If your Windows 11 computer has started running slow, apps are taking too long to open, browser pages are loading late, or your storage is filling up quickly, then clearing cache can help a lot. Cache files are temporary files created by Windows, browsers, and apps to make things load faster the next time. However, when cache files become too large or corrupted, they can cause performance problems. Many users think clearing cache is difficult, but Windows 11 makes it easy, and you can do it quickly using shortcut keys.
In this guide, you will learn how to clear different types of cache on Windows 11 using shortcut keys and fast built-in tools. This includes clearing temporary files, browser cache, Microsoft Store cache, DNS cache, and more. All methods are safe and beginner-friendly, and you do not need any third-party software.
What Is Cache in Windows 11?
Cache is a collection of temporary files stored on your computer by Windows and different applications. The purpose of cache is to improve performance. For example, when you open a website, your browser stores some files like images and scripts so that the site loads faster the next time. Similarly, Windows stores temporary files, thumbnails, and system data to speed up your overall experience.
The problem is that cache keeps growing over time. Some cache files become outdated or broken. When too many cache files build up, they can slow down your system, reduce available disk space, and even cause errors in apps. That is why cleaning cache regularly can improve speed, reduce lag, and make Windows 11 feel fresh again.
Shortcut Keys That Help Clear Cache in Windows 11
Windows 11 supports many shortcut keys that make the cache clearing process faster. You don’t need to click many settings manually when you know the right shortcuts.
Here are the most useful shortcut keys used for clearing cache:
- Windows + R (opens Run box for quick commands)
- Windows + I (opens Settings)
- Ctrl + Shift + Delete (opens browser clear data menu)
- Ctrl + A (selects all files inside a folder)
- Shift + Delete (deletes permanently without sending to recycle bin)
- Windows + S (opens search quickly)
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc (opens Task Manager)
Now let’s go through the best methods one by one.
Method 1: Clear Temporary Files Cache Using Shortcut Key (Windows + R)
Temporary files are one of the biggest types of cache in Windows 11. These files are created when you install apps, use software, browse files, or run tasks. They are meant to be deleted automatically, but many times they remain and take storage space.
The fastest way to clear temporary cache is using the Run shortcut key.
Steps to clear Temp folder:
- Press Windows + R
- Type temp
- Press Enter
- Select all files using Ctrl + A
- Delete using Shift + Delete
- Click Yes to confirm
After this, you should also clear the %temp% folder because it contains user-based temporary files.
Steps to clear %temp% folder:
- Press Windows + R
- Type %temp%
- Press Enter
- Select all files using Ctrl + A
- Delete using Shift + Delete
Sometimes a few files may not delete because Windows is using them. This is normal. Just click Skip for those files.
Method 2: Clear Prefetch Cache (Windows + R Method)
Prefetch files help Windows open programs faster by storing their load information. But sometimes prefetch files get too many and can slow down your system.
Steps to clear Prefetch:
- Press Windows + R
- Type prefetch
- Press Enter
- Click Continue if permission is asked
- Select all using Ctrl + A
- Delete using Shift + Delete
Clearing Prefetch is safe and can refresh system speed, especially on older PCs.
Method 3: Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup Shortcut (cleanmgr)
Disk Cleanup is one of the safest built-in tools in Windows 11 for removing unnecessary cache and junk files. It clears temporary files, thumbnails, update leftovers, and many other cached items.
Steps to use Disk Cleanup:
- Press Windows + R
- Type cleanmgr
- Press Enter
- Select the C drive
- Click OK
- Wait for scanning
- Select the file types you want to remove
- Click OK
- Select Delete Files
Disk Cleanup works very well for quickly freeing up storage space.
Method 4: Clear Browser Cache Using Shortcut Key (Ctrl + Shift + Delete)
Browser cache is often the biggest reason why websites load slowly or show old content. Every browser stores cached images, cookies, scripts, and browsing data. Clearing browser cache improves browsing speed and also fixes many website loading issues.
This shortcut works on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.
Steps to clear browser cache:
- Open your browser
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
- Choose a time range like Last 24 hours or All time
- Select Cached images and files
- Click Clear data or Clear now
If you clear cookies too, you may get logged out of some websites. If you want to stay logged in, avoid deleting cookies.
Method 5: Clear Microsoft Store Cache Using wsreset Shortcut
Microsoft Store has its own cache, and if it becomes corrupted, Store may stop downloading or updating apps properly. The fastest way to clear it is with a shortcut command.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type wsreset
- Press Enter
- Wait for the process to complete
After a few seconds, Microsoft Store will open automatically. This method fixes many Store-related problems.
Method 6: Clear DNS Cache in Windows 11 (Fix Internet Issues)
DNS cache stores website address information so that your PC can open websites faster. But sometimes DNS cache becomes outdated or incorrect, causing websites to not load or open incorrectly. Clearing DNS cache can solve many internet problems.
