Refresh Your Windows 11: Clear App Cache and Improve Responsiveness

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to clear apps cache in Windows 11, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

First of all, here is a quick step guide to clear the apps cache in Windows 11:

• Open Settings.
• Go to System > Storage.
• Under Local Disk (C:), click on Temporary files.
• Check the boxes for the types of temporary files you want to remove, including System cache.
• Click Remove files.

Continue read the full blog as this is just an overview of steps further in the blog, we have mentioned more effective methods with detailed step-by-step instructions to clear the apps cache in Windows 11.   

What is Cache ?

Before we jump into the methods to clear the apps cache in Windows 11, let’s first understand what cache is.

Essentially, cache is temporary data stored by applications and the operating system to speed up certain processes and improve performance.

Specifically, it can include things like images, scripts, and other files that are frequently accessed.

Why Clear Cache ?

In fact, clearing your apps cache can help improve your device’s performance and resolve various issues. Here’s why:  

Speeds Up Your Device:

• Faster Loading Times: Firstly, caches store temporary files to load websites and apps faster. However, over time, these files can accumulate and slow down your device. Clearing the cache can help reduce loading times.  

• Smoother Performance: Secondly, a cluttered cache can lead to laggy performance and frequent crashes. Therefore, by clearing it, you can optimize your device’s resources and ensure smoother operation.  

Resolves Technical Issues:

• Fixes Website Glitches: Moreover, sometimes, outdated cached data can cause websites to display incorrectly or not load properly. As a result, clearing the cache can refresh the page and fix these issues.  

• Addresses App Errors: Similar to websites, apps can also experience problems due to outdated cached data. Thus, clearing the cache can help resolve app crashes, freezing, and other errors.  

Protects Your Privacy:

• Removes Browsing History: Furthermore, clearing your cache can help protect your privacy by removing your browsing history, including websites you’ve visited and data you’ve entered.  

Nevertheless, while clearing the cache is a helpful practice, it’s important to note that it’s not necessary to do it frequently.

You can typically clear your cache every few weeks or whenever you encounter performance issues.

Also Check: How to restore thumbnail cache in Windows 11 ?

How do you clear the apps cache in Windows 11 ?

Different applications have different methods for clearing cache. We’ll cover some of the most common ones below.

Clearing Cache for Microsoft Store Apps

Open Settings:

• First, click on the Start menu (Windows icon) and select Settings (gear icon) or press Windows + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Apps:

• Then, in the Settings window, click on Apps from the left sidebar.

Select Installed Apps:

• Subsequently, click on Installed apps to see a list of all your applications.

Find the App:

• At this point, scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app whose cache you want to clear.

Access App Settings:

• Following that, click on the three dots (ellipsis) next to the app name and select Advanced options.

Clear Cache:

• Lastly, scroll down to the Storage section and click on the Clear cache button. This will remove the cached data for that specific app.

Clearing Cache for Web Browsers

For Microsoft Edge:

• Open Edge: Firstly, launch Microsoft Edge.

• Open Settings: Secondly, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and select Settings.

• Clear Browsing Data: Then, go to Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.

• Choose What to Clear: Finally, select Cached images and files and click Clear now.

For Google Chrome:

• Open Chrome: Initially, launch Google Chrome.

• Open Settings: Then, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and select Settings.

• Clear Browsing Data: Next,go to Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.

• Choose What to Clear: Finally, select Cached images and files and click Clear data.

Clearing System Cache

Moreover, system cache includes various types of cached data that the Windows OS uses to speed up processes. Let’s cover how to clear some of the common types.

Clear Temporary Files

• Open Settings: To begin, press Win + I to open the Settings app.

• Navigate to Storage: Then, go to System > Storage.

• Temporary Files: Next, click on Temporary files.

• Select Files to Delete: After that, check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete, such as Temporary files, Thumbnails, and Download cache.

• Remove Files: Finally, click on Remove files to clear the selected cache.

Also Check: Clean cluttered Cache in Windows 11

Clear the DNS Cache

• Open Command Prompt: First, press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

• Run the Command: Then, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

• Subsequently, this will clear the DNS cache.

Clear the Windows Store Cache

• Open Run Dialog: Firstly, press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

• Run WSReset: Secondly, type wsreset.exe and press Enter. This will clear the Windows Store cache.  

Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows that helps you clear various types of cached data.

• Open Disk Cleanup: First, type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and select the app.

• Select Drive: Then, choose the drive you want to clean up, typically the C: drive.

• Choose Files to Delete: Next, check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete, such as Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, and Download Program Files.

• Clean Up System Files: Finally, click on Clean up system files and follow the same steps to remove system cache.

Advanced Methods for Clearing Cache

Furthermore, if you need to delve deeper, there are advanced methods to clear cache for more specific needs.

Using Third-Party Tools

Specifically, there are several third-party tools that can help you clear cache and optimize your system.

CCleaner:

• CCleaner is a popular tool for cleaning cache and other junk files.

• Download and Install CCleaner: Initially, go to the CCleaner website and download the tool.

Run CCleaner:

• First, launch the app and go to the Custom Clean section.

• Select What to Clean: Next, check the boxes for the types of cache you want to clear.

• Analyze and Clean: Finally, click Analyze to see what can be cleaned, then click Run Cleaner to remove the cache.

Using Windows PowerShell

For those who prefer command-line tools, PowerShell offers a robust way to clear cache.

• Open PowerShell: To begin, press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

• Clear Windows Update Cache: Subsequently, run the following commands:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits
• Remove-Item -Path “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*” -Recurse
• net start wuauserv
• net start bits

Keeping Your System Cache-Free

Clearing cache is not just a one-time thing. To keep your system running smoothly, make it a habit to clear cache regularly. Here are some tips:

• Set Reminders: First, set monthly or bi-monthly reminders to clear cache.

• Automate with Task Scheduler: Next, use Windows Task Scheduler to automate cache cleaning tasks.

• Monitor Performance: Finally, keep an eye on system performance and clear cache whenever you notice a slowdown.

Also Check: How to Turn Off Dark Mode in MS Paint on Windows 11 ?

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean cache in Windows 11 is essential for keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you choose to manually clear cache through Windows Settings, use built-in utilities like Disk Cleanup, or opt for third-party tools like CCleaner, regular cache maintenance can significantly improve your device’s performance.

Remember, you don’t need to clear your cache daily – doing so every few weeks or when you notice performance issues is typically sufficient.

By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily manage different types of cache, from app-specific data to system-wide temporary files.

Want to make it even easier? Consider setting up automated cleaning schedules using Task Scheduler, or simply create a monthly reminder to perform these maintenance tasks.

Source: [ geeksforgeeks, microsoft, lifewire, howtogeek ]

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