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Original post : Delete Temporary Files and Folders: Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10.
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This guide shows you <strong>how to delete temporary files and folders</strong> for the following Windows versions: <strong>Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and Windows 10.</strong> [toc] <h2>Delete temporary files and folders in Windows XP</h2> Before you begin, please make sure that: <ul> <li>You're logged in as an Administrator</li> <li>No software is running: close all open applications and exit any software that is not essentials, e.g. printing software, antivirus</li> </ul> <p class="warning">Do not delete any temporary files and folders if you've recently installed a new software or update, but didn't perform a restart of your computer. Certain software can still use the Temp folder until you restart the PC.</p> <h3>Delete using Windows Explorer</h3> To delete the files and folders using the Windows Explorer, follow these instructions for Windows XP systems: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Run</strong></li> <li>Type <code>%temp%</code> in the search box</li> <li>Click <strong>OK</strong> or press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to open the Temp folder <p class="info">The Temp folder holds all the temporary files and folders for the Windows XP systems.</p> </li> <li>From the <em>Tools</em> menu, click <strong>Folder Options</strong></li> <li>The Folder Options window should now appear</li> <li>Click the <strong>View</strong> tab</li> <li>Under <em>Hidden files and folders</em>, check the <strong>Show hidden files and folders checkbox</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Select all the files and folders you see in the <strong>Temp</strong> folder by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd></li> <li>Press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Delete</kbd> key to delete the selected files and folders.Or, you can right-click on the selected files and folders, click <strong>Delete.</strong> Then empty the Recycle Bin.</li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> to confirm deletion</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4917" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_1.png"><img class="wp-image-4917 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_1.png" alt="Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows XP" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows XP[/caption] <h3>Delete using Disk Cleanup</h3> You can also use the Disk Cleanup utility which can delete the files and folders from the Temp folder: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Go to All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools</li> <li>Click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong></li> <li>Select the Temporary files option, deselect all other options, then click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> to confirm that you want to delete from the Temp folder</li> </ol> You can also open the Disk Cleanup Utility by: <ol> <li>Open <strong>My Computer</strong></li> <li>Right-click the <code>C:\</code> drive, where <code>C:\</code> is the drive where Windows XP is installed</li> <li>Select <strong>Properties</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong> at the <em>General</em> tab</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4918" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_2.png"><img class="wp-image-4918 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_2.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows XP" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows XP[/caption] <h3>Delete using Command Prompt</h3> To delete the contents of the Temp folder, open <strong>Command Prompt</strong> and type this command: <pre>del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*</pre> [caption id="attachment_4919" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_3.png"><img class="wp-image-4919 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WinXP_3.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows XP" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows XP[/caption] <h2>Delete temporary files and folders in Windows Vista</h2> Before you delete the temporary files and folders, please make sure that: <ul> <li>You're logged in as an Administrator</li> <li>Exit any running software that might use the Temp folder</li> </ul> <p class="warning">If you installed a new update or software, restart the computer before you delete the Temp folder. Certain software can still use the Temp folder.</p> <h3>Delete using Windows Explorer</h3> To delete the files and folders on a Windows Vista system using the Explorer, just follow these steps: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Type <code>%temp%</code> in the search box</li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> on your keyboard to open the Temp folder</li> <li>From the <em>View</em> tab, select <strong>Hidden items</strong></li> <li>Select all files and folders by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd></li> <li>Then press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Delete</kbd> keys or right-click on these files and folders and click <strong>Delete.</strong>If you've opted for the last method, empty the Recycle Bin.