The temporary file cache is located in the Disk Cleanup program and the history of File Explorer can be cleared from the File Explorer options menu. Windows is full of temporary files that help the operating system do its job. Occasionally, these file caches can be damaged or enlarged to the point that they interfere with your computer’s performance.
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How to clear the cache on a Windows 10 computer
If you’re running out of storage space or notice unusual Windows 10 behaviors, one of the first things you can do is clear your cache. In particular, there are two caches that you should know how to restore- temporary files and file browser history.
How to clear the cache of temporary files in Windows 10 using Disk Cleanup
- 1. Click Start, then type “Disk Cleanup”.
- 2. Click Disk Cleanup when it appears in the search results.
- 3. Make sure that the “C:” drive is selected and click “OK”.
- 4. Check the box next to “Temporary files”. It’s up to you to check other types of files.
- 6. Click on ‘OK’. It may take a few minutes, but the temporary file cache will be cleared.
How to clear the history of File Explorer in Windows 10
- 1. Open any file explorer window. One way to do this is to open a folder or click the File Explorer icon in the Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
- 2. Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
- 3. On the ribbon click on “Options”.
- 4. In the General tab in the Privacy section, click on “Delete”.
How to clear the browser cache in Windows 10
In addition to these important caches, the cache may occasionally need to be cleared in your web browser, especially if you experience problems opening certain web pages consistently.
- In Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, scroll down to the History tab and click “History” in the menu that appears. Then click on “Clear browsing data” and then on “Clear data”.
- In Firefox, click on the three horizontal lines to open the menu. Then choose “Options”. On the “Privacy and security” page, click “Clear history” and then click “Delete now”.
- In Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu and then click “Settings”. In the Delete browsing data section, click “Choose what to delete”, then click “Delete”.
