How to Clear Cache in Windows 10 (Full PC, Laptop & Browser Guide)

If your Windows 10 PC feels slow, apps take ages to open, websites look broken, or your laptop fans are working overtime — there’s a good chance your cache is the problem.

Caches build up everywhere:

• Windows system cache
• Temporary files
• Browser cache
• App data caches
• Location + thumbnail cache
• Hidden leftover files

And most guides online only cover one of these.
So users follow the instructions… and nothing changes.

This guide fixes that.

This is the complete, combined version of all our cache-related articles — rewritten into a clear 2026 resource that shows you how to clear cache Windows 10 properly, without deleting anything important.

Let’s make your PC feel fresh again — and finally fix slow Windows 10 without reinstalling anything or risking your files.

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You can also repair Windows system files if necessary.

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Clear Cache in Windows 10 (System Cache & Temporary Files)

Windows creates thousands of temporary files every week.
Some are safe.
Some are junk.
Some are leftovers from updates, installers, or apps you no longer use — which is why knowing how to clear temp files Windows 10 safely makes such a big difference to performance.

Clearing them safely is the fastest way to free up storage and speed up your PC.

Here’s the steps anyone can follow — beginner-friendly and risk-free.

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Method 1: Use Windows Storage Settings (Safest for Beginners)

1. Open Settings
2. Click System
3. Go to Storage
4. Select Temporary files
5. Tick the boxes for:
   • Temporary files
   • Windows update cleanup
   • Delivery optimisation files
   • Recycle Bin (optional)
   • Thumbnails
6. Click Remove files

This removes several gigabytes of clutter instantly.

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Method 2: Clear Cache Using Disk Cleanup (Works on Older Systems Too)

Disk Cleanup Windows 10 is old but still effective, especially for removing cached system files, thumbnails, and leftover update data in one safe sweep.

1. Search Disk Cleanup in the Start menu
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Select your system drive (usually C:)
4. Tick:
   • Temporary Internet Files
   • Temporary files
   • Thumbnails
   • Recycle Bin
   • Downloaded Program Files
5. Click OK → Delete Files

Disk Cleanup is old but still effective.

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Method 3: Delete Temporary Files Manually (Deepest Clean)

Windows stores temp files in two hidden folders:

Folder A (User temp):

%temp%

Folder B (System temp):

C:\Windows\Temp

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type %temp% → press Enter
3. Select everything → Delete
4. Skip any files in use
5. Repeat process with C:\Windows\Temp

This removes files that automated tools sometimes miss.

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Why Clearing System Cache Helps

You’ll notice improvements in:

• Faster startup
• More available storage — helping you free up space Windows 10 without uninstalling apps
• Faster app loading
• Less lag
• Reduced system errors
• Smaller Windows footprint

It’s the foundation for every other optimisation.

Disk Cleanup in Windows 10

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Clear Cache on a Laptop (Same Steps, Extra Tips for Portables)

Laptops build up the same system cache as desktop PCs — but they also create additional cached data related to battery optimisation, power profiles, sleep/hibernate files, location caching, offline sync, and Windows Update Delivery.

This is why learning how to clear laptop cache Windows 10 properly often delivers faster results than on a desktop PC.

These can slow down a laptop much faster than a desktop.

Here’s how to clear everything safely.

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Method 1: Clear System Cache (Same as Desktop)

You can use the exact steps from earlier:

• Storage Settings → Temporary files
• Disk Cleanup
• %temp% folders

These remove the core Windows cache.

But laptops need deeper cleaning.

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Method 2: Clear Battery Report Cache & Rebuild Power Profiles

Cached battery data can cause:

• wrong battery percentages
• sudden shutdowns
• throttling issues

Reset Power Plans

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run:

powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

This clears power profile corruption.

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Method 3: Clear Windows Location Cache (Common on Laptops)

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Privacy
3. Select Location
4. Scroll to Clear location history on this device
5. Click Clear

This fixes many map/weather app glitches.

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Method 4: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Laptops often rely heavily on Store apps.

Resetting the store cache fixes:

• app updates failing
• apps not launching
• download issues

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

wsreset.exe

3. Press Enter
   A blank command window will appear, then close automatically.

Store cache: wiped.

