<\/span>What are Temporary Files?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n![\"how](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/access-temp-folder.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
In the Windows operating system, temporary files<\/a> are created both by the OS itself and many of the applications running on your computer.<\/p>\r\nMany of Windows\u2019 temporary files are denoted with a file type of .tmp<\/b> or are prefaced with a tilde (~<\/b>). Most of the temporary files that are created end up in the Windows Temp folder<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n
They are used for a variety of reasons including:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Operating system requirements such as providing space for virtual memory.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Work files for applications that hold data while the program is running.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Files created as backups for works in progress such as Microsoft office creates for open documents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAs their name implies, temporary files are meant to temporarily address an issue. After their usefulness has ended, under ideal circumstances they are deleted by the process that created them. However, this is not always the case, and temporary files can remain on your hard drive long after they are no longer needed.<\/div>\r\n
<\/span>Why Should I Remove Temporary Files?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\nThere are two main reasons to clear out the temp files in Windows 11 or any version of Windows for that matter. They are:<\/p>\r\n
💽 Regaining storage space –<\/b> Temporary files can end up taking up a lot of storage space. Over time, they can accumulate and represent a significant percentage of your disk\u2019s storage. Removing temporary files which are no longer needed gives you more space for the important data that you need to store.<\/p>\r\n
💡Improving computer performance –<\/b> Temporary files that are needed by Windows or other applications can negatively impact your computer\u2019s performance as they grow larger.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Loading and searching these large files can slow down your computer and the applications that you are using. Eliminating these files can considerably speed up your machine\u2019s performance.<\/p>\r\n
For these reasons, you should periodically delete the temporary files that may be impacting your computer. Let\u2019s see how you can go about getting this done.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n<\/span>How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\nBefore you can delete the temporary files on your machine, you need to locate them. Here is how you can find the Temp folder<\/b> in Windows 11 as well as earlier versions of the OS.<\/p>\r\n
1.<\/b> The first is located at c:\/Windows\/Temp <\/em><\/b>and is used by the OS to store temporary files.\u00a0Press\u00a0Windows<\/kbd>\u00a0+\u00a0R<\/kbd><\/b>, type: temp<\/b> and press\u00a0Enter<\/kbd><\/b>.<\/p>\r\n2.<\/b> The second is the Temp file related to the user currently logged into the system. Here is how to find those temporary folders.<\/p>\r\n
![\"clear](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/how_to_find_temp_folder_win10.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
Windows 11\/10<\/b> – Using the search field located to the right of the Start button, enter %temp%<\/b>. The folder at the top of the results is the Temp folder.<\/p>\r\n
Windows 8<\/b> – On the “Start” page click on the magnifying glass icon located in the top right of the window – next to your username. Type in %temp%<\/b> and click on the folder named Temp.<\/b><\/p>\r\n
Windows 7, Vista & XP<\/b> – Click on the Start button and in the search field type: %temp%<\/b> Click on the folder called Temp.<\/b><\/p>\r\n
\r\n<\/span> Steps to Delete Temporary Files in Windows:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\r\nYou can follow this procedure on both the WindowsTemp<\/em><\/b> folder as well as the folder returned from the searches listed above. The below process remains the same on any version of Windows. We’ve illustrated using Windows 10.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t- Select all of the files that you want to delete. You are probably safe deleting them all unless there are specific files that you know you want to keep.
![\"deleting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/steps-to-delete_temporary_files_in_windows001.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t - Delete the files using the delete<\/kbd> key on your keyboard. If you are asked to confirm the deletion of hidden temporary files, give it a Yes.
![\"how](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/steps-to-delete_temporary_files_in_windows002.png\")
<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t- If you get messages indicating that a file or folder is in use, skip these files as they are locked by Windows or another application.
![\"delete](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/steps-to-delete_temporary_files_in_windows003.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t - Wait for the process to complete, which can take some time if you are deleting large temporary files.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete the files and recover the separate space that they occupied.
![\"how](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/steps-to-delete_temporary_files_in_windows004.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n💻Performing this type of cleanup on a regular basis can help optimize your system and keep your hard drive free of useless files.<\/div>\r\n<\/span>Other Methods to Remove Temporary Files<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\nApart from the traditional method of deleting the temp folder, here are a few more techniques to get rid of your temporary files:<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Method #1: Disk Cleanup<\/span><\/h3>\r\nWindows 11<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\t- Press the Windows<\/kbd> key and type in Disk cleanup recommendations<\/b>.
\r\n![\"disk](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/disk-cleanup-recommendations-start-menu.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Next, navigate to the Cleanup recommendations<\/kbd> section under Storage Management<\/kbd>.
