How to delete temporary files

Ever noticed your computer acting sluggish or warning you about low storage? Temporary files could be the sneaky culprit. Windows creates these files while installing apps, loading web pages, or running updates. Left unchecked, they pile up and hog valuable space. Luckily, clearing them out is easier than cleaning your kitchen junk drawer. Let’s explore Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, manual deletion, and a few bonus performance tips to keep your PC running like new.

Why temporary files pile up and slow you down

Temporary files serve a purpose in the moment—they help Windows and apps run faster. But once they’ve done their job, they’re supposed to go away. Instead, many linger: system cache, leftover installation files, thumbnails, even old update data.

Over weeks and months, these “leftovers” build up. That’s when you start noticing lag, low-storage alerts, or even failed updates. Regularly clearing them out is one of the easiest Windows performance tips you can follow.

Storage Sense makes cleaning effortless

If you want a hands-off way to manage storage, Windows Storage Sense is smart choice. Think of it as an automated cleaning service built right into Windows 11. Once you set it up, Storage Sense quietly works in the background to keep things tidy.

Here’s how to turn it on:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage.
• Toggle Storage Sense to “On.”
• Set how often it should run (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Choose what it should delete: temporary files, downloads, Recycle Bin contents, and more.

What makes Storage Sense powerful is its automation. You can tell it to automatically remove unused files, clear cloud-backed OneDrive files that haven’t been opened in a while and keep your PC from hitting that dreaded “low disk space” message.

Did you know? Storage Sense can also be triggered manually anytime by clicking “Run Storage Sense now.” It’s like a refresh button for your PC’s storage.

Disk Cleanup still works like a charm

Long before Storage Sense, Windows users relied on Disk Cleanup. It remains one of the most effective ways to delete temporary files in Windows. Disk Cleanup can remove temporary internet files, delivery optimization cache, and even old system restore points. That means it often frees up more space than you expect.

To use it:

• Search for Disk Cleanup in the Windows taskbar.
• Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
• Let it scan, then select what you want removed.
• Hit OK, and enjoy the extra breathing room.

Advanced tip: If you click “Clean up system files,” you unlock even more space savings—like removing outdated Windows Update files that can be several gigabytes.

Manually clearing temp folders (if you dare)

For those who like control, you can always clear temp files manually. This method gives you direct access to the folders where temporary data hides.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
• Select all the files inside and delete them (skip anything currently “in use”).
• Navigate to C:\Windows\Temp and repeat the process.

This hands-on method can be satisfying, but it comes with a warning: stick to temp folders only. Deleting the wrong files elsewhere could cause problems.

Pro tip: Manual deletion is best for quick fixes, but for ongoing care, Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup is safer and more reliable.

Copilot+ PCs add AI power to storage cleanup

If you’re thinking about upgrading, Copilot+ PCs take performance up a notch. They use advanced AI to manage system resources, optimize battery life, and even suggest better ways to organize your storage. While you’ll still want to delete temporary files in Windows regularly, Copilot+ PC features make it easier to keep your computer lean, fast, and ready for whatever you throw at it.

Keep Windows fast with smart cleanup habits

Clearing out temporary files is one of the easiest Windows performance tips. Whether you use Storage Sense for automation, the classic Disk Cleanup Windows tool, or prefer to clear temp files manually, each method helps you reclaim space and keep your PC running smoothly.

Ready to get more from your device? Learn more about Windows performance features and explore the benefits of a Copilot+ PC today.