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Method 5: Clear Browser Cache (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Laptops store huge amounts of cached website data.
This will be fully covered in the browser section, but here’s the quick hint:

Browser cache impacts:

• page loading
• Netflix and YouTube quality
• login/session errors
• battery usage

We’ll clean it properly in the next sections.

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Why Laptops Slow Down Faster Than PCs

Laptops accumulate hidden cache due to:

• hybrid sleep mode
• app background restrictions
• offline files
• sync services (OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud)
• Windows telemetry caching

Clearing these can make a laptop feel brand new again and noticeably help speed up Windows 10 laptop performance without hardware upgrades.

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Clear Cache in Google Chrome (Updated 2026 Steps)

Chrome is fast when it’s fresh.
But over time, cached images, cookies, browsing data, and old site files build up and start causing problems like:

• slow page loading
• websites not updating
• login issues
• broken layouts
• forms not submitting
• YouTube buffering
• streaming errors

Clearing the Chrome cache instantly fixes most of these.
If you’re specifically trying to clear browser cache Chrome Windows 10, the steps below are the most reliable and up-to-date method.

Here’s the updated 2026 method — simple and precise.

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Method 1: Clear Chrome Cache (Quick Steps)

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE
   (This opens the Clear Browsing Data menu)
3. Choose Time range → All time
4. Tick:
   • Cached images and files
   • Cookies and other site data (optional but recommended)
5. Click Clear data

This removes the bulk of Chrome’s cache.

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Method 2: Clear Site-Specific Cache (When One Website Won’t Work)

Sometimes only one website is broken.
Instead of clearing everything, you can target that single site.

1. Go to the problem website
2. Click the padlock icon left of the URL
3. Choose Site settings
4. Click Clear data

This resets that site only — perfect for login or display issues.

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Method 3: Hard Refresh (Force Reload Without Cache)

Useful for:

• updated websites not showing changes
• CSS/HTML problems
• data dashboards not refreshing

Press:

• CTRL + F5
  or
• Shift + Reload button

This forces Chrome to ignore cache temporarily.

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Method 4: Clear Chrome DNS Cache (Fixes Loading & Redirect Issues)

1. Type in Chrome’s address bar:

chrome://net-internals/#dns

2. Click Clear host cache

This fixes:

• sites not loading
• redirected domains
• DNS lookup delays

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Method 5: Clear Chrome Storage & App Data (Advanced)

This resets cached storage for installed web apps and PWAs.

1. Visit:

chrome://settings/siteData

2. Click Remove all

(Do this only if Chrome is severely misbehaving — it wipes all site data.)

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Does Clearing Chrome Cache Delete Passwords?

No — not unless you tick the “Passwords” box.

By default:

• saved passwords remain
• autofill stays
• browsing history stays (unless selected)

We’ll cover this more in the FAQ section later.

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When Should You Clear Chrome Cache?

Do it when you notice:

• websites loading incorrectly
• layout problems
• stuck videos
• repeated login loops
• slow tab performance
• storage warnings

On laptops, clearing browser cache can also improve battery life by reducing background processing.

Clear browsing data in Chrome

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Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge (Windows 10 Default Browser)

Edge is built into Windows 10, so when it starts storing too much cached data, you’ll feel it across the whole system — especially during updates, page loads, or when using Microsoft services like Outlook, Teams, and Office.com.

Here’s how to clean Edge properly in 2025 without affecting your passwords or saved data.

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Method 1: Quick Edge Cache Clear (Fastest Way)

1. Open Microsoft Edge
2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE
   (This opens Clear Browsing Data instantly)
3. Choose Time range → All time
4. Tick:
   • Cached images and files
   • Cookies and other site data (optional but recommended)
5. Click Clear now

Edge will remove old page files, site data, and broken cached content.

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Method 2: Clear Cache for One Website (If Only One Site Is Broken)

Perfect when:

• Outlook.com won’t load
• A website layout looks wrong
• You can’t sign in to a specific site

Steps:

1. Open the website causing issues
2. Click the padlock icon beside the URL
3. Select Cookies and site permissions
4. Click Clear data

This resets cache only for that site.

