Efficiently Clear Cache in Explorer- A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I clear cache in explorer?

Clearing the cache in your Windows Explorer is an essential task to ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently. The cache stores temporary files and data that are used by the operating system and applications. Over time, these files can accumulate and take up valuable disk space, potentially leading to performance issues. In this article, we will guide you through the process of clearing the cache in Windows Explorer.

Before you begin, it is important to note that clearing the cache will delete temporary files and data, which may affect the functionality of certain applications. Therefore, it is recommended to create a system restore point before proceeding.

Here are the steps to clear the cache in Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
3. In the Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab.
4. Scroll through the list of processes and find “Windows Explorer.” Right-click on it and select “End Task.” This will close the current instance of Windows Explorer.
5. Return to the desktop and press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
6. Type “%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the folder containing the cache files.
7. Inside the “Explorer” folder, you will find a folder named “Caches.” Open this folder.
8. Inside the “Caches” folder, you will find multiple subfolders representing different applications. Delete the contents of these subfolders, but do not delete the subfolders themselves.
9. Close the “Caches” folder and return to the “Explorer” folder.
10. Right-click on the “Explorer” folder and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion if prompted.
11. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you should be able to clear the cache in Windows Explorer and improve the performance of your system. Remember to create a system restore point before making any changes to your system files.