Microsoft often suggests that you clear your cache in Windows 10 to help your PC run faster and help you utilize more of your hard drive space for apps, games, and files. Cache is a set of temporary files used by a Windows 10 app or program or the operating system itself. In some cases, if your cache builds up over time, it can lead to the dreaded Windows 10 blue screen, or cause other unforeseen problems.
The temporary files cache is found in the Disk Cleanup program which is located within Windows using the File Explorer options menu. As many of us already know from Windows Update, Windows 10 uses temporary files to help the operating system function. Occasionally, these temporary file caches can become corrupted or get too big that they bog down your Windows 10 PC and slow down its performance.
If you are running low on storage space, or notice your Windows 10 PC is running slower than normal, it may be time to clear your cache in Windows 10. Here are three ways to clear your cache in Windows 10.
Disk Cleanup
1.Click the Start Menu, or use the search box and type “Disk Cleanup.”
2. Once Disk Cleanup app opens, click the box next to “Temporary files.” Click the boxes next to whatever other files and folders, you want to erase. You can also choose to Clean up system files. Either option will completely erase the files from your Windows 10 PC.
3. Click OK.
It may take a little while for Disk Cleanup to complete the process, but your temporary files cache will be cleared, along with any other files you chose to delete.
File Explorer History
For File Explorer History, you need to do is open a folder in Windows 10. Once a folder is open, follow these steps:
- Click File.
- Click Options.
- Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer History.
- Click OK to finish.
Microsoft Edge Cache
Depending on what browser you use, the process for cleaning out your cache is likely similar across browsers. If you experience issues opening websites, you may need to do clear your cache every so often. Most browsers, including Microsoft Edge give you the option to automatically clear your cache when you exit the browser, but here’s a refresher in case you don’t know.
Clearing the Microsoft Edge cache is simple, follow these steps:
- Click the three dot menu in the upper right-hand corner.
- Click Settings then click Privacy and services.
- Click Choose what to clear (blue button) to the right of Clear browsing data now.
- Choose the Time range and the box next to Cache images and files.
- Click Clear now.
Microsoft Edge has settings that allow you to clear your browser cache automatically. If you want to change what you clear when you exit Edge, follow the guide to step three and underneath Choose what to clear, click Choose what to clear every time your browser closes.
Once there, you can toggle other items you want to clear every time you close Edge, including browsing and download history, cookies, site permissions, and more. It is convenient to have the option to automatically to rid your browser of unwanted junk that can bog down your Windows 10 PC. Other than Disk Cleanup, File Explorer History and browser cache, what are other things you can do to keep your Windows 10 PC running smoothly? Let us know in the comments.