Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide on how to clear cache in Windows 10 , covering system, app, and browser caches, plus some forum-style tips.

🖥️ Quick Scoop

Clearing cache in Windows 10 can:

  • Free up disk space.
  • Fix weird glitches and slowdowns.
  • Help apps and Windows updates behave properly.

Think of it as giving your PC a quick refresh without deleting your personal files.

1. Clear system cache with Disk Cleanup

This is the safest “built‑in” way and a good first step.

Steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup, then open it.
  1. Select your main drive (usually C:) and click OK.
  1. Wait for it to scan, then check:
    • Temporary files
    • Thumbnails
    • Recycle Bin
    • Other items you don’t need.
  1. Click Clean up system files for more options (like Windows Update cleanup).
  1. Select everything you’re comfortable deleting, then click OK → Delete Files.

Tip: This doesn’t remove your documents or photos, only cached and temporary system data.

2. Clear temporary file caches (Temp folders)

For a deeper clean of leftover temp files.

Steps (basic temp folder clean):

  1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, press Enter.
  2. Select all files in the folder and delete them (skip anything Windows won’t let you remove).

Steps (with admin commands – optional, more advanced):

  1. Search for Command Prompt , right‑click, choose Run as administrator.
  1. Run:
    • del /q /f /s %temp%\*
    • del /q /f /s C:\Windows\Temp\*
      These commands delete temp files in user and system temp folders.

Only use the command method if you’re comfortable with admin tools.

3. Clear Windows Store cache

If Microsoft Store is acting up (won’t update, won’t download), its cache might be the culprit.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  1. Type WSReset.exe and press Enter.
  1. A black window briefly appears, then the Store opens again with its cache cleared.

4. Clear Windows Update cache (for update issues)

This helps when updates get stuck or fail repeatedly.

Steps:

  1. Search Services in the Start menu and open it.
  1. Find Windows Update , right‑click it, and click Stop.
  1. Open File Explorer and go to:
    C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
    Delete all files inside this folder (not the folder itself).
  1. Go back to Services , right‑click Windows Update again, and select Start.

This forces Windows to rebuild the update cache.

5. Clear File Explorer history cache

If Quick Access or recent files look messy or glitchy, clear this.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Go to the View tab and click Options.
  1. Under the General tab, in the Privacy section, click Clear.

This resets File Explorer’s recent folders/files history, not your actual data.

6. Clear browser cache (Chrome, Edge, etc.)

This is technically browser‑specific instead of “Windows cache,” but it’s one of the most common reasons people search for “how to clear cache in Windows 10.”

In Microsoft Edge on Windows 10

  1. Open Edge.
  2. Click the three dots (⋯) in the top‑right → Settings.
  1. Go to Privacy, search, and services.
  1. Under Clear browsing data , click Choose what to clear.
  1. Select Cached images and files (optionally cookies and history), pick All time , and click Clear now.

In Chrome / other browsers

Most browsers have a similar path:

  • Settings → Privacy & security → Clear browsing data → Cached images and files.

This fixes websites loading old content or breaking after updates.

7. Extra tips from user forums

On Windows forums, power users often recommend a “full cleanup routine” when a PC feels sluggish:

  • Use Disk Cleanup (including Clean up system files) for system caches.
  • Empty the Recycle Bin so deleted files are actually removed.
  • Uninstall unused apps via Control Panel → Uninstall a program to free more space.
  • Optionally use maintenance tools (built‑in or third‑party) to automate some of this, but stick to reputable software.

One forum-style approach: run Disk Cleanup, clear temp folders, restart your PC, then check if performance improved before trying anything more aggressive.

8. When should you clear cache?

You don’t need to do this daily, but it helps when:

  • Apps or Windows feel noticeably slower.
  • Windows Update keeps failing.
  • Microsoft Store or Edge behaves oddly.
  • Disk space on drive C: is getting low.

For most people, doing a light cleanup every 1–3 months is plenty.

Simple HTML table summary (as requested)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>What you clear</th>
      <th>How to do it</th>
      <th>What it helps with</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>System cache (Disk Cleanup)</td>
      <td>Search “Disk Cleanup” → select C: → check Temporary files, etc. → Clean up system files → OK.</td>
      <td>Frees disk space, removes old system junk, can improve overall responsiveness.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Temp folders</td>
      <td>Run %temp% and delete contents, or use admin Command Prompt to delete temp paths.</td>
      <td>Clears leftover installer and app files that Windows no longer needs.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Windows Store cache</td>
      <td>Run → WSReset.exe.</td>
      <td>Fixes Store download/update issues and odd Store behavior.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Windows Update cache</td>
      <td>Stop Windows Update service → delete contents of SoftwareDistribution\Download → start service again.</td>
      <td>Helps when updates are stuck or repeatedly failing.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>File Explorer history</td>
      <td>File Explorer → View → Options → Clear under Privacy.</td>
      <td>Resets Quick Access and recent file lists.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Browser cache</td>
      <td>Browser Settings → Privacy & security → Clear browsing data → Cached images and files.</td>
      <td>Fixes site loading issues, ensures you see the latest website content.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

TL;DR

Use Disk Cleanup for a safe, broad clean, clear temp folders and Windows Update cache if you have performance or update problems, and don’t forget your browser cache when websites act weird.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.