\r\n![\"cleanup](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/storage-management-options.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Now, expand the Temporary Files<\/kbd> option, and select the folders you wish to delete. You can tick or untick items to remove them from the selection.\u00a0
\r\n![\"cleanup](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/disk-cleanup-recommendations-windows-11.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Finally, click the Clean up<\/kbd> button to delete the temporary files safely.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Windows 10<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\t- Press the Windows<\/kbd> key, type in Disk Cleanup<\/b>, and select the option from the results list.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- The Disk Cleanup screen will appear. Under Files to delete, tick the files or folders you wish to delete.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- You can also click the Clean up system files<\/kbd> button. Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space the system can free up safely to clear out the drive space.\u00a0
\r\n![\"disk](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/disk-cleanup-windows-10-1.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Finally, click the OK<\/kbd> to get rid of temporary files.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
<\/span>Method #2: Using CMD<\/span><\/h3>\r\nAnother way to completely delete temporary files and folders from your Windows operating system is by using the Command Prompt. We’ve used Windows 11 to illustrate this method. However, this will work on other versions of Windows as well.<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how you can delete temp files via the Command Prompt:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Press Win<\/kbd> + S<\/kbd>, then type cmd<\/b> in the search bar.\u00a0
\r\n![\"opening](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/CMD-start-menu-windows.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Right-click Command Prompt<\/kbd> from the results list and select the Run as administrator<\/kbd> option.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Now, type the following command in the cmd window and hit enter<\/kbd>:
\r\ndel \/q\/f\/s %TEMP%\\*<\/code>
\r\n![\"using](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/cmd-deleting-temp-files-windows-11.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>Method #3: Remove Temp Files by Cleaning Your Browser\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nInternet browsers can leave behind a lot of temporary data, such as cached files from websites, cookies, and the user\u2019s browsing history. You can delete these temporary files on Windows by cleaning your browser.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how you can delete browsing data in Google Chrome for Windows 11 and older versions:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Open Google Chrome and press CTRL<\/kbd> + H<\/kbd> to open the History menu.
\r\n![\"deleting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/chrome-delete-history.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Click Clear browsing data<\/kbd> from the left-side menu.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Now, select the types of browser data to delete, choose a time range, and finally click Clear data<\/kbd>.
\r\n![\"deleting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/deleting-history-chrome.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nAnother generic way to clean your browser on your system is through the Control Panel:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Click Start<\/kbd> and navigate to the Control Panel<\/kbd>. Select Network and Internet<\/kbd>.
\r\n![\"navigating](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/network-internet-options-control-panel.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Go to Internet Options<\/kbd>, then select Delete browsing history and cookies<\/kbd>.\u00a0
\r\n![\"deleting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/deleting-temp-files-control-panel.png\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Select the files and folders you wish to get rid of, then click Delete<\/kbd>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
<\/span>Method #4: How to Delete Temporary Files with Avast Cleanup<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIt’s important to regularly clean up temporary data from your PC to free up space and optimize its performance. This means keeping your browser clean, and getting rid of cookies and other temp files for an effortless experience.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Such a task may seem taxing if you have to do it manually, but Avast Cleanup thoroughly scans your PC to remove gigabytes worth of junk files from apps, browsers, and even the Windows operating system.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how to delete temp files with Avast Cleanup:<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t- Download<\/a> and Install the Avast Cleanup free trial from their official website.<\/li>\r\n\t
- From the Avast Cleanup dashboard, click Maintenance<\/kbd> to scan your device for junk files on your system.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Go to System Junk<\/kbd> to select temporary files and folders for cleanup. You can either select files manually, select all files, or rely on AI recommendations for temp files you should delete.
\r\n![\"clearing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/clearing-system-junk-avast.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- You can also select Browser cache<\/kbd> to delete your temporary web browser files and create more space on your hard drive.
\r\n![\"clearing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/browser-cache-avast.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Once you\u2019ve selected all the items you want to clean up or delete, click Fix & Clean<\/kbd>. You\u2019re all set now!
\r\n![\"clearing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/system-junk-avast-cleanup.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t- Now, you can view the summary reports of your cleanup activity.
\r\n![\"performance](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/performance-summary-avast.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
\r\n<\/span>Recovering Accidentally Deleted Files and Folders on Windows 11<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\nIt is possible that in your quest to clean up the temporary files and folders on your system, some files may be accidentally deleted. In deleting temporary files and emptying the Recycle Bin, you may realize that you inadvertently removed a file or folder.<\/p>\r\n
🛡️Disk Drill is an industry-leading data recovery software that can recover these deleted files for you efficiently.<\/div>\r\nAs soon as you discover that there are files you need to recover, stop using the computer. This gives you the best chance of recovering the files by limiting the possibility that the OS will overwrite the files before they can be restored.<\/p>\r\n
Steps to recover deleted files & folders on Windows 11:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\t- Download and install Disk Drill for Windows<\/b>. We strongly recommend that you use a USB drive or another external storage device for this task. This removes the possibility that the download and install can overwrite the files you are interested in recovering.
