How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 11

Windows 11 stores plenty of temporary files, which aren’t necessary to keep. They can slow down your PC or laptop up to some extent. However, many users are aware of these temporary files (also called junk files) and their negative consequences, but they are not aware of the methods of how to delete temporary files in Windows 11. Hence, we have found easy and convenient ways to clear and remove temporary files in Windows 11.

What are Temp Files in Windows 11?

Temporary files are generated by various ways like browsing the internet, downloading any data from the internet, rendering the images, watching videos on Youtube, installing files, printing the document, updating Windows, or any other activates. These temporary files are available in various extensions.

List of Temporary Files in Windows 11

Here, we have mentioned certain general types of temp files, which you may find in your system.

  • Temporary Files
  • Temporary Internet Files
  • Thumbnails
  • Windows Update Cleanup
  • Windows Update Log Files
  • Windows ESD Installation Files
  • Device Driver Package
  • Downloads

Impacts of Temp Files on Your PC or Laptop

Temporary files are generally stored on a hard drive. Accordingly, if you will not remove temporary files on a regular basis, then gradually, more space will be taken by them, and you will shortly run out the space.

Moreover, if a large number of unnecessary files are available, it has been noticed that due to more junk files, Windows 11 takes a long time in the booting process at the initial stage when you turn your system on.

Last but not least, in such kinds of junk files, certain types of malware may be available, which may act as a risk to our system over the passage of time. So it is vital to remove them.

Why is it Important to Delete Junk Files in Windows 11?

There are numerous benefits you can avail of by deleting unwanted files in Windows 11.

Firstly, these files hold a significant part of space in your computer, which will compel you to add extra space externally. However, as these junk files are not important so by removing them, you can get a noticeable part of the free-up space in your computer.

Secondly, a large number of files slows down the startup process of Windows 11, which will consume our time to use the actual desktop after starting the system. This is the most annoying aspect ever found. So, by deleting these junk files, we can improve the Windows 11 performance and make our PC or laptop faster.

Lastly, as we have discussed, there are chances of availability of malware in junk files, so we can keep our system safe from such threats.

5 Ways to Delete Temp Files in Windows 11

If you also want the solution to the frequently asked problem “How to delete temporary files in Windows 11?” then follow our step-by-step procedure to remove them.

1. How to Clear Temp Files in Windows 11 from Settings

This is one of the simplest ways to remove unnecessary files using Windows 11 system settings. Have a look at it and implement it to clear temp files easily!

#1. Press “Win key + I” keys together on your keyboard and launch the Settings menu.

#2. Here, from the System page, open the Storage and go to the Temporary Files.

Go to Temporary Files in Storage

#3. You will get a list of junk files, which are available in your Windows 11 system.

#4.  Select the files which you want to delete and click on Remove files.

click on the Remove files

#5.  Select the Continue to end the process.

That’s how simple it is to delete temporary files in Windows 11. That said, there are other methods and few files too that need your attention. Keep reading to know how to delete those unwanted and junk files from your Windows 11.

2. How to Delete Junk Files in Windows 11 by Operating Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup function is an inbuilt function of Windows 11; using that, you can quickly delete unwanted files within a fraction of minutes! Here’s how you can do it.

#1. Click on the Start, and search for “cleanmgr,” and press “OK.”

#2. Now, select Clean up System Files.

search for cleanmgr and click on Disk Cleanup

#3. Press “OK” in the Drive selection window.

#4. Some time will be taken for the processing, and you can see the list of the checkbox. 

#5. Select all the checkboxes of Files to delete the section.

Select all the checkboxes of Files to delete the section

#6. Click “OK” and press “Delete Files.”

3. How to Remove Temporary Files on Windows 11 from File Explorer

Most of the temp files can be found in the Temp folder in your Windows 11 system. Through File explorer as well you can easily remove temporary files that might slow down your PC.

#1. Press “Win + R” together from your keyboard.

#2. And type “%temp%” and press Enter.

type temp in search and then open it

#3. Now, select every folder by pressing “Ctrl + A,” which you see on the window, and delete it.

select every folder, which you see on the window and delete

That’s it!!

4. How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 11 Using CMD

If you want to learn “How to delete junk files in Windows 11 using cmd?” then here you go!

#1. Click on the Start and type cmd.

#2. Here, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Open CMD and click on Run as admin

#3. Copy below-mentioned code:

del /q/f/s %TEMP%\* 

#4. Now, press the Enter and done!

Use this command in CMD

All the existing temporary files will be removed. If you still want to know how to delete temporary files in Windows 11 with yet another method, here it is!

5. How to Delete Temp Files in Windows 11 by Turning on Storage Sense

Storage Sense operates the storage of your PC. By turning on the storage sense, you can delete unwanted files. This process happens automatically so you don’t need to worry much about deleting temporary files manually.

#1. Press “Windows + I” together on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

#2. Here, open “System” from the left panel.

Click on System

#3. Now, open the “Storage” and turn on the “Storage sense” by clicking on the toggle.

Click on Storage Sense

#4. Turn on “Automatic User content cleanup.” Now, you can select what you intend to delete at your convenience.

Turn on Automatic User content cleanup

Closing Thoughts – Should You Delete Temp Files in Windows 11?

These are the ways that we recommend you use to delete temp files in Windows 11. They are straightforward and convenient, so you can perform them without any trouble, even if you are a novice operator. Should you face any issue while implementing our how to delete temporary files in Windows 11 guide, you can reach out to us on Twitter for further guidance. Stay tuned with our Windows 11 guides to know more tips like this to run your PC or laptop optimally.

Apurva Patel
Apurva Patel

Apurva is a technophile. His inquisitiveness and passion for technology have made him to explore the new technologies and their hacks, so everyone can utilize this boon efficiently. Blogging has always been exciting for him to share his perspectives with others.

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