Temporary files, as the name implies, aren’t meant to stick around on your Windows computer forever. Although Windows makes it simple to delete temporary files, there can be times when these files refuse to leave.
While temporary files are typically harmless, you may have your own reasons for deleting them. Here are some useful tips that should help remove any stubborn temporary files on Windows.
1. Use the Disk Cleanup Tool
Windows offers several options for clearing temporary fileson your PC. If you are unable to delete temporary files via the Settings app or File Explorer, try using the Disk Cleanup tool instead.
Here are the steps you can follow:
Wait for a few moments until the Disk Cleanup tool clears all the temporary files.
2. Use Command Prompt
If the Disk Cleanup utility fails to delete some or all of the temporary files on Windows, you can try using the Command Prompt instead. Don’t worry, the process isn’t as complex as it might sound.
Follow these steps to continue:
Wait for the above command to run and delete the temporary files.
3. Empty the SoftwareDistribution Folder
Windows saves all the downloaded update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder before installing them. If aWindows system update gets stuck, the OS will not delete the temporary files associated with it.
To fix this, you’re able to try emptying the SoftwareDistribution folder manually using these steps:
If you run into issues while emptying the SoftwareDistribution folder, you canforce delete files in Windowsusing Command Prompt or a third-party tool.
4. Edit Registry Files
By default, the Disk Cleanup utility does not delete temporary files that are less than seven days old. This is because Windows marks these files as active. However, if you want to delete all the temporary files, regardless of their age, you can make changes to the Windows Registry.
Since editing registry files is slightly risky, verify toback up all registry filesorcreate a restore pointas a precaution. Once done, follow these steps to edit registry files:
Restart your PC after this and try to delete temporary files once again.
5. Boot Into Safe Mode
It’s possible that a third-party program or background service is preventing Windows from erasing temporary files on your system. Booting your PC in safe mode can help you avoid any interference, as Windows will only run with essential drivers and services.
Use one of the many ways toboot into safe mode on Windowsand try to delete temporary files one more time.
Get Rid of Temporary Files on Windows
Clearing temporary files is a great way to free up storage space without deleting any of your apps or important data.
We hope that one of the above tips was helpful and you were able to delete the temporary files without any problems.