\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n ![\"Disk](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/sidebar-ban-96.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n download-block-title<\/b>
\r\n download-block-text\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n
<\/p>\r\nMany of Windows\u2019 temporary files are denoted with a file type of .tmp<\/b> or are prefaced with a tilde (~<\/b>). Most of the temporary files that are created end up in the Windows Temp folder<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n
They are used for a variety of reasons including:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Operating system requirements such as providing space for virtual memory.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Work files for applications that hold data while the program is running.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Files created as backups for works in progress such as Microsoft office creates for open documents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAs their name implies, temporary files are meant to temporarily address an issue. After their usefulness has ended, under ideal circumstances they are deleted by the process that created them. However, this is not always the case, and temporary files can remain on your hard drive long after they are no longer needed.<\/div>\r\n
<\/span>Why Should I Remove Temporary Files?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n
There are two main reasons to clear out the temp files in Windows 11 or any version of Windows for that matter. They are:<\/p>\r\n
💽 Regaining storage space –<\/b> Temporary files can end up taking up a lot of storage space. Over time, they can accumulate and represent a significant percentage of your disk\u2019s storage. Removing temporary files which are no longer needed gives you more space for the important data that you need to store.<\/p>\r\n
💡Improving computer performance –<\/b> Temporary files that are needed by Windows or other applications can negatively impact your computer\u2019s performance as they grow larger.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Loading and searching these large files can slow down your computer and the applications that you are using. Eliminating these files can considerably speed up your machine\u2019s performance.<\/p>\r\n
For these reasons, you should periodically delete the temporary files that may be impacting your computer. Let\u2019s see how you can go about getting this done.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n<\/span>How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n
Before you can delete the temporary files on your machine, you need to locate them. Here is how you can find the Temp folder<\/b> in Windows 11 as well as earlier versions of the OS.<\/p>\r\n
1.<\/b> The first is located at c:\/Windows\/Temp <\/em><\/b>and is used by the OS to store temporary files.\u00a0Press\u00a0Windows<\/kbd>\u00a0+\u00a0R<\/kbd><\/b>, type: temp<\/b> and press\u00a0Enter<\/kbd><\/b>.<\/p>\r\n
2.<\/b> The second is the Temp file related to the user currently logged into the system. Here is how to find those temporary folders.<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\nWindows 11\/10<\/b> – Using the search field located to the right of the Start button, enter %temp%<\/b>. The folder at the top of the results is the Temp folder.<\/p>\r\n
Windows 8<\/b> – On the “Start” page click on the magnifying glass icon located in the top right of the window – next to your username. Type in %temp%<\/b> and click on the folder named Temp.<\/b><\/p>\r\n
Windows 7, Vista & XP<\/b> – Click on the Start button and in the search field type: %temp%<\/b> Click on the folder called Temp.<\/b><\/p>\r\n
\r\n<\/span> Steps to Delete Temporary Files in Windows:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
You can follow this procedure on both the WindowsTemp<\/em><\/b> folder as well as the folder returned from the searches listed above. The below process remains the same on any version of Windows. We’ve illustrated using Windows 10.<\/p>\r\n
\r\n- \r\n\t
- Select all of the files that you want to delete. You are probably safe deleting them all unless there are specific files that you know you want to keep.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Delete the files using the delete<\/kbd> key on your keyboard. If you are asked to confirm the deletion of hidden temporary files, give it a Yes.<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t
- If you get messages indicating that a file or folder is in use, skip these files as they are locked by Windows or another application.
<\/li>\r\n\t- Wait for the process to complete, which can take some time if you are deleting large temporary files.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete the files and recover the separate space that they occupied.
