If you’ve been using Windows 11 for a while, you might have noticed that File Explorer sometimes becomes slow or unresponsive. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to navigate through your files quickly. One of the possible reasons for this issue is a cache overload. The cache is a temporary storage location where Windows stores frequently accessed files and data to improve performance. However, over time, the cache can become filled with unnecessary files, which can slow down the File Explorer. In this blog post, we will explore how to clear the File Explorer cache in Windows 11 to help improve its performance and responsiveness.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, you will need the following:
1. A Windows 11 computer.
2. Administrative access to your computer.
3. A few minutes of your time.
What Requires Your Focus?
Clearing the File Explorer cache requires a few focused steps to ensure you don’t accidentally delete any important files or settings. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and double-check your actions to avoid any data loss or system issues. Additionally, keep in mind that clearing the cache may temporarily affect the performance of File Explorer until it rebuilds the cache.
Method 1: How to Clear File Explorer Cache via Disk Cleanup
In this method, we will use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility to clear the File Explorer cache. Here’s how:
1. Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type "Disk Cleanup" and select the "Disk Cleanup" app from the search results.
3. Select the drive where your operating system is installed (usually "C:").
4. Click on the "OK" button.
5. Wait for Disk Cleanup to calculate the amount of space you can free up.
6. In the "Files to delete" section, scroll down and check the box next to "Temporary files."
7. Optionally, you can also select any other types of files you want to delete.
8. Click on the "OK" button.
9. A confirmation window will appear. Click on the "Delete Files" button to start the cleanup process.
10. Wait for Disk Cleanup to delete the temporary files, including the File Explorer cache.
11. Once the cleanup process is complete, you can close Disk Cleanup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to clear the File Explorer cache. | 1. The Disk Cleanup utility may not always clear all cache-related files. |
| 2. No need to install any additional software or perform complex steps. | 2. Temporary performance impact until File Explorer rebuilds the cache. |
| 3. Disk Cleanup also helps free up other unnecessary files on your system. | 3. Internal Windows settings may interfere with the cache clearing process. |
Method 2: How to Clear File Explorer Cache via Folder Options
If you prefer a more manual approach, you can use the Folder Options settings to clear the File Explorer cache. Here’s how:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on the "View" tab in the File Explorer ribbon menu.
3. In the "Show/hide" section, check the box next to "Hidden items."
4. Navigate to the following location:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
5. Inside the Explorer folder, select all the files and folders.
6. Press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.
7. A confirmation window will appear. Click on the "Yes" button to delete the selected files.
8. Close File Explorer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows manual control over which cache-related files to delete. | 1. Requires navigating to a specific folder location. |
| 2. No need for additional software or utilities. | 2. Deleting important files may cause system issues. |
| 3. Can be performed without administrative privileges. | 3. No automated cleanup of other unnecessary files on your system. |
Method 3: How to Clear File Explorer Cache via Command Prompt
If you prefer using the command line, you can clear the File Explorer cache using Command Prompt. Here’s how:
1. Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type "Command Prompt" and select the "Command Prompt" app from the search results.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
del /F /Q /A %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\*
4. Wait for the command to execute and clear the cache files.
5. Once the command finishes, you can close the Command Prompt.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and efficient method using the command line. | 1. Requires familiarity with Command Prompt commands. |
| 2. Can be automated or executed remotely using scripts. | 2. Deleting important files may cause system issues. |
| 3. Useful for advanced users or system administrators. | 3. No automated cleanup of other unnecessary files on your system. |
Method 4: How to Clear File Explorer Cache via PowerShell
Similar to the previous method, you can also use PowerShell to clear the File Explorer cache. Here’s how:
1. Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type "PowerShell" and select the "Windows PowerShell" app from the search results.
3. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Remove-Item -Force -Recurse $Env:LocalAppData\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\*
4. Wait for the command to execute and clear the cache files.
5. Once the command finishes, you can close PowerShell.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Utilizes PowerShell, a powerful scripting language. | 1. Requires familiarity with PowerShell commands. |
| 2. Can be automated or executed remotely using scripts. | 2. Deleting important files may cause system issues. |
| 3. Useful for advanced users or system administrators. | 3. No automated cleanup of other unnecessary files on your system. |
Why Can’t I Clear File Explorer Cache?
You may encounter difficulties clearing the File Explorer cache due to various reasons. Here are some possible reasons and their fixes:
1. File Explorer is in use: If File Explorer is currently open or actively being used, you won’t be able to delete its cache files. Close File Explorer and any other applications that might be accessing the cache before attempting to clear it.
2. Insufficient permissions: In order to clear the File Explorer cache, you need administrative access to your computer. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator or have the necessary privileges to perform the cleanup.
3. Corrupted cache files: If the cache files are corrupted, the usual methods may not work. In this case, you can try restarting your computer or running a system file checker scan to repair any corrupted files.
Implications and Recommendations
Clearing the File Explorer cache can have a positive impact on the performance and responsiveness of your Windows 11 computer. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regularly clear the cache: To ensure optimal performance, consider clearing the File Explorer cache on a regular basis. This can help prevent a buildup of unnecessary files and maintain the speed of your system.
2. Use a cache cleaning tool: If you prefer a more automated approach, you can use third-party cache cleaning tools that offer more advanced features and settings. These tools can help optimize your system’s performance by clearing various caches, including the File Explorer cache.
3. Optimize your system regularly: In addition to clearing the File Explorer cache, it’s important to perform regular maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup, disk defragmentation, and updating your system and drivers. These activities can help keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.
5 FAQs about Clearing File Explorer Cache
Q1: Is it safe to clear the File Explorer cache?
A1: Yes, it is generally safe to clear the File Explorer cache. However, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidentally deleting important files or settings.
Q2: Will clearing the File Explorer cache delete my files?
A2: Clearing the File Explorer cache will not delete your files. It only removes temporary cache files that help improve the performance of File Explorer. Your personal files and folders will not be affected.
Q3: How often should I clear the File Explorer cache?
A3: The frequency of cache clearing depends on your usage patterns and preferences. If you frequently work with large files or notice performance issues with File Explorer, you may want to clear the cache more often.
Q4: Can I clear the File Explorer cache on Windows 10?
A4: Yes, the methods described in this blog post can also be used to clear the File Explorer cache on Windows 10.
Q5: Will clearing the cache affect other applications?
A5: Clearing the File Explorer cache should only affect the performance of File Explorer itself. Other applications and system functions should not be significantly impacted.
Final Words
Clearing the File Explorer cache in Windows 11 can help improve its performance and responsiveness. By removing unnecessary temporary files, you can ensure smooth navigation and efficient file management. Whether you prefer using built-in tools like Disk Cleanup or manual methods like deleting cache folders, it’s important to perform regular cache clearing to maintain the optimal performance of File Explorer. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and consider performing other system maintenance tasks to ensure your Windows 11 computer runs smoothly.