Cache memory is beneficial for many reasons. It stores data so you don’t have to enter it again, remembers your preferences, and helps the software and websites you use frequently load faster. However, this memory can also get corrupted, causing problems or taking up an undesirable amount of storage.

Like your Internet browser, clearing the cache in Windows is a great step for troubleshooting issues and recovering drive space. The following sections contain steps on how to clear the cache in various areas in Windows 10.

Clear temporary files in System Settings

Clearing out the temporary files in Windows 10 can free up a significant amount of space. Here’s how to do it.

To clear the cache in your Internet browser, see: How to clear browser cache and cookies.

  • Clear temporary files in System Settings.

  • Clear cache using Disk Cleanup.

  • Clear Microsoft Store cache.

  • Clear DNS cache.

  • Press the Windows key, type Settings, then press Enter. Or, press the keyboard shortcut Windows key+I.

  • In the Settings window, click System.

  • On the left side of the screen, click the Storage option.

  • On the right side of the window, click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

  • In the window that appears, scroll to the bottom. Make sure the box next to Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using is checked (A), and then click the Clean now button (B).

Clear cache using Disk Cleanup

The Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 10 can be utilized to free up a significant amount of space. Here’s how to use it.

  • Press the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and press Enter. Or, press Windows key+R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.

  • Select a drive and click the OK button.

  • In the Disk Cleanup window, check the box next to the temporary file entries and any other entries you want to clean up, and click the OK button.

  • When prompted, click the Delete Files button.

Clear Microsoft Store cache

If you encounter errors with the Microsoft Store or its apps, clearing its cache helps. The following steps show you how.

  • Press the Windows key+R to open the Run box.

  • Type wsreset.exe in the text field, then press Enter.

  • A black window should appear temporarily and then close itself. When it closes, the Microsoft Store cache is cleared.

Clear DNS cache

Clearing the DNS (Domain Name System) cache helps ensure that web pages and online applications continue to load properly. The following steps show you how.

  • Press the Windows key and type Command Prompt (A).

  • In the search results, use the arrow keys to highlight the Command Prompt program (B).

  • On the right side of the screen, click Run as administrator (C).

  • Click the Yes button on the prompt that appears.

  • When the Command Prompt opens, type ipconfig /flushdns, and then press Enter.

You can also right-click the Command Prompt entry in the search results and select Run as administrator in the pop-up menu. Alternatively, press Windows key+R, type cmd, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run as administrator.

  • If you entered the command correctly, a message that says Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache is displayed.
  • How to regain computer hard drive space.
  • How to view and remove temporary program files.
  • See our cache definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.