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n💻Performing this type of cleanup on a regular basis can help optimize your system and keep your hard drive free of useless files.<\/div>\r\n<\/span>Other Methods to Remove Temporary Files<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n
Apart from the traditional method of deleting the temp folder, here are a few more techniques to get rid of your temporary files:<\/p>\r\n
<\/span>Method #1: Disk Cleanup<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
Windows 11<\/b><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Press the Windows<\/kbd> key and type in Disk cleanup recommendations<\/b>.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Next, navigate to the Cleanup recommendations<\/kbd> section under Storage Management<\/kbd>.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Now, expand the Temporary Files<\/kbd> option, and select the folders you wish to delete. You can tick or untick items to remove them from the selection.\u00a0
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Finally, click the Clean up<\/kbd> button to delete the temporary files safely.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Windows 10<\/b><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Press the Windows<\/kbd> key, type in Disk Cleanup<\/b>, and select the option from the results list.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- The Disk Cleanup screen will appear. Under Files to delete, tick the files or folders you wish to delete.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- You can also click the Clean up system files<\/kbd> button. Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space the system can free up safely to clear out the drive space.\u00a0
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Finally, click the OK<\/kbd> to get rid of temporary files.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
<\/span>Method #2: Using CMD<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
Another way to completely delete temporary files and folders from your Windows operating system is by using the Command Prompt. We’ve used Windows 11 to illustrate this method. However, this will work on other versions of Windows as well.<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how you can delete temp files via the Command Prompt:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Press Win<\/kbd> + S<\/kbd>, then type cmd<\/b> in the search bar.\u00a0
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Right-click Command Prompt<\/kbd> from the results list and select the Run as administrator<\/kbd> option.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Now, type the following command in the cmd window and hit enter<\/kbd>:
\r\ndel \/q\/f\/s %TEMP%\\*<\/code>
\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>Method #3: Remove Temp Files by Cleaning Your Browser\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
Internet browsers can leave behind a lot of temporary data, such as cached files from websites, cookies, and the user\u2019s browsing history. You can delete these temporary files on Windows by cleaning your browser.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how you can delete browsing data in Google Chrome for Windows 11 and older versions:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Open Google Chrome and press CTRL<\/kbd> + H<\/kbd> to open the History menu.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Click Clear browsing data<\/kbd> from the left-side menu.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Now, select the types of browser data to delete, choose a time range, and finally click Clear data<\/kbd>.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nAnother generic way to clean your browser on your system is through the Control Panel:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Click Start<\/kbd> and navigate to the Control Panel<\/kbd>. Select Network and Internet<\/kbd>.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Go to Internet Options<\/kbd>, then select Delete browsing history and cookies<\/kbd>.\u00a0
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Select the files and folders you wish to get rid of, then click Delete<\/kbd>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
<\/span>Method #4: How to Delete Temporary Files with Avast Cleanup<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
It’s important to regularly clean up temporary data from your PC to free up space and optimize its performance. This means keeping your browser clean, and getting rid of cookies and other temp files for an effortless experience.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Such a task may seem taxing if you have to do it manually, but Avast Cleanup thoroughly scans your PC to remove gigabytes worth of junk files from apps, browsers, and even the Windows operating system.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s how to delete temp files with Avast Cleanup:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Download<\/a> and Install the Avast Cleanup free trial from their official website.<\/li>\r\n\t
- From the Avast Cleanup dashboard, click Maintenance<\/kbd> to scan your device for junk files on your system.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Go to System Junk<\/kbd> to select temporary files and folders for cleanup. You can either select files manually, select all files, or rely on AI recommendations for temp files you should delete.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- You can also select Browser cache<\/kbd> to delete your temporary web browser files and create more space on your hard drive.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Once you\u2019ve selected all the items you want to clean up or delete, click Fix & Clean<\/kbd>. You\u2019re all set now!
\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t- Now, you can view the summary reports of your cleanup activity.
\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
\r\n<\/span>Recovering Accidentally Deleted Files and Folders on Windows 11<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n
It is possible that in your quest to clean up the temporary files and folders on your system, some files may be accidentally deleted. In deleting temporary files and emptying the Recycle Bin, you may realize that you inadvertently removed a file or folder.<\/p>\r\n
🛡️Disk Drill is an industry-leading data recovery software that can recover these deleted files for you efficiently.<\/div>\r\nAs soon as you discover that there are files you need to recover, stop using the computer. This gives you the best chance of recovering the files by limiting the possibility that the OS will overwrite the files before they can be restored.<\/p>\r\n
Steps to recover deleted files & folders on Windows 11:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- Download and install Disk Drill for Windows<\/b>. We strongly recommend that you use a USB drive or another external storage device for this task. This removes the possibility that the download and install can overwrite the files you are interested in recovering.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n download-block-title<\/b>
\r\n download-block-text\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n
- From the Avast Cleanup dashboard, click Maintenance<\/kbd> to scan your device for junk files on your system.<\/li>\r\n\t
- Go to Internet Options<\/kbd>, then select Delete browsing history and cookies<\/kbd>.\u00a0
- Click Clear browsing data<\/kbd> from the left-side menu.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Right-click Command Prompt<\/kbd> from the results list and select the Run as administrator<\/kbd> option.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t
- Next, navigate to the Cleanup recommendations<\/kbd> section under Storage Management<\/kbd>.
- If you get messages indicating that a file or folder is in use, skip these files as they are locked by Windows or another application.
- Select all of the files that you want to delete. You are probably safe deleting them all unless there are specific files that you know you want to keep.