How to Clean Temp Files on Your Windows PC Effectively?

What are temp files?

Temp files (also known as temporary files) are files to store temporary data during regular tasks. These files are created by software applications and the operating system, which also can improve system performance or provide recovery options when necessary.

These files are often stored in directories like C:\Windows\Temp, C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Local\Temp, or similar paths, depending on the operating system and user settings. Once the task is completed or the application is closed, they are usually deleted but sometimes remain on the system.

Why should we clean temp files?

While temp files play an important role in improving system performance or storing session data, they can accumulate over time, consuming much storage space. Sometimes, your computer may slow down or run out of storage without clearing temp files regularly.

Is it safe to delete temp files?

Actually, deleting temp files is safe, as these files are usually no longer needed once the application or process has been completed. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before you delete them:

► Do not delete temp files that are currently in use, which may cause the program to malfunction or result in data loss.

► Avoid deleting system-related temp files; leave these files untouched unless you are certain they are safe to remove.

► Be cautious with cache file deletion, which can cause a temporary slowdown the next time you use the application, as it may need to rebuild its cache.

How can we effectively clean temp files on Windows PCs?

In this section, we will explore four effective ways to clean temp files in Windows, from manual techniques to easy-to-use built-in tools. Go ahead and try these methods to improve your PC’s performance.

Fix 1. Delete Temp Files Using Run Command

To delete temp files manually in Windows, you can access their storage locations and remove them as needed. These files are usually stored in directories like C:\Windows\Temp, or C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Local\Temp. You can also access them by using the Run command. Follow these steps to enable Windows to clean temp files.

Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command. 

Step 2. Type temp and click OK to view all temporary files.

Step 3. Alternatively, type %temp% and click OK to view all local temporary files.

Step 4. Select the temp files that you want to delete and press the Delete key.

Fix 2. Clean Temp Files via Command Prompt

Additionally, using command lines to delete temp files is also a good option. This method can help you quickly and efficiently remove temp files without accessing multiple settings or menus. Follow these steps to clean temp files via CMD:

Step 1. Press Windows + S and type cmd in the search box. 

Step 2. Select Run as administrator.

Step 3. Type the command del /q /f /s %TEMP%\* and press Enter. It will delete all files in the Temp folder for your user account.

Fix 3. Enable Disk Cleanup Tool

Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows that is designed to free up disk space by removing unnecessary files. By enabling and running this tool, you can quickly remove temporary files and improve system performance. Here’s how to delete temp files with Disk Cleanup:

Step 1. Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup in the search box. 

Step 2. Select Run as administrator and allow it to load.

Step 3. Select the drive you want to search for temp files to clean if prompted, then click OK to continue.

Step 4. Review the description for each file type and select or deselect them as needed.

Step 5. Click OK and wait patiently for the process to complete.

Fix 4. Delete Temp Files Using Storage Settings

In addition to using Disk Cleanup, you can also clean temp files using storage settings in Windows. This method helps you manage disk space by cleaning up temporary files and other unnecessary data on your system. You can select specific types of files to delete, offering flexibility in what you choose to remove and retaining any files you may still need. Here’s how to clean temp files using this convenient tool:

Step 1. Press the Windows + I to open Windows settings. 

Step 2. Navigate to System > Storage, then click on Temporary files under the C drive.

Step 3. Select the file types you want to delete.

Step 4. Click Remove files > Continue to clear unnecessary files.

What if I accidentally deleted essential files?

Regularly cleaning temp files can help free up disk space and enhance system performance. However, there’s a risk of accidentally deleting important files. Is it possible to restore these files? Absolutely! In this section, we’ll show you how to recover temp files from the Recycle Bin. If the files have been permanently deleted, don't worry—using professional recovery software, as outlined in Fix 2, can help you get them back.

Fix 1. Check the Recycle Bin

If you accidentally deleted important files, don’t panic. They usually can be found in the Recycle Bin. This folder provides an easy way to recover deleted files, allowing you to restore them if you realize you made a mistake or change your mind. Here are the steps to recover your files:

Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin to view all deleted files.

Step 2. Search your files within the search bar.

Step 3. Right-click on the search result and select Restore to return it to its original location.

Fix 2. Recover Files Using Third-Party Software

If you fail to find your files in the Recycle Bin, they might have been permanently deleted. Fortunately, you still can recover them using a professional recovery tool, like AOMEI FastRecovery.

This powerful application stands out as a comprehensive solution that utilizes sophisticated algorithms to carefully scan all types of storage media for recoverable deleted files. Whether your files were deleted by accident or due to a system crash, AOMEI FastRecovery can effortlessly retrieve them with its high performance and rich experience. 

Key Features of AOMEI FastRecovery:

Support data recovery from various devices, including PCs, internal & external hard disks, or USB drives.

Recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin, even when they have been permanently removed.

Restore over 1,000 file types, including photos, videos, audio, and documents.

Compatible with Windows Server, Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 systems.

Here’s how to recover temp files using AOMEI FastRecovery:

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2. Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan:

• Quick Scan: Quickly searches for recently deleted files.
• Deep Scan: Thoroughly scans your storage device to find lost data from more complex loss situations.

Step 3. Upon scanning completion, all missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the desired files and then click Recover.

Step 4. Specify a path for the files and wait for the process to complete.

To Sum Up

Temp files are created by software applications and the operating system to store temporary data while performing various tasks. Over time, these files can accumulate, taking up valuable disk space and potentially slowing down your system. Regularly cleaning temp files not only helps free up storage but also boosts your device's performance by removing unnecessary clutter.

This guide outlines four effective methods for cleaning temp files from your system. However, if you accidentally delete an important file, don't worry— you can often recover it from the Recycle Bin or use recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery to restore it.