[Fixed]: How Do I Get Rid of Temporary Files?

What Are Temporary Files?

Temporary files, often called “temp files,” are created by your operating system or applications while performing tasks. For example, when you're working on a document, the program might create temp files to save your progress. During software installations, the setup files are usually extracted into a temporary folder. Common types of temporary files include:

👉 Setup files from software installations

👉 Cached data from applications

👉 Log files and error reports

Why Should You Get Rid of Temporary Files?

In most cases, these files are deleted automatically after use. However, many of them remain on your system. While a few small temp files won’t cause issues, they can accumulate over time and lead to several problems. Here’s why it’s important to get rid of temporary files regularly:

✅ Free up storage space: Temp files take up valuable disk space, especially on smaller drives.

✅ Improve performance: Less clutter means your system can access files and run programs faster.

✅ Avoid system slowdowns: Removing temp files reduces the load on your disk and system memory.

✅ Prevent software issues: Too many leftover files may cause crashes or installation problems.

How Do I Get Rid of Temporary Files?

There are several ways to get rid of temporary files in Windows. Below are four safe and effective methods that anyone can follow.

Fix 1: Get Rid of Temporary Files Using Software

One of the easiest ways to get rid of temporary files in Windows 10 is by using a reliable disk cleanup tool. We recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant. This professional disk management tool includes a series of features to clean up your drive. With just a few clicks, you can quickly get rid of unnecessary items, including temporary files.

Why choose AOMEI Partition Assistant?

Allows you to clean up C drive junk files and free up space with ease.

The professional version offers advanced cleanup features, such as deleting large files, finding duplicate files, or moving apps/folders.

Designed with a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for anyone to use.

Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, making it suitable for almost every PC.

Here's how to use AOMEI Partition Assistant to get rid of temporary files:

Step 1: Download and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Step 2: Click the Free up main tab and select PC Cleaner.

Step 3: In the pop-up window, click Start Scan to scan for junk files.

Step 4: After the scan process is completed, System Junk Files and Registry Junk Files will be listed. Select temporary files and other files you want to clean, and then click Clean All.

Step 4: The cleaning process will start and the selected files will be cleaned up. 

 Fix 2: Run Disk Cleanup

Windows provides the Disk Cleanup utility for this task. You can run it to remove temporary files in Windows 10 and older versions without needing to install third-party software. Here's how to get rid of temporary files on Windows 10:

Step 1: Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Select the target drive and click OK.

Step 3: Then, select the Temporary files and click OK to get rid of them.

Fix 3: Use Storage Sense to Get Rid of Temp Files

If you're using Windows 10 or 11, Storage Sense is another built-in tool that can delete temporary files and other unnecessary data. You can set it to run automatically or use it for a one-time cleanup. Follow these steps to get rid of temp files using this tool:

Step 1: Click Start and go to Settings > System > Storage.

Step 2: Click Temporary files to see all unnecessary files.

Step 3: Select the files you don't need anymore and click Remove files to get rid of them.

Step 4: If you want to enable this tool to automatically free up space, turn it on and configure it as you like.

Fix 4: Get Rid of Files from the Temp Folder Manually

If you prefer more control over what you delete, manually clearing the Temp folder is a great option. Temporary files are typically stored in locations like C:\Windows\Temp or %TEMP%. These files can accumulate over time and take up valuable space. Follow these steps to get rid of them manually:

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type %temp% and press Enter.

Step 3: A folder will open. Select all the files inside, then right-click and choose Delete.

Conclusion

How do I get rid of temporary files effectively? This guide outlines four reliable methods to remove these files. Whether you prefer using built-in Windows tools or a more advanced cleaner like AOMEI Partition Assistant, regularly deleting temp files can help free up space and improve your PC’s performance. Start cleaning today and enjoy a faster, more efficient computer!

FAQs

Q1: Is it safe to get rid of temporary files?

Yes, it is generally safe to get rid of temporary files. However, make sure to close open applications before deleting to avoid file-in-use errors.

Q2: How often should I delete temporary files?

It's a good idea to delete temporary files once every few weeks or whenever your PC feels slow. 

Q3: What's the difference between temporary files and temporary internet files?

• Temporary files are created by programs and the system during operation.
• Temporary internet files are cached web data stored by browsers.

Both can be safely deleted. You can delete temporary internet files by clearing your browser’s cache through its settings menu, typically found under Privacy or History options.