Steps to clear DNS cache:
- Press Windows + S
- Type cmd
- Right-click Command Prompt
- Select Run as administrator
- Type the command below and press Enter
ipconfig /flushdns
Once you run this command, your DNS cache will be cleared instantly.
Method 7: Clear Windows Update Cache (Safe Way)
Windows Update downloads update files in the background. Sometimes failed updates or old files remain in storage, taking space and causing update errors. Clearing update cache can solve update issues.
The safest way to clear Windows Update cache is by stopping update services and deleting the downloaded files. This method should be done carefully.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Press Enter
- Find Windows Update service
- Right-click and choose Stop
- Now press Windows + R again
- Type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- Press Enter
- Select all and delete
- Go back to services window
- Right-click Windows Update and choose Start
This refreshes Windows Update files and can fix stuck updates.
Method 8: Clear Thumbnail Cache (Fix Folder Preview Slow)
When you open folders with many images, videos, or documents, Windows creates thumbnails. These thumbnails are cached files. If thumbnail cache gets corrupted, folder previews can stop showing properly or File Explorer becomes slow.
You can clear thumbnail cache using Disk Cleanup.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type cleanmgr
- Press Enter
- Select C drive
- Check Thumbnails option
- Click OK
- Select Delete Files
This method will force Windows to rebuild thumbnails again.
Method 9: Clear File Explorer Cache by Restarting Explorer
Sometimes File Explorer becomes slow, stops responding, or does not refresh correctly. Clearing File Explorer cache can help. Restarting Windows Explorer refreshes many cached Explorer components.
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find Windows Explorer
- Right-click it
- Select Restart
Your taskbar may disappear for a few seconds and then come back. That’s normal.
Method 10: Clear Cache from Windows 11 Settings (Storage)
Windows 11 Settings has a built-in storage cleanup system that removes temporary files safely. This is one of the easiest ways for normal users.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click System
- Select Storage
- Click Temporary files
- Select items you want to delete
- Click Remove files
This can remove large temporary cache quickly.
Method 11: Use Storage Sense for Auto Cache Cleaning
Storage Sense automatically clears cache and temporary files to keep your PC clean without manual effort. If you want Windows to clean cache in the background, Storage Sense is a great feature.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I
- Open System
- Click Storage
- Turn on Storage Sense
- Click Storage Sense settings
- Choose how often you want it to clean
You can set it to run daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your usage.
How Often Should You Clear Cache in Windows 11?
There is no fixed rule, but clearing cache once every few weeks can keep your PC smooth. If you use your computer daily, browse online regularly, and install apps often, then clearing cache once every 7 to 15 days is helpful. If your system feels slow or storage is getting low, you can clear cache immediately.
Clearing cache does not remove your personal files like photos, videos, and documents. It only removes temporary data that Windows and apps can rebuild again when needed.
Benefits of Clearing Cache in Windows 11
Clearing cache gives many benefits. Your system feels lighter and faster because unnecessary temporary files are removed. It can improve storage space, fix random errors in apps, and improve browsing performance. If your browser is not loading websites properly, clearing cache can solve that problem too. Many users also notice that their laptop runs smoother after clearing cache, especially after updates.
Another major benefit is that it can fix issues like slow File Explorer, laggy taskbar, and apps crashing. That is why clearing cache is a simple but powerful maintenance trick.
Final Thoughts
Clearing computer cache in Windows 11 is one of the best ways to improve your system speed and remove unwanted junk files. With the help of shortcut keys like Windows + R and Ctrl + Shift + Delete, you can clean temporary files, browser cache, Microsoft Store cache, DNS cache, and more in just a few minutes. You don’t need any extra software because Windows 11 already includes everything you need for cache cleaning.
If you want quick results, start with clearing temp files and browser cache. If you want deeper cleaning, use Disk Cleanup and Storage settings. And if you want automatic cleaning, enable Storage Sense so Windows can manage cache itself.
When done regularly, these simple steps keep your Windows 11 PC fresh, fast, and free from unnecessary clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will clearing cache delete my personal files in Windows 11?
No, clearing cache does not delete your personal files like photos, videos, documents, or downloads. It only removes temporary files.
2. Is it safe to delete temp files using Windows + R method?
Yes, it is safe. Temp files are created for temporary usage, and Windows can recreate them again when needed.
3. What is the fastest shortcut to clear browser cache?
The fastest shortcut is Ctrl + Shift + Delete. It opens the clear browsing data screen instantly.
4. Why does my PC still feel slow after clearing cache?
If your PC still feels slow, it could be due to low RAM, too many startup apps, viruses, or a full hard drive. Clearing cache helps, but performance also depends on your system hardware.
