or outdated content display.

Browser Cache

Temporary storage of website resources (images, scripts, CSS files) to speed up subsequent visits to the same sites.

Why clear it:

• Fix website display issues (broken layouts, outdated content)
• Free up disk space (browsers can accumulate GBs of data)
• Resolve login/session problems
• Remove tracking cookies and browsing history
• Ensure you're seeing the most current version of websites

Windows Store Cache

Temporary files used by the Microsoft Store for app downloads, updates, and metadata.

Why clear it:

• Fix Microsoft Store download/update failures
• Resolve "Error 0x8000xxxx" codes
• Fix apps that won't launch from Store
• Clear corrupted update files

This is quite good free way to delete and clear all cache & junk files on Windows 11/10. The strategic approach gives you surgical control over your system's temporary data, allowing you to balance performance, storage space, and convenience according to your specific needs at any given time.

Using Chrome command-line launch parameters to clear cache and junk files isn't directly supported through a specific parameter. However, you can automate clear all cache and junk files on Windows 11 by using command-line options or scripts that delete Chrome's cache directories.

Close Chrome: Make sure Chrome is not running.
Delete cache folders: Use command-line commands to clear all cache and junk files on Windows 11.

Example batch script:

@echo off
taskkill /IM chrome.exe /F
rmdir /s /q "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache"
rmdir /s /q "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Code Cache"
rmdir /s /q "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Media Cache"
start chrome

This script kills Chrome, deletes cache folders, and then restarts Chrome.
Alternative: Use Chrome's built-in command-line argument for incognito mode:

chrome --incognito

But note, this doesn't clear cache; it just opens Chrome in incognito mode, which doesn't save cache during that session.

When using Disk Cleanup to clear cache and junk files on Windows 11, there are some important errors to avoid to ensure you don't accidentally delete important data or cause issues with your system:

1. Deleting Important Files: Be cautious when selecting items to delete. Avoid selecting system files or other data unless you're sure they are safe to remove, especially if you're not familiar with what each category contains.
2. Not Reviewing Files Before Deletion: Always review the list of files and categories (like Temporary Files, System Cache, Recycle Bin, etc.) before confirming deletion to prevent removing anything unintentionally.
3. Ignoring the Recycle Bin: If you want to recover files later, don't empty the Recycle Bin accidentally through Disk Cleanup. Double-check what’s selected.
4. Using Disk Cleanup Without Backup: While it's generally safe, if you're deleting large amounts of data or system files, consider creating a backup beforehand just in case.
5. Not Running as Administrator When Needed: Some cleanup options require administrator privileges. Ensure you run Disk Cleanup with the appropriate permissions to access all necessary files.
6. Relying Solely on Disk Cleanup for All Cleaning Needs: Disk Cleanup is useful for basic cache and junk files, but for more thorough cleanup (like removing leftover files from uninstalled programs), consider additional tools for clearing all cache and junk files on Windows 11.
7. Closing Important Applications Before Cleanup: Close active applications to prevent conflicts or issues while cleaning system files.
8. Not Restarting After Cleanup: Some files may only be fully cleared after a system restart. Restart your PC after cleaning to complete the process.

Over time, Windows accumulates various temporary files, cache data, and system leftovers that can slow down your PC and reduce free disk space. Here’s a comprehensive, safe, and effective approach to clear all cache and junk files on Windows 11 without risking stability:

Best Practices to clear all Cache and Junk files on Windows 11

Use Built-in Windows Tools. Such as Storage Settings
   1. Open Settings > System > Storage
   2. Turn on Storage Sense
   3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now
   4. Enable Automatically free up space (e.g., delete temporary files, Recycle Bin contents)
   5. You can customize how often it runs and what files to delete
   6. Click Run Storage Sense now to clean immediately

This tool safely deletes:

  * Temporary files
  * Recycle Bin contents
  * Previous Windows installations (if applicable)
  * Delivery Optimization files