How to Delete Temporary Files Safely in Windows

Is your computer slow, are applications malfunctioning, or do you have no space for crucial files? Then, you must delete temporary files, also known as temp files, to fix storage problems, performance issues, and potential security risks.

However, if you have no idea how to clear temp files, we are here to help you. In this article, we introduce you to the easiest and safest ways to perform temp file cleanup.

Before proceeding to these methods, let’s explain what these files are and whether or not it is safe to delete temporary files, so that no confusion remains.

What Are Temporary Files in Windows

Temporary files in Windows are files that programs create to store data temporarily while the program is running or being modified. While these files are deleted automatically when you close the program, sometimes they can be left behind.

Moreover, the files can be useful for different purposes, for example, saving data safely before being written to permanent storage or cleaning up memory.

If left undeleted, these files accumulate over time, leading to low disk space, slower boot times, sluggish application performance, system slowdowns, errors or unexpected system behavior, and security risks. Hence, a cleanup of temp files becomes necessary for the system to function smoothly.

Is it Safe to Delete Temporary Files

To answer the question, “Should I delete temp files?” and if it is safe to do so, yes, it is safe to delete temporary files. These files are typically not crucial for the functioning of your computer or any applications that you are running.

That being considered, there may be instances where deleting some kinds of temporary files could lead to problems for certain programs or processes. If you are unsure whether you should delete or not delete specific temporary files, it is always best to exercise caution and leave the files you are doubtful about.

On that note, let’s walk you through the quickest and easiest methods to delete temporary files to improve your computer performance.

How to Delete Temporary Files: Quick and Easy Ways

You can follow any of the methods explained below to clear temporary files depending on your convenience.

Method 1: Use the temporary files menu to clear temporary files

A quick way to identify and delete temporary files is through the temporary files menu. You can follow the steps below to clear these files on your computer using the temporary files menu.

• First, open Windows settings using the Windows logo key+I key combination.
• Second, choose System from the on-screen settings panel.
• Next, select Storage from the System settings menu.
• In this step, choose Temporary Files from the Storage menu.

• You can now select the type of temp file you want to delete and then click on the Remove files button. However, remember not to delete the Downloads folder if you are currently accessing these files.

Also know: Best Ways To Delete Temp Files On Mac

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Method 2: Delete temporary files using Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to free up disk space. It also lets you clean up temp files. Here is how.

• First, use the combination of the Windows logo key and the I key to open the Settings panel.
• Second, choose System from the on-screen Settings.
• Next, select Storage from the System settings.
• In this step, toggle on Storage Sense and click Configure Storage Sense or run it now. 

• Next, check the Delete temporary files that apps aren’t using under the “Temporary Files” section.
• Lastly, click on the Clean now button to clear temporary files.

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Method 3: Perform temp files cleanup using Disk Cleanup

You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files on Windows by performing a whole drive scan. Here is how.

• First, access Windows search using the Windows logo key and the S key combination.
• Second, type disk cleanup in the on-screen search bar and press Enter. 
• Next, choose Run as administrator for the Disk Cleanup.
• Select the drive you wish to search for temp files to delete and click OK. 
• In this step, review each file type description and select or deselect them as required.
• Lastly, click on the OK button to delete temporary files.

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Method 4: Use Command Prompt to delete temporary files

While Command Prompt allows you to clear temporary files permanently, you may be unable to recover these files after they are deleted. Hence, delete the temporary files using Command Prompt if you are sure you no longer need them. Here is how to do it.

• First, type cmd or Command Prompt in Windows search.
• Second, choose Run as administrator for Command Prompt.

• Once the Command Prompt appears, type or copy-paste the command del /q/f/s %TEMP%\ into the on-screen window and press Enter. 

Also know: How to Remove Windows Temp CAB Files

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Method 5: Clean up your browser to delete temporary files

Browsers create a lot of temporary files, such as cookies, cached websites, and browsing history. These temporary files, if left unmanaged, keep accumulating and causing performance problems on Windows. Hence, it becomes essential to clear your browser cache.

While the cache clearing process differs slightly from one browser to another, it is mostly the same across all browsers. For your reference, below is how to clear the cache on Google Chrome, one of the top browsers.

• First, open the Clear browsing data window using the Ctrl+Shift+Delete window.
• Second, choose All Time from the Time Range menu.
• You can now select cached images and files from the options on your screen.
• Lastly, complete browser cache cleaning by clicking on the Clear Data button.

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Temporary Files Deleted Successfully

That is how to delete temporary files in Windows to keep away storage space problems, performance issues, potential errors, and security risks. You can follow any method from the guide above that you are most comfortable with.

However, if you need help or have any questions/feedback/suggestions about this article, please do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section.