How to delete temporary files on Windows 10

Temporary are an essential component of your Windows 10 operating system. They are created to assist various processes, enhance system performance, and provide backup support. However, over time, these files can occupy a significant amount of storage space on your device, affecting system performance and overall efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly temporary files on Windows 10 to optimize your ‘s performance.

In this article, we will guide you through different methods to delete temporary files on Windows 10, ensuring your device runs smoothly and efficiently.

Method 1: Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows 10 utility that allows you to identify and delete unnecessary files, including temporary files.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “cleanmgr” and hit Enter or click Ok.

2. A Disk Cleanup window will appear, prompting you to select the drive you want to clean up. Choose the drive where Windows 10 is installed, commonly labeled “C:”.

3. Click on the “Clean up system files” button. This action will initiate a deeper scan, including system files along with temporary files.

4. Select the files you want to delete. Make sure to check “Temporary files” from the list.

5. Click “Ok” to initiate the cleanup process. Windows will now delete the selected temporary files.

Method 2: Manually Deleting Temporary Files

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually delete temporary files on your Windows 10 device.

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R. Type “%temp%” (without quotes) and hit Enter or click Ok.

2. This will open the Temp folder containing all temporary files. Select and delete all the files within the folder. If some files are in use and cannot be deleted, skip them and proceed further.

3. Again, open the Run dialog box and type “temp” (without quotes). Hit Enter or click Ok to open another Temp folder.

4. Similar to the previous step, select and delete all the files inside this folder.

Method 3: PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that allows you to automate administrative tasks on Windows 10, including deleting temporary files.

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

2. In the PowerShell or Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

Remove-Item -path “C:\Users\[your_username]\AppData\Local\Temp\*” -recurse -force

Please replace “[your_username]” with your actual Windows username.

3. PowerShell will delete all temporary files within the specified directory.

It is important to note that deleting temporary files will not harm your computer or its functionality. These files are designed to be expendable, and deleting them will not affect your important personal files or settings. However, it is still recommended to have a backup of your important data before performing any system maintenance.

Regularly deleting temporary files on Windows 10 is crucial for optimum performance. By using methods like Disk Cleanup, manual deletion, or PowerShell, you can free up valuable storage space and enhance your computer’s overall speed and efficiency. So, take a few minutes now and give your Windows 10 device the maintenance it deserves!