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Method 3: Hard Refresh in Edge (Bypass Cache Temporarily)

Useful for:

• dashboards not updating
• webpages showing old content
• CSS/formatting issues

Press:

• CTRL + F5
  or
• Shift + Reload button

This forces Edge to reload every file directly from the server.

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Method 4: Clear Edge DNS Cache (Fixes Loading & Redirect Problems)

Edge uses its own DNS system separate from Windows.

1. In the Edge address bar, type:

edge://net-internals/#dns

2. Click Clear host cache

Fixes:

• websites not loading
• old redirects
• inconsistent page routing

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Method 5: Reset Edge (Fix App-Level Corruption)

If Edge keeps freezing, crashing, or showing blank pages, reset it:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Apps → Apps & features
3. Find Microsoft Edge
4. Click Advanced options
5. Choose Reset

This clears:

• cache
• app data
• configuration files

Your bookmarks and passwords remain (they sync via your Microsoft account).

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Does Clearing Edge Cache Remove Passwords?

No — unless you tick “Passwords” manually.

By default, clearing cache only removes:

• temporary site files
• cookies (if selected)
• cached images

All saved logins stored in Edge remain untouched.

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When You Should Clear Edge Cache

Clear the cache if you notice:

• Microsoft sites loading slowly
• Teams or Outlook glitches
• stuck login sessions
• repeated “Something went wrong” errors
• outdated page content
• heavy CPU usage from Edge processes

Laptop users especially notice improved performance and battery life after clearing browser cache.

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Clear Cache in Mozilla Firefox (Fast Fix for Slow Browsing)

Firefox stores cached website files, scripts, cookies, and media to speed up browsing.
But when that cache becomes outdated or corrupted, it causes:

• slow loading pages
• incorrect layouts
• login problems
• missing buttons
• stuck videos or images
• looping sign-in screens

Clearing the Firefox cache resets everything back to normal.

Here’s the updated, simple 2025 method.

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Method 1: Clear Firefox Cache (Most Common Fix)

1. Open Firefox
2. Click the menu button (≡)
3. Go to Settings
4. Select Privacy & Security
5. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data
6. Click Clear Data
7. Tick:
   • Cached Web Content
   • (Optional) Cookies and Site Data
8. Click Clear

This removes outdated cached files that break pages.

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Method 2: Clear Cache for a Single Website (Best for Login or Display Issues)

1. Click the padlock icon next to the website URL
2. Click Clear cookies and site data
3. Confirm

Useful when only one site behaves strangely, such as:

• Gmail
• YouTube
• Facebook
• banking sites
• office portals

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Method 3: Hard Refresh in Firefox

Forces Firefox to reload a page without using any cached content.

Press:

• CTRL + F5

Or:

• CTRL + SHIFT + R

This is especially useful for:

• website updates
• dashboards not refreshing
• CSS or styling issues

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Method 4: Clear Firefox DNS Cache

Firefox uses its own DNS cache separate from Windows.

1. Type into the Firefox address bar:

about:networking#dns

2. Click Clear DNS Cache

This fixes:

• pages not loading
• redirection errors
• “Server not found” issues

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Method 5: Clear Offline Web Content & User Data (Advanced)

Some sites store files for offline use.
You can clear them here:

1. Go to Privacy & Security
2. Scroll down to Cached Web Content
3. Click Clear Now
4. Scroll to Offline Web Content and User Data
5. Click Clear

Use this if:

• you use Firefox for web apps
• pages load outdated offline versions

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Does Clearing Firefox Cache Delete Passwords?

No.
Clearing cache does not remove:

• saved logins
• saved passwords
• bookmarks
• extensions

Passwords are only removed if you manually clear the “Saved Logins” section.

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When Should You Clear Firefox Cache?

Do this when you see:

• spinning loading icons
• blank pages
• missing page elements
• slow logins
• broken JavaScript
• incorrect website layouts

Firefox is very cache-heavy, so clearing this often brings an immediate performance boost.

Clear cache and cookies in Firefox

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Does Clearing Cache Delete Passwords? (Full Explanation + Safe Settings)

This is one of the most common questions people ask before clearing their cache — and for good reason. Nobody wants to lose access to bank logins, email accounts, or work apps.

