How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10

Accumulated temporary files on a computer can slow down its performance, take up valuable disk space, and even cause system crashes over time. In this guide, you’ll learn how to delete temporary files in Windows 10 using built-in tools and other methods. Following these steps will help free up space and improve your PC’s performance.

Why Is It Important to Delete Temporary Files?

Temporary files are created by the system and applications to store data needed for various tasks. However, most of these files become unnecessary once a process is complete but still occupy space on your hard drive. Regularly deleting temporary files helps to:

  • Free up disk space;
  • Enhance system speed;
  • Reduce the likelihood of errors and application crashes.

Main Ways to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10

1. Using the Built-In “Disk Cleanup” Tool

“Disk Cleanup” is a standard tool in Windows 10 that allows you to quickly find and delete temporary files, cache, Recycle Bin contents, and more. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open Start, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select the app.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
  3. After scanning, check the boxes next to items you want to delete, including “Temporary Files”.
  4. Click “OK” and confirm to delete the files.

2. Deleting Temporary Files via Windows Settings

Another easy way to clean up temporary files is by using the “Storage” section in Windows Settings:

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to System and select Storage.
  3. Click on “Temporary files”, select the categories of files to delete, then press “Remove files”.

3. Manually Clearing the Temp Folder

Windows stores temporary files in a specific Temp folder. To delete these files manually, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer, type %temp% in the address bar, and press Enter.
  2. Select all files and folders in this directory (use Ctrl + A).
  3. Press Delete on your keyboard and confirm deletion.

4. Using Third-Party Software to Delete Temporary Files

For additional and deep cleaning, you can use software like CCleaner, which specializes in deleting unnecessary files, optimizing the registry, and improving PC performance. Note that it’s recommended to create a system restore point before using third-party programs.

Tips for Automating Temporary File Cleanup

To avoid the need to manually delete temporary files, consider automating system cleanup:

  • Enable “Storage Sense” in Windows Storage settings. This feature automatically deletes temporary files and clears the Recycle Bin at set intervals.
  • Schedule a cleanup program (e.g., CCleaner) if you prefer using third-party software.