If your Windows 11 PC or laptop is running slow, showing low storage warnings, or taking too long to boot, the most common reason is accumulated cache, temporary files, and system junk. The good news is you can safely delete all cache files, create free space in your PC, and make your laptop run faster without deleting any personal data like photos, videos, or documents. Follow the methods below carefully to clean Windows properly and boost performance.
Method 1: Delete Temporary Files Using Temp Folder
Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter
Press Ctrl + A to select all files
Press Delete
If some files do not delete, check Do this for all current items and click Skip
Method 2: Delete Cache Files Using %temp% Folder
Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter
Select all files using Ctrl + A
Press Delete
If any file shows an error, select Do this for all and click Skip
Method 3: Clear Prefetch Cache
Press Windows + R, type prefetch, and press Enter
Click Continue if asked for permission
Select all files
Press Delete
Skip files that cannot be removed
Method 4: Clear Recent Files Cache
Press Windows + R, type recent, and press Enter
Select all files
Press Delete
Skip files that are in use
Method 5: Enable Storage Sense and Remove Temporary Files
Open Settings
Go to System
Click Storage
Turn ON Storage Sense
Click Temporary files
Uncheck Downloads if you have important files
Click Remove files
Method 6: Delete Windows Update Cache (SoftwareDistribution)
Open This PC
Open Local Disk (C:)
Open Windows folder
Open SoftwareDistribution
Open Download folder
Select all files and folders
Press Delete
Method 7: Use Disk Cleanup Tool
Press Windows Search and type Disk Cleanup
Open Disk Cleanup
Select C: Drive
Check Temporary files, System cache, Recycle Bin
Click OK, then Delete Files
Method 8: Empty Recycle Bin and Restart PC
Right-click Recycle Bin
Click Empty Recycle Bin
Restart your PC to apply all changes
Final Conclusion
After completing all these methods, your Windows 11 PC will have more free space, reduced junk files, faster boot time, and smoother overall performance. These steps safely delete temporary files and caches without removing personal data, making them ideal for regular PC maintenance.
