To clear the cache in Windows 11, use the built-in Storage Settings for system temp files (Settings > System > Storage > Temp Files), the Run dialog (Win+R) to delete specific temporary folders like %temp% and prefetch, and your browser's settings for web cache. You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) for deeper system junk removal.
To clear computer cache Windows 11 efficiently, it's generally better to use Chrome's built-in "Clear browsing data" feature:
In Chrome
Short on space and your Windows 11 PC/laptop feels slow? This step-by-step tutorial shows how to speed up Windows by clearing storage safely. Start with Settings → System → Storage to run Cleanup recommendations and enable Storage Sense for automatic temp/recycle cleanup. Use Temporary files to remove Windows Update le.
In the Chrome app
The fastest way to clear your cache is to use the following keyboard shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + R on Windows or Linux or CMD + SHIFT + R on a Mac or follow these steps: Check “Browsing History,” “Cookies and Other Site Data,” and “Cached images and files.” Click the Clear Data button.
But even if you deleted more Browsing data than you intended to, for any normal sort of website the probable worst that would happen is you would be logged out of some websites, you would lose your browsing history, and websites might take a fraction longer to download than normal the first time you load them.
In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, then select it from the results. Select the drive you want to clean up files for, then select OK. Select the check box next to the type of files you want to delete.
Here are some simple and easy steps you can try to improve the speed of your Windows 11 computer:
the Ctrl+Shift+Del keyboard shortcut.
Use Disk Cleanup to Remove System Cache
This can clear several gigabytes depending on usage.
Open your internet browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge). Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. Select cached images and files and cookies and site data, then click Clear.
Here's how you can do it:
To speed up your computer, clean up disk space with Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense, uninstall unused programs, manage startup apps via Task Manager, and scan for malware. Regularly clearing temporary files, updating drivers/OS, and defragmenting (if you have an HDD) also help, with hardware upgrades like an SSD being the most impactful.
In the Task Manager window, select the Performance tab. The left-side column will show you a list of key resource components and the percentage of each resource being actively used.
Start by checking startup apps and disabling anything you do not need, as this often causes slow boot and lag. Make sure Windows updates and drivers are fully installed, since missing drivers can affect performance. Reducing visual effects like animations and transparency can also help the system feel more responsive.
To reiterate, Windows 10 and 11 perform performance optimizations automatically. This is an informational article, so we'll provide the steps for triggering a manual defrag below — but you probably don't need to do this outside of very specific circumstances.
Q1: Will clearing cache delete my passwords? No. As long as you uncheck the password option during the process, your saved credentials remain untouched.
Clearing your cache only deletes temporary files that your browser stores on your PC. Clearing cache will not delete any personal files, bookmarks or browser settings.
What's the difference between clearing cache and clearing app data? Cache: Temporary files (images, scripts) that speed up app performance. App Data: Permanent user preferences/logins.