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Windows 11⏱ 4 min

How to Delete Temporary Files on Windows 11

Remove temp files and system junk left behind by installations and updates.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows accumulates temporary files across multiple locations — the user temp folder (%temp%), the Windows temp folder (C:\Windows\Temp), the Prefetch folder, and Windows Update download cache — each serving a different system function. The %temp% shortcut in the Run dialog is the fastest way to access and manually clear the user-level cache, while Disk Cleanup's "Clean up system files" option reaches the Windows-level locations that require administrator rights. Storage Sense in Settings can automate most of this on a schedule, removing temp files older than a configured number of days without any manual steps.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. Press Ctrl + A to select all files, then Delete. Skip any files that report being in use.
  2. 2Also open Disk Cleanup from the Start menu (Windows) or use Storage Recommendations (macOS) for deeper system temp file removal.
  3. 3Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash after deleting to complete the cleanup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to delete temporary files on Windows 11?
Yes. The %TEMP% folder and Windows Temp folder contain files that apps have already finished using. Skip any file showing 'in use' — these will be released after a restart and can be deleted then.
How much space will deleting temp files free on Windows 11?
Varies significantly — anywhere from a few hundred MB to several GB depending on how long since the last cleanup and how heavily the device is used. Active development machines and gaming PCs accumulate much more temp data than light-use devices.
Why do temp files come back so quickly after I delete them on Windows 11?
Temporary files are a normal side effect of using apps — browsers, editors, and the OS constantly generate them during normal operation. Deleting them is not a permanent fix; it's routine maintenance. They are harmless unless they grow very large or become corrupted.
What is the difference between temp files and junk files on Windows 11?
Temporary files are created intentionally by apps for active tasks. Junk files is a broader informal term covering temp files, leftover installer packages, duplicate downloads, and orphaned app data. Both are safe to remove via the built-in Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup tools.

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