How To Clear Cache On Windows 10

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by

Vector Linux
in

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you how I clear the cache on my Windows 10 computer. Clearing the cache can help improve the performance of your computer and resolve any issues you may be experiencing.

What is Cache?

Before we dive into the steps, let me give you a quick overview of what cache actually is. In simple terms, cache is a storage area that stores temporary data. It is used by the operating system and various programs to quickly access frequently used files, webpages, and other data. While cache can speed up your computer’s performance, it can also accumulate unnecessary files over time.

Step 1: Clearing Browser Cache

The first step is to clear the cache in your web browser. This is important because browsers often store temporary files, cookies, and website data that can accumulate and slow down your browsing experience. Here’s how you can clear the cache in popular web browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner, go to “More tools”, and then select “Clear browsing data”. Check the box next to “Cached images and files”, and click “Clear data”.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Click on the three-line menu in the top right corner, go to “Options”, select “Privacy & Security” from the left sidebar, and scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” section. Click on “Clear Data” and check the box next to “Cached Web Content”. Finally, click “Clear”.
  • Microsoft Edge: Click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner, go to “Settings”, and scroll down to “Clear browsing data”. Check the box next to “Cached images and files”, and click “Clear”.

Step 2: Clearing System Cache

Now let’s move on to clearing the system cache on Windows 10. The system cache includes temporary files, thumbnail images, and other data that the operating system stores for quick access. Here’s how you can clear the system cache:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type in “temp” and press Enter. This will open the Temp folder.
  2. Select all the files and folders in the Temp folder by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard. Then, press Shift + Delete to permanently delete them.
  3. Next, open the Run dialog box again and type in “prefetch”. Press Enter to open the Prefetch folder.
  4. Select all the files in the Prefetch folder by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard. Again, press Shift + Delete to permanently delete them.

Step 3: Clearing DNS Cache

Lastly, let’s clear the DNS cache. The DNS cache stores information about previously visited websites, so clearing it can help resolve any issues related to domain name resolution. Here’s how you can clear the DNS cache:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type in the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. You should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”. Close the Command Prompt.

Conclusion

Clearing the cache on Windows 10 can help improve your computer’s performance and resolve any issues you may be experiencing. By clearing the browser cache, system cache, and DNS cache, you can ensure that your computer is running smoothly. Give these steps a try and see the difference it makes!