How to clear Cache in Windows

Are you tired of your computer running slow or experiencing glitches?

Well, have no fear because today we’re going to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked maintenance tasks for keeping your computer running smoothly: clearing your cache!

But first, let’s talk about what cache is. Simply put, cache is a temporary storage area where your computer keeps frequently accessed information so it can quickly retrieve it later on.

This helps speed up processes and improve your overall experience using your computer. However, over time, this cache can build up and take up valuable storage space, leading to slow performance and other issues.

That’s why it’s important to regularly clear your cache. In this post, we’ll go over the different types of cache on your computer, and show you step-by-step how to clear it on your Windows PC.

We’ll cover everything from clearing your cache to using advanced techniques like command prompt and registry editor. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started on giving your computer the tune-up it needs!


Understanding Cache on Windows

Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics of what cache is and why it’s important to clear it, let’s dive a little deeper and understand the different types of cache on your Windows computer.

First, there’s browser cache. This is the cache that’s stored by the browser you use to surf the internet. It stores things like website images, cookies, and browsing history to make it faster to load frequently visited websites.

Then there’s system cache. This cache is created by the operating system and other programs running on your computer, and it stores information like system files, updates, and program data.

Next, we have app cache. This is the cache that’s stored by individual apps on your computer. It can store things like user preferences, login information, and other data specific to that app.

Finally, there’s the page file and DNS cache. Page file is a type of virtual memory used by the operating system when the physical memory is full.

DNS cache is used to store information of recently visited websites to speed up the browsing experience.

All of these caches are stored on your computer’s hard drive, taking up valuable storage space and potentially causing slow performance if they’re not cleared regularly.

Clearing these caches can help free up space and improve the overall performance of your computer, which is why it’s an essential maintenance task.

So now that you know the different types of cache on your Windows computer and how they’re stored, you’re well on your way to keeping your computer running like a dream.

Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll show you step-by-step how to clear these caches and get your computer running at its best!

Clearing Cache on Windows

Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! Now that we understand the different types of cache on Windows, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty and show you how to clear them. Let’s start with the system cache.

One of the easiest ways to clear the system cache on Windows is by using the Disk Cleanup tool. This built-in tool is quick and simple to use, and it can help free up a lot of space on your hard drive. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Click on the Start button and type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar.

2. Select “Disk Cleanup” from the list of results.

disk-cleanup

3. Select the drive you want to clean up (usually the C: drive) and click “OK”.

4. Select the types of files you want to delete, including “Temporary files” and “System files”

5. Click “OK” and then “Delete files” to start the cleaning process.

disk-cleanup-prompt

Clearing the app cache is also an easy task, it can be done by using the Settings app. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard
  2. Select “Privacy”
  3. Select “App permissions”
  4. Select the app you want to clear the cache for
  5. Select “Clear”

Finally, you can also clear the page file at shutdown which is a type of virtual memory used by the operating system when the physical memory is full. Here’s how to do it:

system-proprties-run-command
  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
  2. Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter
  3. Click on the “Advanced” tab
  4. Under “Performance,” click on “Settings”
  5. Click on the “Advanced” tab
  6. Under “Virtual memory,” click on “Change”
  7. Uncheck the box next to “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”
  8. Select the drive you want to change the paging file for
  9. Select “Custom size” and enter a new size (you can use the recommended size)
  10. Click “Set” and then “OK”
  11. Restart your computer
system-properties-advanced-settings
virtual-memory-settings

By following these steps you will be able to clear the cache on your windows computer and enjoy a better performance.

Remember to backup your data before clearing the cache, and if you have any issues or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments or check the additional resources in the next section.

Advanced Tips for Clearing Cache on Windows

Welcome back tech enthusiasts, are you ready to take your cache clearing skills to the next level?

If you’re looking for even more ways to clear cache on your Windows computer, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore some advanced tips and tricks for clearing cache on Windows.

First, let’s talk about using third-party tools. There are a lot of great tools out there that can help you clear cache on your Windows computer.

Some popular options include CCleaner, Wise Disk Cleaner, and Glary Utilities. These tools often have more advanced options for clearing cache and can also help you optimize other aspects of your computer.

Another advanced technique for clearing cache on Windows is using the command prompt.

This is a powerful tool that can help you clear various types of cache on your computer, including browser cache, system cache, and app cache. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu
  2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Terminal(Admin)”
  3. Type the following command: “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter to clear the DNS cache
  4. Type the following command: “net stop wuauserv” and press enter to stop the Windows Update service
  5. Type the following command: “net start wuauserv” and press enter to start the Windows Update service

Finally, you can also clear cache on Windows using the registry editor. This is a powerful tool that can help you clear various types of cache on your computer, including browser cache, system cache, and app cache.

However, it’s important to note that editing the registry can be risky, so it’s important to back up your data and proceed with caution. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
  2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor
  3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update
  4. Right-click on the “Auto Update” key and select “Export”
  5. Save the exported key to a safe location
  6. Delete the “Auto Update” key
  7. Restart your computer

By using these advanced techniques you will be able to clear cache on your Windows computer with precision. Remember to back up your data before editing the registry or using command prompt.

And if you have any issues or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments or check the additional resources in the next section.


Conclusion

Well folks, we’ve come to the end of our journey on how to clear cache on Windows. We hope you’ve found this guide informative and helpful in keeping your computer running at its best.

Just to recap, we’ve covered the different types of cache on Windows and how they’re stored, as well as the steps for clearing them using built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and the Settings app, as well as advanced techniques like using third-party tools, command prompt, and registry editor.

Remember, it’s important to regularly clear your cache to free up valuable storage space and improve the overall performance of your computer.

It’s also important to remember to backup your data before clearing cache, as it can be risky and lead to loss of data.

Additionally, if you run into any issues or have questions while clearing cache on your Windows computer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments or check out the additional resources we’ve provided in this post.

In conclusion, keeping your computer running smoothly is an essential task, and clearing the cache is one of the most important steps you can take.

So go ahead, give your computer the tune-up it needs, and enjoy a faster and more efficient experience! And don’t forget to come back and check out our next guide.