How to Empty Cache on Windows 10 | Browser & System Fix

Clearing your Windows 10 cache involves sweeping your browser, temporary system files, DNS, and Microsoft Store—each using a different tool for a clean start.

A slow or glitchy PC is often just stale cache files piling up. The “cache” on Windows 10 isn’t one location, so hitting a single button won’t cut it. Here is the exact sequence to empty every major cache type on your Windows 10 machine.

Why Clearing Your Browser Cache Comes First

The browser cache stores parts of websites to speed up visits. Over time, this data gets corrupted or outdated, causing loading errors, broken layouts, or login locks. Clearing it is the fastest, safest fix and works across every major browser.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge users can press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the clear browsing data panel directly. Select Cached images and files and click Clear now. Microsoft also confirms this path works on Windows 11 and 10.

Google Chrome

In Chrome, click the three vertical dots (menu), then Delete browsing data. Choose a time range like All time, ensure Cached images and files is checked, and click Delete data. Google notes that deleting cookies here may temporarily sign you out of sites.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox users should open History > Clear Recent History. Set the time range to Everything, check Cache, and click Clear Now. Restart the browser afterward to seal the fix.

How to Clear Windows 10 System Cache (Temporary Files)

Windows 10 silently collects temporary files from updates, system logs, and app installers. The official tool to purge these safely is Disk Cleanup. Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu, select your system drive (usually C:), and click Clean up system files. Check the boxes for Temporary files, Delivery Optimization Files, and Recycle Bin, then click OK. This frees up gigabytes without risking system stability.

You can also clear the manual temp folders by pressing Win + R, typing %TEMP%, and deleting everything inside—but Disk Cleanup is safer and more thorough.

Flushing the DNS and Microsoft Store Caches

These two caches solve frustrating connection and app issues that standard browser clearing misses.

DNS Cache: If a website loads incorrectly after a network change, the Domain Name System cache is likely out of date. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. You will see a confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

Microsoft Store Cache: When the Store app fails to load, update, or download, its cache is often the culprit. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A black command window appears briefly, then the Microsoft Store opens with a clean cache.

How to Empty Cache on Windows 10: The Step Order That Works

Running these steps in sequence ensures no cache is left behind. The table below distills every method into a single workflow.

That covers every major cache location Windows 10 uses. Start with the browser since that handles the most common issues, then work through the system and network tools. Your PC will feel noticeably snappier with no leftover data dragging it down.