Learn the ways to maintain and delete temporary files on Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs to free up disk space.
A huge bunch of temporary files can be a big reason for low disk space error and it can slow down your PC. So, you should always try to clean temporary files regularly. If you are a Windows OS user and don’t know how to do that learn how to declutter your PC by deleting temp files.
Automatic creation of temporary files is common for Windows systems. All operating systems and apps create and store temporary files on your PC to run the programs faster. Technically, these files are important and play a crucial role in the smooth operation. But the problem is that these files can quickly accumulate over time and create several issues such as performance degradation, security vulnerabilities, slow down your system performance and unnecessary disk space consumption.
To avoid and fix these system issues, you should know how to manage temporary files. In this guide, you will learn all the effective ways to manage and delete temporary files on a Windows 10 and Windows 10 PC.
What are Temporary Files?
As the name suggests, Temporary files are created by active apps, operating systems and programs during the operation. Basically, these files are important for smooth operation and provide the data access that is required for a short duration.
Temporary files or temp files are not harmful to your system. Ideally, unnecessary or unwanted temp files should be deleted automatically by the programs. If not, they are stored in the specific directories on your Windows system and start tacking up more and more space on your hard drive.
To improve system performance and avoid low disk space errors, remove temporary files.
Why You Should Manage Temporary Files On Windows
As we already told you, Temp files are important for the smooth functioning of programs and applications. However, unnecessary accumulation of these files can create significant problems for your system.
They can consume valuable disk space, slow down system performance and can generate security risks.
Manual Methods To Delete Temporary Files on a Windows 10 and W11 PC
Several effective ways are available to remove unwanted temp files. The best thing is that you can do it manually or can automate this process according to your specific needs.
Let’s talk about manual methods.
(A) Delete temporary Files Using Disk Cleanup Tool
Windows developers already knew about the importance of temp files. These files are important but consume large disk space in your system. That’s why they provide a built-in cleanup tool (Disk Clean up Tool) for Windows OS systems.
With the help of this tool, you can safely delete temporary files including restore points and other unnecessary data from your system. The disk clean-up tool comes with all versions of Windows.
To learn more about the Windows Disk Cleanup tool, read the below guide and use it properly.
You can use the disk cleanup tool to remove temp files and other unwanted files anytime. Additionally, it allowed you to automate disk cleanup process with Task Scheduler tool.
| The disk cleanup tool is a perfect tool to remove temp files including other unnecessary data stored in other locations (beyond the Temp folder). However, after completing the cleaning process, temp files will start accumulating again. So, schedule disk cleanup process as an efficient long-term solution. |
(B) Delete Temporary Files from the Temp Folder
Another manual method to delete temp files is, to delete temporary files from the Temp folder on your Windows system. This folder (c:/Windows/Temp) contains a large number of temporary files that are typically not required after completing the specific task. So, it’s good to delete these files to free up disk space.
Steps 01 How to Access Temporary Files in Windows 10, 11, 8 & 7
The process of locating and clearing the Windows temp folder is the same for all Windows OS versions (W10, W11, W7 & W8).
- Open the “RUN” dialogue box by pressing and holding the “Windows Logo Key + R”. Admin permission is must to access the temp folder on the Windows system.
- Type temp or “%temp%” in the text box >>> hit the enter key and it will open the temp folder location to access temp files.
Step 02 Delete Temporary Files (Clear Temp Folder)
- Once you are in the temp folder,
Hold the Ctrl key on the keyboard>>> select the individual items for cleanup.
OR
Press the “Ctrl + A” to select all the items at the same time.
- After selection of temp files, press “Ctrl + D” to delete all the highlighted items. Choose the Skip option, if a “Folder in Use” notification appears during the removal process.
- After cleaning up your Windows temp folder, you should delete them permanently. For this, empty recycle bin and free up disk space for your system.
IMPORTANT POINTS
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(C) Clear Temporary Files From The Windows Settings
You can also do the same from the Windows Settings section.
To Clear Temp Files By Using Temporary File Menu:
- Open Windows Settings app on your computer.
- Navigate to “System” >>> “Storage” section.
- Under the storage section, you will see the summary of storage used and how you can free up space. Simply, click the “Temporary Files” option.
- Wait for a couple of minutes to create a list of files you can remove from your computer. Select the types of temporary files you want to delete and click on the “Remove files” option to initiate the cleanup process.
(D) Clean Temporary Files Using Command Prompt
Windows OS also allow users to clean temp files using the command line interpreter. You can erase Temporary files by running a simple command in the command prompt.
To clean Temporary Files Via Command Prompt:
- Open the Command prompt on pc and run it as administrator.
- Thy the below temp file cleaning command and hit the enter key on your keyboard.
del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*
- The above command will clean Temp folder within a few seconds and you don’t need to do anything.
Automated Tools for Deleting Temporary Files
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Third-Party Software
There are several third-party tools available that can automate the process of cleaning temp files and junk files on Windows OS based computers. The best thing about these tools is that they come with customization features. Additionally, they offer the best disk optimization, privacy protection and system maintenance features for advanced users.
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Built-in Utilities for Automated Cleanup
Manual temp files removal methods offer the flexibility to apply a disk cleanup process according to your own choice. But temp files create automatically when you run any app or program on your system. So, they start accumulating over time and consume a large volume of disk space.
If you are not going to clean the temp folder regularly, they can consume valuable disk space, slow down system performance, and even pose security risks.
To avoid this type of situation, Windows OS also provides built-in tools that can help automate the cleanup of temporary files.
For this,
- Enable and configure the Storage Sense on your Windows PC.
- Schedule Disk Cleanup Process
After configuring automatic cleanup settings, you don’t need to do this manually. An automatic cleanup process will ensure that temporary files are regularly removed to free up disk space and improve your system performance.
Why Delete Temporary Files?
- Each app, and software including the operating system creates temporary files regularly. These temporary files (temp files) can consume a significant amount of disk storage space over time.
- Emptying temp folder regularly can free up disk space for essential files and applications. Otherwise, you may face low disk space warnings and difficulty in saving new files.
- Limited free disk space can affect the system’s performance. It can slow down your system’s performance or apps may take a long time to respond.
- Clearing temporary files can help speed up your PC and decrease boot time.
- Temporary files may contain sensitive information (passwords, account details, or other personal data). Clean temp folder to avoid security risks.
- Deleting them can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your data.
CONCLUSION
These are straightforward instructions on “how to delete temporary files in Windows?” Cleaning temporary files in Windows is an essential process to maintain a healthy and efficient Windows system. By regularly deleting temporary files, you can avoid several system issues such as low disk space, slow system performance, lagging issues and security issues.
Whether you choose to use manual methods or automated tools, select the best Practices for Temporary file management to ensure a smooth and hassle-free computing experience.