File Explorer is one of the most used parts of Windows 11. You use it every day to open folders, move files, copy data, connect external drives, and manage everything stored on your computer. Most of the time, File Explorer works smoothly and feels fast. But sometimes, it can become slow, start freezing, show wrong thumbnails, or display outdated folder history.
When that happens, one common solution is clearing the File Explorer cache.
The File Explorer cache is made to improve performance by saving certain information, like recently opened files, folder history, quick access data, thumbnails, and search history. But over time, this saved data can become messy or corrupted. Instead of helping, it can start causing problems, such as slow loading, incorrect icons, or frequent crashes.
In this guide, you will learn how to clear File Explorer cache in Windows 11 using easy and safe methods. You will also learn what cache means, what clearing it removes, and when you should do it.
What Is File Explorer Cache in Windows 11?
File Explorer cache is stored data that Windows saves to make File Explorer run faster. For example, when you open a folder, Windows remembers its view settings, thumbnails, and sometimes the recent items related to that folder. When you open the same folder again, File Explorer can load it quicker because it does not need to rebuild everything from scratch.
This cache can include things like thumbnail previews, quick access history, recently opened items, and saved folder navigation information. All of this helps File Explorer feel quick and responsive.
However, cache is not perfect. If the cached data becomes too large or corrupted, it can make File Explorer behave strangely. That is why clearing the cache can fix common issues without deleting your personal files.
Why You Might Need to Clear File Explorer Cache
Clearing File Explorer cache is helpful when File Explorer is not working the way it should. Some problems are caused by corrupted thumbnails, broken history records, or outdated quick access data.
You may want to clear the cache if you notice File Explorer loading slowly, crashing often, or freezing when opening folders. Another sign is when thumbnails are not loading properly and you only see blank icons or incorrect previews. Sometimes File Explorer may keep showing deleted folders in Quick Access, or it may display old recent files even after you removed them.
Clearing the cache gives File Explorer a fresh start, which often improves performance and removes visual problems.
What Happens When You Clear File Explorer Cache?
When you clear File Explorer cache, Windows removes the saved history and temporary stored information related to File Explorer. This does not delete your personal documents, photos, videos, or folders. It only removes the stored preview and history data that Windows uses for faster browsing.
After clearing the cache, File Explorer might take a little longer to load thumbnails again because it has to rebuild the thumbnail database. This is normal. After some time, it becomes smooth again.
Clearing cache also removes recent files and folder history from File Explorer, depending on the method you choose.
Method 1: Clear File Explorer History Using Folder Options
This is the easiest and safest method. It clears File Explorer’s recent items and quick access history.
To clear File Explorer history in Windows 11:
- Open File Explorer
- Click the three dots menu at the top
- Select Options
- In the General tab, go to the Privacy section
- Click Clear
- Click Apply and then OK
This method clears the history stored in File Explorer, including recently opened files and frequently used folders that show in Quick Access.
If you want File Explorer to stop showing recent files and frequently used folders, you can also uncheck those options in the same Privacy section.
Method 2: Restart File Explorer to Refresh Cache
Sometimes File Explorer becomes slow or stuck because it is running incorrectly in the background. Restarting File Explorer resets its current session and can fix many small issues.
To restart File Explorer:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find Windows Explorer in the list
- Right-click Windows Explorer
- Click Restart
Your screen may refresh for a second. After that, File Explorer will reopen and usually feels faster.
This method does not clear thumbnail cache fully, but it refreshes File Explorer and fixes temporary glitches.
Method 3: Clear the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 11
Thumbnail cache is one of the biggest parts of File Explorer cache. It stores small preview images of your files like photos, videos, and documents. Sometimes thumbnails become corrupted, and then File Explorer shows wrong previews or blank icons.
To clear thumbnail cache using Disk Cleanup:
- Open the Start menu
- Search for Disk Cleanup
- Open Disk Cleanup
- Select your main drive, usually C:
- Click OK
- Check the box for Thumbnails
- Click OK
- Select Delete Files
This will remove the stored thumbnail previews. After that, Windows will generate new thumbnails the next time you open folders containing images and videos.
Method 4: Clear File Explorer Cache Using Storage Settings
Windows 11 also includes a modern way to clean temporary files using the Settings app. This method can clear thumbnail cache and other temporary system data.
To clear cache using Storage settings:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Storage
- Select Temporary files
- Wait for Windows to scan files
- Check Thumbnails and other temporary items you want to remove
- Click Remove files
This method is useful because it provides more cleaning options in one place.
Method 5: Clear Quick Access Cache Manually
Quick Access is the section in File Explorer that shows frequently used folders and recent files. Sometimes Quick Access gets stuck and shows items that no longer exist. Clearing Quick Access cache manually can fix this.
To clear Quick Access manually:
- Open File Explorer
- Click the address bar
- Paste this path and press Enter:
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations
In this folder, you will see many files with long names. These files store Quick Access and recent items history.
To clear it:
- Select all files in this folder
- Delete them
You can also clear another folder for recent items:
- Open Run by pressing Windows + R
- Type: %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
- Press Enter
- Delete the contents
This will reset recent file tracking and Quick Access history.
Method 6: Clear File Explorer Search History
If File Explorer search feels slow or shows old search suggestions, you can clear the search history too.
To clear File Explorer search history:
- Open File Explorer
- Click inside the search box
- Right-click the search suggestions if available
- Clear search history
Another way is to disable search history suggestions from Folder Options privacy settings, depending on your Windows 11 version.
Clearing search history helps when you want privacy or want search to feel clean and fresh.
What If File Explorer Still Feels Slow After Clearing Cache?
If File Explorer is still slow after clearing cache, the issue might not be cache-related. It could be caused by system file corruption, slow storage drive, too many startup apps, or a third-party shell extension causing Explorer to freeze.
A simple fix is checking for Windows updates. Updates often improve File Explorer stability.
You can also run a system scan using built-in tools like SFC and DISM. These tools can repair corrupted Windows system files that affect File Explorer behavior.
Sometimes antivirus scanning in real time can also slow down File Explorer when opening large folders. In that case, checking antivirus settings can help, but always keep security enabled.
If the problem happens only when opening one specific folder, that folder might contain a corrupted file or a damaged thumbnail preview. Clearing thumbnails usually fixes that.
When Should You Clear File Explorer Cache?
Clearing File Explorer cache is a good idea when you notice clear signs like wrong thumbnails, frozen folders, slow navigation, or outdated quick access items.
You do not need to clear the cache every day. In fact, Windows manages caching automatically and it usually works fine. Clearing the cache is mostly a troubleshooting step when something feels wrong.
If you use your PC heavily for media files, editing, or file management work, clearing thumbnail cache occasionally can make a noticeable difference.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the Windows File Explorer cache in Windows 11 is a safe and useful way to fix common Explorer problems. It can remove broken thumbnails, reset quick access history, and improve browsing speed without deleting your personal files.
The easiest method is clearing history from Folder Options, but if you want deeper cleanup, clearing thumbnail cache using Disk Cleanup or Storage settings is more effective. You can also manually remove Quick Access cache files if File Explorer keeps showing outdated entries.
Once you clear the cache, File Explorer may take a short time to rebuild thumbnails again, but after that, it usually becomes smoother and more stable.
If you want, I can also write the next article in the same style on how to fix File Explorer not responding in Windows 11 or how to speed up File Explorer performance permanently.