</li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> to confirm that you want to delete these files and folders you've selected</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4920" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_1.png"><img class="wp-image-4920 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_1.png" alt="Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows Vista" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows Vista[/caption] <h3>Delete using Disk Cleanup</h3> You can also use the Disk Cleanup utility on your Windows Vista: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong></li> <li>Select the drive you want to clean up, then click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Select the <strong>Temporary files</strong> option, deselect all other options, then click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Delete Files</strong> to confirm deletion of the files and folders</li> </ol> In Windows Vista, you can also open the Disk Cleanup utility by: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Type <code>disk cleanup</code> in the search box</li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4921" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_2.png"><img class="wp-image-4921 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_2.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows Vista" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows Vista[/caption] <h3>Delete using Command Prompt</h3> To delete the contents of the Temp folder using <strong>Command Prompt</strong>, type this command: <pre>del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*</pre> [caption id="attachment_4922" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_3.png"><img class="wp-image-4922 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_WVista_3.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows Vista" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows Vista[/caption] <h2>Delete temporary files and folders in Windows 7</h2> The steps to delete temporary files and folders in Windows 7 are similar to those of Windows Vista. Make sure you are logged in <strong>as an Administrator.</strong> <p class="info">If you installed a new update or software, restart the computer before you delete the Temp folder. Certain software can still use the Temp folder.</p> <h3>Delete using Windows Explorer</h3> The instructions are: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong> and type <code>%temp%</code> in the search box</li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to open the Temp folder containing temporary files and other folders</li> <li>From the <em>Organize</em> or <em>Tools</em> menu, click <strong>Folder and search options</strong> or <strong>Folder options...</strong></li> <li>The Folder Options window should now appear</li> <li>Click the <strong>View</strong> tab</li> <li>Under <em>Hidden files and folders</em>, check the <strong>Show hidden files, folders, or drives</strong> option</li> <li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Select all files and folders by pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd> (or select them with the mouse), then press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Delete</kbd> keys.If you delete the files and folder by right-click > Delete, empty the Recycle Bin.</li> <li>Click Yes to confirm the action</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4923" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_1.png"><img class="wp-image-4923 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_1.png" alt="Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 7" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 7[/caption] <h3>Delete using Disk Cleanup</h3> The Disk Cleanup utility removes unnecessary files from your computer, including the temporary files and folders. To open Disk Cleanup on a Windows 7 system, follow these instructions. <strong>Method #1:</strong> <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Click All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup</li> <li>Select the <strong>Temporary files</strong> option (you can deselect all other options)</li> <li>Click <strong>OK</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Delete Files</strong> to confirm the delete action</li> </ol> <strong>Method #2:</strong> <ol> <li>Open <strong>My Computer</strong></li> <li>Right-click the the drive where Windows 7 is installed, usually <code>C:\</code></li> <li>Select <strong>Properties</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong> at the <em>General</em> tab</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4924" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_2.png"><img class="wp-image-4924 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_2.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 7" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 7[/caption] <h3>Delete using Command Prompt</h3> To delete the temporary files and folders using <strong>Command Prompt</strong>, type this command: <pre>del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*</pre> [caption id="attachment_4925" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_3.png"><img class="wp-image-4925 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win7_3.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 7" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 7[/caption] <h2>Delete temporary files and folders in Windows 8 or 8.1</h2> These instructions apply for both 8 and 8.1 systems. Before you continue with these sets of instructions, please log in <strong>as an Administrator</strong> and exit any running programs. <p class="warning">Make sure you perform a restart of your computer before you delete the contents of the Temp folder. Certain software or updates can still use the Temp folder if you haven't performed a restart.</p> <h3>Delete using Windows Explorer</h3> To delete the temporary files and folders on a Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 computer, using the Windows Explorer, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong> and start typing <code>%temp%</code> in the search box</li> <li>The press <kbd>Enter</kbd> on your keyboard to open the Temp folder. <p class="info">The <strong>Temp</strong> folder holds all temporary files and folders on your computer.