Here’s the simple truth:

Clearing cache does NOT delete your passwords.

Passwords are only deleted if you specifically choose to remove them.

Let’s break it down clearly so users feel confident and safe.

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✅ What Gets Deleted When You Clear Cache

When clearing cache normally, you only remove:

• saved images
• stored scripts
• temporary website files
• thumbnails
• old CSS / layout data
• browser-side storage

This is all harmless and safe to delete.

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❌ What Does NOT Get Deleted

Clearing cache does NOT remove:

• saved passwords
• autofill data
• bookmarks
• extensions
• browser history (unless selected)
• saved favourites
• stored payment details
• custom settings
• homepages or themes

Passwords are stored separately in browser “password vaults.”

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⚠️ When You Can Lose Passwords

Only if you manually tick the option:

• Passwords
• Saved logins
• Autofill form data

In Chrome, Edge, and Firefox these options are unchecked by default.

So unless someone intentionally selects them, passwords remain safe.

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🔒 Where Passwords Are Actually Stored

Each browser keeps passwords in a secure encrypted vault:

• Chrome → Google Password Manager (linked to your Google account)
• Edge → Microsoft Password Manager (linked to your Microsoft account)
• Firefox → Firefox Lockwise (local encryption or synced to Firefox account)

Clearing the cache does NOT wipe these vaults.

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🧪 Examples: What Happens When Clearing Cache?

Here are simple examples to reassure readers:

Example 1: You clear Chrome cache

👉 You stay logged into Google? No.
👉 Your saved passwords still work? Yes.
👉 Websites load fresh? Yes.

Example 2: You clear Edge site data

👉 Browser autofill still works? Yes.
👉 Outlook/Teams may sign out once? Possibly
👉 Passwords saved in Edge? Safe.

Example 3: You clear Firefox cache

👉 Saved logins? Kept.
👉 Cached images? Deleted.
👉 Website errors? Fixed.

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🔐 How to Clear Cache Safely (No Password Loss)

Here are the checkboxes you can safely tick:

• Cached images and files
• Cookies and site data
• Temporary files
• Hosted app data
• Browsing cache

Just make sure these are NOT selected:

• Passwords
• Saved login data
• Autofill form data

These are separate sections and not checked by default.

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💡 When Might You Want to Clear Cookies Too?

Sometimes websites “remember” broken login states.

Clearing cookies can fix:

• login loops
• “access denied” errors
• stuck sign-in pages
• outdated sessions

Clearing cookies will sign you out of some websites —
but saved passwords still autofill, so logging back in is simple.

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Summary

Clearing cache is one of the safest ways to speed up your PC and browsers.

• You won’t lose passwords
• You won’t lose bookmarks
• You won’t lose history unless you choose to
• You won’t reset your browser setup

It simply removes junk files that slow everything down.

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How to Clear Browser Cache Across All Browsers (Quick Universal Method)

If you don’t want to dig through menus in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, there’s a simple trick:

All browsers support the same keyboard shortcut to open the cache clearing window instantly.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using:

• Chrome
• Edge
• Firefox
• Brave
• Opera

This method works everywhere.

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Universal Method: Use CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE

Press:

CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE

This opens the Clear Browsing Data window in every major browser.

Now choose:

• Time range → All time
• Tick Cached images and files
• Tick Cookies and site data (optional)

Then click:

Clear data
or
Clear now
(depending on browser)

Done.
Your cache is cleared across any browser with the same simple shortcut.

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Why This Shortcut Is Better Than Menu Hunting

• Faster
• Works consistently in every browser
• Removes only the important cached files
• Perfect for beginners
• Saves time when troubleshooting

It’s the quickest fix for:

• website errors
• display problems
• streaming issues
• login loops
• slow page loading

One shortcut — universal results.

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When You Should Use This Shortcut Instead of Manual Steps

Use the universal shortcut when:

• you just want the fastest possible fix
• you don’t care about individual browser settings
• you’re helping someone over the phone
• you want the same instruction to work on every browser
• you need a quick way to reset broken websites

It’s the fastest, simplest option for most users.

