how to clear the windows file explorer cache windows 11

Jane Haynes

2 min read

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08-09-2024

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If you've been using Windows 11, you might have noticed that the File Explorer can sometimes behave a little sluggishly, especially when navigating between folders or searching for files. One common reason for this slowdown is a bloated cache. In this article, we will walk you through how to clear the Windows File Explorer cache in Windows 11, helping you to enhance the performance of your system.

Why Clear the File Explorer Cache?

Just like a clogged drain can slow down water flow, a cache that is full of old data can slow down your computer's file management system. When you access files frequently, Windows stores certain data to speed up future access. However, over time, this data can become outdated or corrupted, causing delays. Clearing the cache can help refresh the system and improve overall performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clear File Explorer Cache

Method 1: Using the Disk Cleanup Tool

1. Open Disk Cleanup:

   • Press the Windows key and type "Disk Cleanup."
   • Click on the Disk Cleanup app in the search results.

2. Select Drive:

   • Choose the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
   • Click OK.

3. Select Cache Files:

   • In the Disk Cleanup dialog, check the box next to "Thumbnails". This option clears the thumbnail cache, which is part of the File Explorer cache.
   • You may also choose other file types to clean, like Temporary files, if desired.

4. Clean Up:

   • Click on OK and then Delete Files to confirm the action.

5. Restart Your Computer:

   • It’s always a good practice to restart your system after cleaning up to ensure everything is refreshed.

Method 2: Manually Clearing File Explorer Cache

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually clear the cache by following these steps:

1. Open File Explorer:

   • Right-click the Start button and select File Explorer.

2. Access the Cache Folder:

   • In the address bar, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer and press Enter.
   • This will take you to the location where the cache files are stored.

3. Delete Cache Files:

   • Here, you'll find files that begin with thumbcache or iconcache. Select all files (Ctrl+A) and delete them.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • Again, restart your system to apply changes.

Bonus Tip: Clear the Search History

Clearing the search history in File Explorer can also help streamline your experience:

1. Open File Explorer:

   • Click on the Search bar in File Explorer.

2. Clear Search History:

   • In the search results, click on the "Search" tab at the top, then select "Recent Searches" and click on "Clear search history."

Conclusion

Clearing the File Explorer cache in Windows 11 can significantly improve the performance of your computer, allowing you to navigate your files more efficiently. Whether you choose to use the Disk Cleanup tool or manually delete cache files, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. By keeping your system clean and organized, you're setting yourself up for a smoother and faster computing experience.

For more tips on optimizing your Windows 11 experience, check out our articles on speeding up Windows 11 and improving system performance.

Happy computing!