Delete temporary files in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP to free up disk space

Temporary files are usually referred to as files that the application stores on your computer to hold information temporarily. However, on Windows 10, there are many other types of temporary files, including files leftover from operating system updates, log upgrades, error reports, temporary Windows installation files, and more.

Usually, these files won’t cause any problems, but they can overgrow using valuable space on your hard drive, which could be the reason that prevents you from installing the session. New or new Windows 10 could be the reason you’re Running Out of Space.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to quickly delete temporary files on Windows 10 to free up space or restore storage space after installing a feature update, such as the Creators Update.

How to delete temporary files using Settings

On Windows 10, you can use the Settings app to delete temporary files or start automatically with Creator Updates manually.

To manually delete temporary files on Windows 10 using Settings, do the following:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click System.

3. Click Storage.

4. Click on the primary drive, usually the This PC (C 🙂 drive.

5. Click Temporary files.

6. Select the files you want to delete. It’s worth noting that temporary files include temporary files from apps, files in the Downloads folder, files in the recycle bin, and previous installation files.

7. Click Remove files to complete the task.

When you complete the steps, the files you have selected will be permanently deleted from your computer, freeing up space for more valuable files.

Automatically delete temporary files using Storage Memory

Starting with Windows 10 Creator Update, you can use “Storage” to automatically free up space by deleting temporary files and content from the recycle bin.

To automatically delete files you don’t need on Windows 10 using Settings, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click System.

3. Click Storage.

4. Turn on the Storage sense switch

After completing the steps, Windows 10 will automatically delete temporary files and files in the recycling bin for more than 30 days.

You can also click the Change how we free up space link choose to delete only temporary files or trash files, or both. The page also includes a Clean Now button if you run out of space and you need to free up space right away.

How to delete temporary files using Disk Cleanup

If you get a message that your device runs out of space, you can also use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files to free up space on your computer.

To remove temporary files from Windows 10 using Disk Cleanup, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click This PC.

3. Right-click on the drive with Windows 10 installed and selected Properties.

4. Click the Disk Cleanup button.

5. Click the Cleanup system files button.

6. Check the items you want to delete. Examples: Temporary Windows Installation Files, Windows upgrade log files, Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, and Windows Error Reporting System.

7. Click, OK.

8. Click Delete Files to complete the task.

After you complete the steps, the file will be permanently deleted from your computer, creating support for the new file.