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Important Note

This shortcut does not delete:

• bookmarks
• saved passwords
• extensions
• browsing history (unless selected)
• downloaded files

It only clears temporary cached content.

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How to Clear Windows Thumbnail Cache (Fix Broken Icons & Slow File Explorer)

Windows uses thumbnail previews to load images and videos faster in File Explorer.
When the thumbnail cache becomes corrupted, you’ll often see missing icons, incorrect previews, or slow folder loading — a clear sign it’s time to clear thumbnail cache Windows 10.

Windows automatically generates thumbnail previews for images, videos, and documents.
Over time, the thumbnail cache becomes:

• outdated
• corrupted
• oversized

This leads to problems like:

• folders taking ages to open
• File Explorer freezing
• broken or blank icons
• slow scrolling through picture/video folders

Clearing the thumbnail cache resets everything.

Here’s how to do it safely.

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Method 1: Clear Thumbnail Cache Using Disk Cleanup (Fastest Way)

1. Search the Start menu for Disk Cleanup
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Select your system drive (C:)
4. Tick Thumbnails
5. Click OK → Delete Files

Disk Cleanup will rebuild thumbnails automatically the next time you open folders.

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Method 2: Manually Delete Thumbnail Cache (Deep Reset)

Windows stores its thumbnail cache in a specific hidden folder.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

3. Look for files named:
   • thumbcache_*.db
4. Select all thumbcache files
5. Delete them
6. Restart your computer

This forces Windows to rebuild all thumbnails cleanly.

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Method 3: Use Command Prompt to Clear Thumbnail Database

If File Explorer is stuck or unresponsive:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run:

del /f /s /q %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\thumbcache_*.db

3. Restart your PC

This bypasses File Explorer locks and clears cached thumbnails instantly.

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When You Should Clear the Thumbnail Cache

Do this when you notice:

• folders with images load slowly
• thumbnails don’t appear
• icons show blank previews
• File Explorer freezes when browsing
• video folders lag or crash

For users with large photo or video collections, clearing the thumbnail cache once a month keeps File Explorer snappy.

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Does Clearing Thumbnail Cache Delete Files?

No — nothing in your Pictures, Videos, or Documents folders is touched.

Windows will simply recreate thumbnails the next time you open a folder.

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How to Clear Windows Icon Cache (Fix Wrong or Missing Icons)

Windows uses a separate cache to store icons for apps, folders, shortcuts, and files.
When this cache becomes corrupted, you’ll see strange problems like:

• incorrect app icons
• missing icons
• icons not updating after app changes
• duplicated or blank icons
• slow loading desktop items
• File Explorer showing wrong symbols

Clearing the icon cache resets all of this instantly.

Here’s the easy 2025 method.

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Method 1: Clear the Icon Cache Using Command Prompt (Recommended)

This is the most reliable way because Windows often locks icon cache files.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run the following commands one at a time:

cd /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local
attrib -h IconCache.db
del IconCache.db
start explorer

This removes the old IconCache database and restarts Explorer so Windows can rebuild it.

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Method 2: Fully Rebuild Icon Cache (Deep Repair)

If icons are severely broken, use the full rebuild method:

1. Close all apps
2. Open Task Manager
3. Find Windows Explorer
4. Right-click → End Task
5. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
6. Run:

cd /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local
del IconCache.db /a
cd /d %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
del iconcache* /f /s /q
shutdown /r /f /t 00

Your PC will restart, and Windows will rebuild a brand-new icon database.

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Method 3: Reset Icon Cache via Disk Cleanup

Not as thorough, but useful for minor glitches.

1. Open Disk Cleanup
2. Select C:
3. Tick:
   • Thumbnails
   • Temporary files
4. Click OK

This won’t fix deep icon corruption but helps with minor display issues.

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When You Should Clear the Icon Cache

Do this when you notice:

• icons show wrong or outdated graphics
• app icons don’t update after installation
• desktop loads slowly or inconsistently
• shortcuts appear blank
• File Explorer shows random or broken icons

Laptop users also notice improved responsiveness on desktops with large app counts.

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Does Clearing Icon Cache Delete Apps or Files?

No — only the icon database is removed.

Windows rebuilds it automatically within seconds.

