Often, temporary files persist much longer than they should. In this case, they can take up space and slow down your system. We are going to show you how to delete temporary files. A temporary file, also known as a temp or tmp file, is created by Windows or a program on your computer to hold data until a permanent file is written or updated . The data is transferred to a permanent file when the task is completed or the program is closed.

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How to Delete Temporary Internet Files?

Temporary Internet files are files that your browser automatically saves (in “cache”) to your storage drive when you visit a website. These files are created on your first visit to a page so that you can access them faster on your next visit. Although temporary Internet files allow you to access certain Internet sites more quickly, they take up a lot of storage space. By deleting them, you can reclaim valuable storage space.

Delete files using your browser

If you wish to delete cookies using your browser, the exact instructions will depend on the browser you are using. For most browsers, go to Settings (gear icon), then Internet Options , you should then see an option that allows you to delete temporary files and cookies.

Delete files via Control Panel

Go to the Start menu , select Control Panel , Network and Internet , Internet Options , Delete browsing history and cookies , then click Delete under Browsing History . You can also check the Delete browsing history when quitting browser option , which will delete all temporary files each time you close your browser.

Temporary files are files used by programs and applications to temporarily store data in order to load it faster the next time the program or application needs it.

How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows?

Delete temporary files in Windows 10, 8 and 7 with Disk Cleanup:

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility that helps remove temporary files on Windows by scanning your drive. After locating your Windows 10, 8, or 7 temporary folder and other storage locations, it clears out some of the temporary files and other space-consuming junk.

Set a shortcut to clear temporary files with Disk Cleanup anytime:

In Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP, right-click on your Desktop and select New Shortcut .

Enter the following text:

%SystemRoot%System32Cmd.exe /c Cleanmgr /sageset:65535 &Cleanmgr /sagerun:6553

Click Next and name your new shortcut. Right-click on the desktop and select Run as administrator .

Select all file types to delete, including several types of temporary files. If you’re not sure what an item is, highlight it and read its description.

Click OK to remove the selected file types.

Delete temporary files in Windows 10, 8 and 7 by cleaning your browser:

Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.

Hover the cursor over History , then select History again.

Select Clear browsing data from the left menu of the new tab.

Select the types of browser data to delete, choose a time period from the drop-down menu, then click Clear browser data .