Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows does not have one universal cache to clear. To reclaim disk space, start with Settings > System > Storage and review the cleanup options. To troubleshoot a specific feature, reset only its cache—for example, use wsreset.exe for Microsoft Store. Removing temporary files may help when storage is low, but it is not a guaranteed way to make a PC faster.
First decide whether you need space or a specific cache reset
Check available space by opening File Explorer > This PC and looking at the system drive, usually C:. Microsoft says a PC running out of storage may perform more slowly or have trouble installing Windows updates. If you have plenty of free space, clearing general temporary files may not improve performance; focus instead on the app or Windows component causing the problem.
Windows offers several cleanup tools, and their labels can vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11 releases. The Storage settings page shows storage categories and provides routes to cleanup tools. Microsoft does not publish a universal amount of space a cache cleanup will recover: the estimates shown in Windows are specific to your device and selected categories. Microsoft’s Storage settings guide explains the categories and reserved storage.
Review temporary files and cleanup recommendations
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Open Temporary files and wait for Windows to calculate available categories.
- Read each category and select only the files you intend to remove. The page may show an estimated amount of space to be reclaimed.
- Select the displayed removal button, such as Remove files, to carry out the cleanup.
On Windows 11, Cleanup recommendations can also group temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps, with space estimates. Review the items before choosing anything to remove; category names and navigation can differ by release. Microsoft’s Windows drive-space guide covers these options for Windows 10 and 11.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Storage Sense for recurring cleanup
Storage Sense can automatically remove unnecessary temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. Microsoft says it works on the system drive only, which is usually C:. With its default settings, it runs when the device is low on disk space and cleans up unnecessary temporary files.
Before enabling a schedule or changing its rules, inspect the options in Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. Downloads and cloud content are not managed by default; they are affected only if you configure those options. Cloud files marked Always keep on this device are exempt from Storage Sense’s cloud-content management. See Microsoft’s Storage Sense guidance for the settings and defaults.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Disk Cleanup for selected file categories
- Search for Disk Cleanup from Start and open it.
- Choose a drive and wait for Windows to calculate the categories.
- Review the descriptions, select the categories you want to remove, then confirm the cleanup.
- If you need additional system-file categories, choose Clean up system files, select a drive if prompted, and review the newly listed categories before proceeding.
Take particular care with Previous Windows installation(s): deleting these files can affect your ability to return to a previous Windows installation. Don’t select a category simply because it is available; use its description to decide whether removal suits your situation. Microsoft details Disk Cleanup in its drive-space instructions.
Reset Microsoft Store cache only for a Store problem
- Press Windows key + R to open Run.
- Enter
wsreset.exeand select OK. - A blank Command Prompt window appears and closes after about ten seconds; Microsoft says the Store then opens.
This is a targeted Microsoft Store cache reset, not a general Windows cache cleaner. Use it when troubleshooting the Store rather than as a routine performance step. The behavior is described in Microsoft’s drive-space guide.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Understand Delivery Optimization cache
Delivery Optimization helps deliver Windows Update, Store, and other Microsoft content. Windows removes its cached files after a short time or when the cache becomes too large, so manual clearing is usually unnecessary. If you specifically need disk space, open Disk Cleanup and select Delivery Optimization Files. Microsoft explains its automatic cleanup and manual option in Delivery Optimization in Windows.
Choose the cleanup method that fits
| Method | Best fit | How it runs | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary files or Cleanup recommendations | Removing Windows-identified categories after review | Manual | Review each category and deletion choice. Microsoft |
| Storage Sense | Recurring cleanup on the system drive | Can run automatically | Check Downloads and cloud-file rules before configuring them. Microsoft |
| Disk Cleanup | Selected temporary and system-file categories | Manual | Read system-file descriptions; removing a previous Windows installation can affect rollback. Microsoft |
wsreset.exe |
Microsoft Store cache troubleshooting | Manual and targeted | Resets Store cache only; it is not a universal cache cleaner. Microsoft |
| Delivery Optimization Files in Disk Cleanup | Reclaiming space used by delivery cache | Normally cleared automatically; manual removal is available | Clear manually when you need the space. Microsoft |
If Windows is still slow after cleanup
Disk cleanup and performance troubleshooting are related but not interchangeable. Microsoft lists low storage as one possible cause of slow performance, alongside startup apps, outdated software, background activity, and hardware limitations. If freeing space does not resolve the slowdown, check whether too many apps launch at startup, close unnecessary apps and browser tabs, install available updates, and consider whether older hardware is limiting performance. Cleanup does not increase RAM or remove malware, and Microsoft notes that older hardware may not improve significantly from these steps. See Microsoft’s performance tips and its guidance on low disk space.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
