Windows temp files, as the name suggests, are temporary files created by certain programs when they are used on your Windows 10 device. These files can quickly add up and take up valuable storage space, so you may want to delete them.
Use Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a program in Windows 10 that allows you to quickly delete files that are no longer necessary, including temporary files. To start Disk Cleanup, type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows Search bar and then click the “Disk Cleanup” app in the search results.
A Disk Cleanup for Windows (C:) window will open. Check the box next to each type of temporary file you want to delete, then click OK.
A pop-up message will appear asking you to confirm that you want to delete the selected files. Click on Delete Files.
The system will then start deleting the selected temporary files.
Delete Temp files from Settings app
You can also delete temp files from the Settings app. First, open Settings by clicking the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the desktop to open the Start menu, and then clicking the gear icon. Alternatively, press Windows + i.
Settings window will open. Here, click on the “System” option.
Next, click on Storage in the left pane.
On the next screen, click on Temporary Files under the Windows (C:) group.
A list of what your system considers temporary files will appear. Check the box next to the files you want to delete and then click Remove Files.
Windows 10 will now start deleting temp files.
Manually delete temporary files
If you like doing things the old-fashioned way, you can also delete temporary files yourself in File Explorer. But instead of searching through multiple layers of folders trying to locate the Temp folder, you can use a shortcut. First, press Windows + R to open the Run app. Once opened, type %temp% in the text box and then click OK or press Enter.
The Temp folder will open in File Explorer. Select the files you want to delete. You can quickly select all files by pressing Ctrl + A. The selected files are highlighted in blue.
Next, right-click on any of the selected files. In the context menu that appears, click Delete.
Windows will start deleting the selected temp files.
As mentioned, deleting temporary files is a good way to reclaim storage space, but deleting temporary files can also help improve your computer if it is running a bit slow. If this is your goal and deleting temporary files doesn’t help, try clearing your computer’s cache.
Related: How to clear your computer’s cache in Windows 10