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How to Clear DNS Cache in Windows 10 (Fix Internet & Website Issues)

DNS cache issues can cause websites not to load, redirect incorrectly, or feel unusually slow — even when your internet connection itself is fine.

Knowing how to clear DNS cache Windows 10 is one of the fastest ways to fix internet and website issues without changing any network settings.

Your PC stores DNS records to speed up website loading.
But when those records become outdated or corrupted, you’ll see problems like:

• websites not loading
• random “server not found” errors
• pages redirecting incorrectly
• login failures
• slow first-time site loading
• Wi-Fi networks not resolving domains

Clearing the DNS cache forces Windows to fetch fresh network information.

It’s one of the fastest ways to fix internet and browsing issues — and it only takes a few seconds.

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Method 1: Flush DNS Using Command Prompt (Fastest Fix)

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

cmd

3. Right-click → Run as administrator
4. In the window, type:

ipconfig /flushdns

5. Press Enter

You should see:

“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

This resets all cached DNS records instantly.

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Method 2: Reset Winsock (Fixes Deeper Network Issues)

If flushing DNS alone doesn’t fix it, reset Winsock — Windows’ networking stack.

Run this in Command Prompt (Admin):

netsh winsock reset

Restart your PC afterward.

This fixes:

• broken network adapters
• apps failing to connect
• DNS_PROBE errors in browsers
• corrupted TCP/IP settings

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Method 3: Full Network Reset (Only If Internet Is Severely Broken)

Use this only if the network is completely unstable.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Scroll down → Network Reset
4. Click Reset now

This reinstalls all network adapters and resets all settings.

You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.

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Method 4: Clear DNS Cache on Browsers (Optional but Useful)

Each browser has its own DNS cache too:

Chrome

Go to:

chrome://net-internals/#dns

Click Clear host cache

Edge

Go to:

edge://net-internals/#dns

Click Clear host cache

Firefox

Go to:

about:networking#dns

Click Clear DNS Cache

These fix:

• site-specific issues
• redirect loops
• errors appearing in only one browser

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When You Should Clear DNS Cache

Do this when:

• your internet randomly slows
• some websites load while others don’t
• pages show errors despite good Wi-Fi
• you switched networks recently
• websites changed hosting or DNS records
• streaming services won’t load
• login sessions break even after clearing browser cache

DNS flushing is one of the simplest and most effective diagnostic steps.

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Does Clearing DNS Cache Delete Anything Important?

No — nothing personal is deleted.

Flushing DNS:

• does NOT affect passwords
• does NOT remove browser history
• does NOT break installed apps
• does NOT disconnect Wi-Fi

It simply removes outdated website addressing information.

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Clear Windows Update Cache (Fix Stuck Updates & Errors)

Windows Update relies on cached files to download, install, and track updates.
When that cache becomes corrupted, updates can fail, freeze, or loop endlessly — which is why knowing how to clear Windows Update cache is often the fastest fix for stuck or failed updates.

When this cache becomes corrupted, you’ll see problems like:

• updates stuck at 0% or 100%
• “Error 0x80070005”
• “Something went wrong” update messages
• repeated update failures
• long update times
• Windows Update using high CPU or disk

Clearing the Windows Update cache often fixes these instantly.

Here’s how to do it safely.

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Method 1: Clear Windows Update Cache Manually (Recommended)

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services

Windows won’t let you delete update files if they’re in use.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

services.msc

3. Find Windows Update
4. Right-click → Stop
5. Do the same for:
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services

Stopping these allows you to clear the cache safely.

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Step 2: Delete the Update Cache Folder

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

3. Delete everything inside the folder
   (Not the folder itself — just the contents.)

This removes:

• failed updates
• partially downloaded packages
• corrupted installation files

Windows recreates everything cleanly after reboot.

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Step 3: Restart Update Services

Go back to services.msc and restart:

• Windows Update
• BITS
• Cryptographic Services

Or simply reboot your PC.

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Method 2: Clear Windows Update Cache Using Command Prompt

Run Command Prompt as Administrator and enter these one by one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
del /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

This automates:

• stopping services
• deleting cached updates
• restarting services

Useful for advanced users and technicians.

