How to delete temporary files in Windows 11

If your computer with Windows 11 is running slower than usual or you are running low on storage space, it is probably due to the accumulation of Temporary files. These files are generated by the operating system and applications to manage transient data, but they often forget to clean themselves automatically once they are no longer useful.

Deleting these files not only will recover valuable space on your disk, but can also improve the performance from the system. Below, we offer you a complete guide to understand what temporary files are, why they are generated, and how to remove them effectively using different methods.

What are temporary files and why delete them?

The Temporary files are data created by the operating system, applications, and browsers to store transient information while tasks are running. For example, when editing a document, your text editor temporarily saves changes to temporary files to prevent loss of information in the event of an unexpected crash.

However, with There, these files accumulate and occupy unnecessary space on the hard drive. In addition, if stored in large quantities, they can affect the performance of the system, slowing down overall performance and causing problems such as long loading times y unexpected errors.

Methods to delete temporary files in Windows 11

1. Using the settings menu

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get rid of temporary files is through the Windows 11 settings menu. Follow these steps:

1. Open the menu Home and click Configuration.
2. Select option System and then click Storage.
3. Within this section, look for the category Temporary files. Windows will automatically display the number of space that they are occupying.
4. Click on this category, select the file types that you want to delete and then click on Remove files.

This method is straightforward and safe, as Windows assures you that the selected files are expendable.

2. Using Disk Cleanup

Another reliable tool built into Windows 11 is the Disk Cleanup. This method is especially useful if you want to perform a more thorough cleaning. detailed. Here's how to do it:

1. Press the keys Windows + S, writes Disk Cleanup and select the tool.
2. Indicates the unit you want to analyze, generally C:, and click Accept.
3. Check the file types which are proposed to be eliminated, such as temporary configuration files, miniatures y temporary internet files.
4. Select the desired options and press Accept. Finally, confirm by clicking on Delete files.

Disk Cleanup is an option that also analyzes other areas of the system where there may be residual files.

3. Using the %Temp% folder

Folder % Temp% This is where Windows stores a lot of its temporary files. Cleaning it manually can free up a lot of space. Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the command Run.
2. Write % Temp% and press Enter. A folder with temporary files will open.
3. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + E. Then press the key Suppress.
4. If you get a message saying that some files cannot be deleted, select the option to skip them, as they are probably in use by the system.

4. Activate storage sensor

Windows 11 includes the Storage sensor, a tool that automatically deletes temporary files at regular intervals. You can configure it as follows:

1. Sign in Configuration from the Start menu.
2. Access the option System and select Storage.
3. Activate Storage sensor and click on its settings to customize it.
4. You can choose to run daily, weekly, monthly or when disk space is insufficient.

5. Advanced Removal with Third-Party Tools

If you want an even more thorough cleaning, you can use tools such as CCleaner o AVG TuneUp. These applications allow for deeper cleaning, seeking residual files in different areas of the system that Windows may overlook.

For example, CCleaner has custom cleaning options and can be scheduled to perform automatic cleaningIt is a popular choice, although it is important to download it from official sources to ensure safety.

Is it safe to delete temporary files?

Yes, deleting temporary files is Completely sure in most cases. These files are designed to be deleted and do not contain any important information. However, if you have any doubts, you can make a Backup before deleting them or using tools that flag potentially more critical files.

Additional tricks to keep your system optimized

• Empty the folder regularly Downloads, as it tends to accumulate unnecessary files.
• Consider moving files great, such as videos or photos, to external drives or the cloud.
• Uninstall programs you no longer use to free up space extra space.
• Activate the Automatic Updates to enjoy the latest Windows performance improvements.

To keep your computer running at its best, deleting temporary files periodically is just one of the key steps. You can combine this habit with other practices like uninstalling unnecessary software, managing the Downloads folder, and setting Storage Sense to automatically free up space. If all of this isn't enough, it may be time to consider update storage from your computer