</p> </li> <li>At the <em>View</em> tab, click <strong>Hidden items</strong></li> <li>You need to select all files and folders from the Temp folder. You can do that by: <ul> <li>By pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd>, then press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Delete</kbd> keys on your keyboard. This will delete all the files and folders you've selected.</li> <li>You can also right-click on these files and folders and then click <strong>Delete.</strong>If you opt for this method, empty the Recycle Bin afterwards.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Click Yes to confirm your action</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4926" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_1.png"><img class="wp-image-4926 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_1.png" alt="Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 8" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 8[/caption] <h3>Delete using Disk Cleanup</h3> If you'd like to delete the temporary files and folders using Disk Cleanup (which can delete other unnecessary files from your computer), follow these steps. Both set of instructions apply to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 <ol> <li>Click <strong>Settings</strong></li> <li>Go to Control Panel</li> <li>At the <em>Administrative Tools</em> section, click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong></li> <li>Select the <strong>Temporary files</strong> option</li> <li>Click OK</li> <li>Click <strong>Delete Files</strong> to confirm</li> </ol> Or, you can open the Charm Bar: <ol> <li>Open Search by pressing the [winkey] and <kbd>C</kbd> keys</li> <li>Then type <code>disk cleanup</code> in the search field</li> <li>Then press <kbd>Enter</kbd> on your keyboard</li> <li>The Disk Cleanup window should appear</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4927" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_2.png"><img class="wp-image-4927 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_2.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 8" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 8[/caption] <h3>Delete using Command Prompt</h3> To delete the contents of the Temp folder using <strong>Command Prompt</strong>, type this command: <pre>del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*</pre> [caption id="attachment_4928" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_3.png"><img class="wp-image-4928 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win8_3.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 8" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 8[/caption] <h2>Delete temporary files and folders in Windows 10</h2> Before you continue with these sets of instructions, please log in <strong>as an Administrator</strong> and exit any running programs. <p class="warning">Make sure you perform a restart of your computer before you delete the contents of the Temp folder. Certain software or updates can still use the Temp folder if you haven't performed a restart.</p> <h3>Delete using Windows Explorer</h3> To delete the temporary files and folders on a Windows 10 computer, using the Windows Explorer, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong> and start typing <code>%temp%</code> in the search box</li> <li>The press <kbd>Enter</kbd> on your keyboard to open the Temp folder. <p class="info">The <strong>Temp</strong> folder holds all temporary files and folders on your computer.</p> </li> <li>At the <em>View</em> tab, click <strong>Hidden items</strong></li> <li>You need to select all files and folders from the Temp folder. You can do that by: <ul> <li>By pressing <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd>, then press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Delete</kbd> keys on your keyboard. This will delete all the files and folders you've selected.</li> <li>You can also right-click on these files and folders and then click <strong>Delete.</strong>If you opt for this method, empty the Recycle Bin afterwards.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Click Yes to confirm your action</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4929" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_1.png"><img class="wp-image-4929 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_1.png" alt="Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 10" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using File Explorer in Windows 10[/caption] <h3>Delete using Disk Cleanup</h3> If you'd like to delete the temporary files and folders using Disk Cleanup (which can delete other unnecessary files from your computer), follow these steps. <ol> <li>Click <strong>Settings</strong></li> <li>Go to Control Panel</li> <li>At the <em>Administrative Tools</em> section, click <strong>Disk Cleanup</strong></li> <li>Select the <strong>Temporary files</strong> option</li> <li>Click OK</li> <li>Click <strong>Delete Files</strong> to confirm</li> </ol> [caption id="attachment_4930" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_2.png"><img class="wp-image-4930 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_2.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 10" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Disk Cleanup in Windows 10[/caption] <h3>Delete using Command Prompt</h3> To delete the contents of the Temp folder using <strong>Command Prompt</strong>, type this command: <pre>del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*</pre> [caption id="attachment_4931" align="alignnone" width="800"]<a href="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_3.png"><img class="wp-image-4931 size-full" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/10/DELTEMP_Win10_3.png" alt="Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 10" width="800" height="600" /></a> Deleting temp files using Command Prompt in Windows 10[/caption] <h2>More Information</h2> [partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="xp,vista,7,8,server2003,server2008,server2012,10"]