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Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components (Deep Repair)

If the update system is badly corrupted, use the full Microsoft repair sequence:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

This resets:

• SoftwareDistribution
• Catroot2
• Installer components

This is the “nuclear option” and fixes even the worst update failures.

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When You Should Clear the Windows Update Cache

Do it when:

• updates keep failing
• update downloads freeze
• install progress never completes
• you see update error codes
• updates repeat the same installation
• your PC becomes slow after an update attempt

After clearing the cache, run:

• Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates

Windows will fetch fresh, uncorrupted files.

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Does Clearing the Update Cache Delete Installed Updates?

No — installed updates stay intact.

You’re only removing:

• temporary update files
• corrupted downloads
• incomplete packages

Everything Windows needs will be downloaded again automatically.

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Clear Windows Store Cache (Fix App Downloads & Updates)

Clearing the Microsoft Store cache fixes common app problems like downloads failing, updates getting stuck, or apps refusing to open.

If you’re trying to clear app cache Windows, this is the safest place to start before resetting or reinstalling any apps.

The Microsoft Store creates its own separate cache for app installs, updates, licences, and thumbnails.
When that cache becomes corrupted, you’ll notice:

• apps not downloading
• apps stuck on “Pending”
• Store freezing or crashing
• updates repeatedly failing
• “Try again later” errors
• slow performance when opening the Store

Clearing this cache resets everything and is completely safe.

Here’s the easiest way to do it.

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Method 1: Clear Store Cache Using WSReset (Fastest Way)

This method uses a built-in Windows tool.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

wsreset.exe

3. Press Enter

A blank black window will appear.
After a few seconds, it will close — and the Microsoft Store will open automatically.

That means the cache was cleared successfully.

This fixes:

• Store not opening
• stuck downloads
• broken app updates
• licence syncing issues

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Method 2: Reset the Microsoft Store App (Deeper Repair)

If WSReset doesn’t work:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps
3. Select Apps & features
4. Scroll to Microsoft Store
5. Click Advanced options
6. Click Reset

This wipes all:

• app cache
• temporary data
• configuration files

(Your installed apps remain safe — this only resets the Store itself.)

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Method 3: Clear Store Cache Manually (For Stubborn Issues)

If the Store still won’t behave:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

%localappdata%\Packages\

3. Find the folder:

Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe

4. Inside, open:

LocalCache

5. Delete everything inside that folder

This forces Windows to rebuild all Store cache files.

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Method 4: Reset Store Services (Fix Download/Update Failures)

Sometimes the Store fails because a background service is stuck.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

net stop clipsvc
net start clipsvc

This resets the Client Licence Service, which is responsible for Store permissions.

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When You Should Clear the Store Cache

Do it when:

• apps won’t install
• Store doesn’t open
• downloads freeze
• updates fail repeatedly
• Store is painfully slow
• search results don’t load

This is one of the highest-impact cache fixes for Windows 10 laptops and tablets.

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Does Clearing Store Cache Remove Apps?

No — clearing the Store cache does not delete:

• installed apps
• app data
• purchased licences
• Microsoft account information

It only removes temporary files used by the Store itself.

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Clear Windows Prefetch & Delivery Optimisation Cache (Optional, But Useful)

These two cache types aren’t essential to clear regularly, but when Windows feels unusually slow — especially during startup or after updates — clearing them can make a noticeable difference.

Both are safe to delete and automatically rebuild.

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Part 1 — Clear Windows Prefetch (Speed Up Startup & App Launches)

What is Prefetch?
Windows stores small files that track which applications you open and how they load.
Over time, these files become:

• outdated
• oversized
• corrupted

This leads to:

• slower startup
• slow app launching
• random freezes during loading

Clearing Prefetch resets the optimisation data.

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How to Clear Prefetch Safely

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

prefetch

3. Press Enter
4. Delete all files inside the folder

Don’t worry:

• these are NOT critical system files
• Windows rebuilds the folder automatically
• nothing breaks by clearing this

Your PC will temporarily rebuild performance data, then speed up again.

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Part 2 — Clear Delivery Optimisation Cache (Fix Update Slowdowns)

Windows 10 includes Delivery Optimisation, which uses your bandwidth to send updates to other PCs on your network — and even to the internet unless disabled.

