How to Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache
In the fast-paced digital world, it’s not uncommon for your computer to accumulate unnecessary files and caches over time. One such file is the Windows File Explorer cache, which can slow down your system’s performance. Clearing the cache can help improve your computer’s speed and efficiency. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to clear the Windows File Explorer cache.
Why Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache?
The Windows File Explorer cache stores temporary files and thumbnails of images, videos, and other media files. These files are created to speed up the loading of frequently accessed files. However, over time, the cache can become bloated, causing your computer to slow down. Clearing the cache can help free up disk space and improve the overall performance of your system.
Steps to Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache
1.
Open File Explorer
– Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer.
2.
Open the Cache Folder
– Navigate to the following path: C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.
– Note: Replace [Your Username] with your actual username.
3.
Enable Hidden Files and Folders
– Click on the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
– Check the “Hidden items” box in the “Show/hide” section.
4.
Clear the Cache
– Delete all the files and folders within the “Local” folder.
– Be cautious and ensure that you are deleting the correct files, as deleting important system files can cause issues.
5.
Empty the Recycle Bin
– After deleting the cache files, empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove them from your system.
6.
Restart Your Computer
– Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Alternative Methods to Clear the Windows File Explorer Cache
1.
Using PowerShell
– Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
– In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: `Get-ChildItem -Path ‘C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer’ -Recurse | Remove-Item -Force`.
– Replace [Your Username] with your actual username.
2.
Using CCleaner
– Download and install CCleaner from the official website.
– Open CCleaner and go to the “Windows” tab.
– Check the “File Explorer” option and click “Run Cleaner”.
By following these steps, you can successfully clear the Windows File Explorer cache and improve your computer’s performance. Remember to periodically clean your cache to maintain optimal system health.
