How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 11 or Windows 10

Windows creates temporary files when you install updates, use apps, browse folders, or perform everyday tasks on your PC. Many of them are removed automatically, but others can build up over time and take up unnecessary storage space.

The easiest way to delete temporary files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is to use the Temporary files section in Settings. From there, you can review what Windows found and choose which items to remove without installing third-party cleanup tools.

In this guide, you will also learn how to clear files from the Temp folder and how to use Storage Sense to automate part of the cleanup process.

Temporary Files in Windows

Temporary files are data that Windows and apps create while performing tasks such as installing updates, running programs, generating file previews, or storing short-term information. Over time, some of these files are no longer needed and may remain on your drive.

In the Temporary files section of Windows, you may see items such as caches, thumbnails, error reports, delivery optimization files, and files related to updates. However, you may also see categories that should be reviewed carefully before deleting them, such as Downloads, Recycle Bin, or Previous Windows installation files.

Delete Temporary Files from Settings in Windows 11 or 10

The Temporary files section in Windows lets you review and remove unnecessary files without installing extra software. This is the recommended method for most users because you can check the categories before confirming the cleanup.

After the cleanup is complete, Windows will remove the selected items. The amount of space you recover depends on the temporary files accumulated on your PC.

Temporary File Categories You Should Review

The categories shown under Temporary files may vary depending on your Windows version, installed apps, and recent system updates. Before clicking Remove files, review any category that may include personal files or recovery data.

Category	What it contains	Recommendation
Temporary files	Temporary data created by Windows or apps	Usually safe to delete
Thumbnails	Previews for images, videos, and documents	Safe to delete; Windows will recreate them when needed
Delivery Optimization Files	Files used to deliver Windows updates	Usually safe to remove
Windows error reports	Reports created when Windows or apps crash	You can remove them if you are not troubleshooting an issue
Recycle Bin	Files you previously deleted	Review it before emptying it
Downloads	Files stored in your Downloads folder	Do not select it without checking the folder first
Previous Windows installation files	Files from an earlier Windows version, often related to Windows.old	Delete them only if you do not need to go back to the previous version

If you recently upgraded Windows and see Previous Windows installation files, deleting this category can recover a significant amount of space. However, after removing it, you will no longer be able to use those files to return to the previous version of Windows.

Clear Temporary Files with %temp% in Windows

Besides cleaning from Settings, you can open your user Temp folder with the %temp% command. This method is useful when you want to manually remove temporary files left behind by some apps.

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. When the Temp folder opens, press Ctrl + A to select its contents.
3. Press Delete or right-click the selection and choose Delete.
4. If Windows says some files are in use, choose Skip. You do not need to force their removal.

Deleted files may remain in the Recycle Bin. After reviewing it, you can empty the Recycle Bin if you want to permanently recover that space.

For regular cleanup, you do not need to manually delete files inside system folders such as C:\Windows\Temp. The Temporary files section in Settings offers a simpler and more controlled cleanup process.

If Some Files Cannot Be Deleted

It is normal for some files in the Temp folder to remain because Windows or an open app is using them. If you see that message, choose Skip and continue the cleanup.

If the cleanup from Settings does not complete or the %temp% folder still contains many files, close your open apps, restart the computer, and try again.

Do not force the deletion of locked files, and avoid using third-party tools to remove system items unless you know exactly what they contain.

Automatic Cleanup with Storage Sense

Windows also includes Storage Sense, a feature that can automatically delete temporary files and other unnecessary items when your PC needs space or according to the schedule you choose.

To turn it on:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense.
3. Open its settings and choose when you want it to run.
4. Carefully review the options related to the Recycle Bin and the Downloads folder.

Be especially careful with Downloads. If you store documents, installers, images, or other important files in that folder, avoid setting Windows to delete its contents automatically.

Storage Sense helps maintain basic system cleanup. If your drive is still almost full, check other methods to free up disk space in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Use Disk Cleanup When Needed

The Temporary files section in Settings is the most direct option to clear temporary files in Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, Windows also includes the classic Disk Cleanup tool, which gives you access to options such as Clean up system files.

If you need to use that tool or review more advanced cleanup options, see the guide on how to clean junk files with Disk Cleanup.

Conclusion

The most practical way to delete temporary files in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is to open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, review the available categories, and remove only the items you no longer need.

You can also use %temp% to clear temp files manually or turn on Storage Sense to automate part of the cleanup. If your drive is still almost full after these steps, review installed apps, large files, and other ways to free up space in Windows.