This feature builds up cached update files that:

• waste space
• slow Windows Update
• cause update errors
• create lag spikes on laptops

Clearing this cache often fixes slow updates.

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Method 1: Clear via Settings

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security
3. Select Delivery Optimisation
4. Click View activity
5. Click Clear activity

This deletes cached update fragments.

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Method 2: Clear via Storage Settings

1. Open Settings
2. Click System
3. Go to Storage
4. Select Temporary files
5. Tick Delivery Optimization Files
6. Click Remove files

This method catches additional leftovers.

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Method 3: Disable Delivery Optimisation (Optional But Helpful)

To prevent future cache buildup:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security
3. Select Delivery Optimization
4. Turn Allow downloads from other PCs → Off

This stops Windows from using your bandwidth for peer-to-peer updates.

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When You Should Clear Prefetch & Delivery Optimisation

Clear these if:

• your PC suddenly feels slower
• Windows Update keeps failing
• files take longer to open
• you notice random lag on startup
• you have limited storage
• your laptop battery drains faster than usual

Optional, but highly useful for maintenance.

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Does Clearing Prefetch Delete Anything Important?

No.
It only deletes temporary optimisation files.
Windows rebuilds them automatically.

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Summary — The Ultimate Cache Clearing Checklist for Windows 10

By this point, you’ve cleared every major cache that can slow down Windows 10 — one of the most effective Windows 10 performance tips you can apply without installing extra software.

You now have the full, combined version of every cache-clearing method that Windows 10 supports.
To make things easy, here’s a simple checklist you can follow anytime your PC slows down or a website misbehaves.

This is the all-in-one cheat sheet.

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✅ System Cache (Windows Core Files)

Remove temporary files that slow down the OS.

• Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files
• Disk Cleanup (run as admin)
• Delete %temp% and C:\Windows\Temp files

Fixes: slow PC, storage issues, app lag.

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🌐 Browser Cache (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Use the universal shortcut:

CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE

• Clear cached images/files
• Clear cookies only if needed

Fixes: login issues, broken layouts, slow websites.

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💻 Laptop-Specific Cache

Extra areas that affect portables:

• Reset power profiles
• Clear location history
• Reset Microsoft Store cache (wsreset.exe)
• Remove offline web content

Fixes: battery issues, stuck apps, location errors.

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🖼 Thumbnail & Icon Cache

When File Explorer is slow or icons are wrong:

• Disk Cleanup → Thumbnails
• Delete thumbcache_*.db
• Rebuild icon cache using Command Prompt

Fixes: broken icons, slow folder loading, blank previews.

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🌐 DNS Cache (Networking)

Fix website and connection issues:

ipconfig /flushdns

Optional deeper fixes:

• Reset Winsock
• Browser DNS clear

Fixes: websites not loading, redirect loops, DNS errors.

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🔄 Windows Update Cache

Fix update failures instantly:

• Stop update services
• Delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution contents
• Restart services

Fixes: stuck updates, repeated failures, update errors.

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🏪 Microsoft Store Cache

Fix app install/update problems:

• Run wsreset.exe
• Reset Microsoft Store app
• Manually clear LocalCache

Fixes: Store not opening, downloads stuck, app errors.

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⚙️ Optional Performance Caches

For deeper optimisation:

• Clear Prefetch folder
• Clear Delivery Optimization files
• Disable Delivery Optimization (optional)

Fixes: slow startup, laggy updates, unexplained performance drops.

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🔒 Will Any of This Delete My Passwords?

No — unless you manually tick:

• Passwords
• Saved logins
• Autofill data

Everything else is safe to clear.

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🎉 End Result: A Faster, Cleaner, More Responsive Windows 10 PC

By following this full merged guide, users fix:

• slow performance
• website errors
• update failures
• Store issues
• browser problems
• icon and thumbnail glitches
• networking errors
• system lag

All without reinstalling Windows or using paid tools.

This article is now the ultimate cache-cleaning and troubleshooting resource for Windows 10.

Remember to protect your PC from malware

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FAQs – Clear Cache in Windows 10